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.
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
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.
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?
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.
How to Navigate Child Care Waitlists in Australia: Tips for Securing a Spot for Your Baby
Securing a child care spot for your baby is a significant step for many Australian families, but with long waitlists in many areas, the process can feel overwhelming. At Affinity Education, we understand the challenges that come with finding the right care for your little one, and we’re here to guide you through it. Here’s how you can successfully navigate child care waitlists in Australia, ensuring you’re prepared to secure a place when the time comes.
It Takes a Village: How Child Care Supports Modern Families
In today’s fast-paced world, parenting can feel like an overwhelming responsibility. With both parents often working and extended family living far away, many families find themselves without the traditional village of support that previous generations relied on. However, as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and for modern parents, that village now includes quality child care centres.
Why Conservation Education Matters: Inspiring the Next Generation of Environmental Advocates
The future of our planet depends on today’s children. As parents and educators, we have a responsibility to equip the next generation with the knowledge and values they need to protect the environment. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through conservation education, which has the potential to inspire young advocates who will play a critical role in shaping future policies and conservation efforts.