Going Pink for Miss Shelley: A Story of Strength, Love and Community at Milestones Helena Valley
Every June, something magical happens at Milestones Early Learning Helena Valley. The centre transforms into a sea of pink – streamers on the walls, cupcakes in the kitchen, and tiny shoes dancing across the floor at a joyful “Pink Disco.” But behind the glitter and laughter is a story of immense strength, love, and unwavering community spirit.
Should I Send My Child to Childcare? Understanding the Benefits for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
At Affinity Education, we know this decision is deeply personal. And we also know how transformative high-quality early education can be for children’s development, wellbeing and confidence.
What Is the Best Approach to Early Childhood Education? A Guide for Families and Educators
Updated: June 2025.
Choosing an early education program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your child’s early years. It’s about more than preparing for school – it’s about giving your child the chance to feel safe, curious, and confident in the world around them.
Whether you’re a parent preparing for those first emotional drop-offs or an educator looking for work that truly makes a difference, it’s worth asking: What approach to early education will help children thrive, not just today, but for life?
In this guide, we’ll explore the best-known early childhood philosophies – Montessori and Reggio Emilia – and introduce a modern Australian childcare curriculum built to support every child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development from birth to school age.
The Cost of Child Care in Australia: What You Need to Know Before Enrolling Your Baby
In this guide, we break down:
What child care costs across Australia
How the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) works
What’s included in your daily fees at Affinity Education centres
How to budget smartly for your family
What to expect when you enrol
Our goal? To help you feel informed, supported, and empowered as you take this important step in your child’s journey.
The Power of Mentorship in Early Childhood Education
Behind every confident educator is a story—of someone who took the time to guide, support, and believe in them.
Maybe you’re just starting out. Maybe you’ve been in early education for a few years and wonder what’s next. Wherever you are—this story is for you.
In early childhood education, mentorship is more than just professional development. It’s a powerful relationship that helps educators thrive—personally, professionally, and emotionally. Whether it’s a Centre Manager offering gentle guidance, or a fellow educator lending support through a tough day, mentorship creates a ripple effect that reaches children, families, and the broader community.
At Affinity Education, we’ve seen how mentorship can turn potential into purpose—and how the simplest connections can shape long-term careers.
Supporting Our Educators, Empowering Our Children: A New Coaching Series with Dr Kaylene Henderson
At Affinity Education Group, we know that calm, confident educators create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the next phase of our Safety Starts With Me initiative — a new educator coaching video series developed in partnership with respected Australian Child Psychiatrist, Dr Kaylene Henderson.
Nourishing Little Learners: Our Winter Menu Has Arrived
It’s 11:30am on a chilly Tuesday, and the toddler room is buzzing. Children are washing their hands, finding their seats, and chatting about what’s for lunch. Over in the kitchen, today’s meal—minestrone soup with cheesy garlic bread—is being served with care, and one child proudly exclaims, “I helped stir that!”
At Affinity Education, moments like this happen every day. And they’re a reflection of something deeper: our commitment to safety, wellbeing, and giving every child the best possible start in life. With the launch of our new Winter Menu, we’re proud to continue supporting healthy habits and warm, nourishing mealtimes in our centres across Australia.
Reconciliation in Early Education: Embedding Cultural Understanding Every Day
At Affinity Education, reconciliation is more than a statement—it’s a promise. A daily, deliberate act of respect, learning, and collaboration. Across more than 240 early learning centres on the traditional lands of First Nations peoples, we are building inclusive communities where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are recognised, celebrated, and embedded in everything we do.
Building Strong Foundations: How Affinity Education Supports Early Learning
Have you ever watched a child’s face light up when they discover something new? Early childhood development is a time of exploration, creativity, and rapid growth, where every experience shapes their future learning. The early years are a time of exploration, creativity, and rapid growth. Foundational learning refers to the essential skills and knowledge children develop between the ages of 0-5, setting them up for success in school and beyond.
Affinity Education Group appoints Head of Learning & Development
Nicholas Antuar has been appointed Head of Learning and Development – a new role created at Affinity Education Group for 2025 in line with our promise of Potential, Realised.
“It’s fantastic to see a rapidly growing company such as Affinity Education investing in and supporting the growth and development of every team member,” Nicholas said.