Should I Send My Child to Childcare? Understanding the Benefits for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Updated: June 2025.
For many families, choosing whether to enrol a child in care is one of the biggest early parenting decisions. Is childcare the right choice for your baby or toddler? Will it help your kindergartener/preschooler get ready for school, or is it better to wait until they’re older?
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.
Here’s what the research says about the benefits of early childhood education, broken down by age group, and why thousands of families across Australia trust Affinity Education’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum to give their child the very best start in life.
The Cost of Child Care in Australia: What You Need to Know Before Enrolling Your Baby
Updated: June 2025.
Choosing child care is a big decision, especially when your baby is involved. Whether you’re preparing to return to work or looking to give your child a strong start in life, understanding the costs involved can help you plan with confidence.
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.
Exceeding Expectations: How Papilio Point Cook Brings the National Quality Standard to Life
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.
Kindness in Action: How Affinity Education Lives Its Values Every Day
At Affinity Education centres across Australia, kindness isn’t just a word—it’s embedded in everything we do. From the way we support each other as a team to the care we provide for the children and families we serve, kindness is the foundation of our culture. As one of Australia’s leading early education providers, we know that fostering kindness in our centres leads to stronger teams, happier families, and children who thrive.
Whether you’re a potential educator looking for a workplace that values collaboration, or a family researching the heart behind Milestones, Papilio, Kids Academy, and Aussie Kindies, operating in communities across Australia, this post will explore how our commitment to kindness aligns with the Affinity Values that guide us every day.
Sun Safety and Outdoor Fun: How Affinity Education Protects Little Learners Under the Australian Sun
Australia is blessed with sunshine-filled days that invite exploration and play. At Affinity Education, we value the benefits of outdoor activities for young children – from fostering curiosity to encouraging physical development and social interactions. However, we also understand the importance of protecting children from the harmful effects of UV rays. That’s why sun safety is a core component of our practices, ensuring children stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors. Let’s dive into why sun safety matters, how we implement it, and how families can foster these habits at home.
Why Enrolling Your Child in Child Care Before Age 3 Sets Them Up for Lifelong Success
Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain develops before the age of 5? Or that children who attend child care often show stronger social and emotional skills by the time they start school? These early years are a critical period for growth, and the right environment can make all the difference in shaping your child’s future.
From Runny Noses to Resilience: Why Illness in Early Childhood Has Long-Term Benefits
As parents, it’s natural to feel concerned when your little one picks up a cold or bug at child care. The sight of a runny nose or hearing a cough can often bring feelings of worry and guilt. However, did you know that these early experiences with mild illnesses can actually help your child in the long run?
How to Get Your Child Into Your Preferred Child Care Centre Quickly: A Checklist for Parents
Securing a spot at your preferred child care centre can feel like a race against time, especially with the growing demand for high-quality early learning. Whether you’re looking to enrol your child right away or planning for the future, being prepared is key. In this guide, we’ll show you how to navigate the process smoothly and quickly, ensuring your child’s place at a centre that offers the best start for their education journey.
Child Safety First: How Our Centres Ensure a Safe and Secure Learning Environment
At Affinity Education, the safety and security of every child in our care is our highest priority. As a purpose-led organisation, we believe in giving children the very best start in life, and that begins by ensuring they are nurtured in a safe, secure, and loving environment. Our safety commitment extends across all our centres, and we take great pride in going beyond the basic safety standards expected of child care providers.