More engaging and physical play is necessary for young children according to Kenwick’s Great Beginnings childcare centre and it’s a message they’re taking to the Federal Government before this year’s election.
The early learning and care provider is one of hundreds of G8 education centres calling on the major parties to fund two years of access to high quality early learning in the vital years before primary school. Led by the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA), which represents the major not-for-profit and private providers of early learning and care services, the Launch into Learning campaign is supported by thousands of early learning centres across the country.
The bipartisan campaign is particularly geared towards marginal seats and is asking for a significant investment in the early learning sector.
G8 Education managing director and ELACCA co-chair Gary Carroll said the campaign aims to ensure all parties make a commitment that every child has access to two years of play-based learning to launch their educational journey.
“We know that the ages of three to five are critical to brain development and that children who have attended two years of quality play-based learning make the best transitions to school,” he said. “Launch into Learning will be reminding the major parties and their candidates that high quality early learning grows confident, capable and curious young learners who are ready to thrive.”
Great Beginnings Kenwick is focused on preparing local youngsters for school with an engaging, high quality early educational program.
The centre incorporates play-based learning with activities such as harvesting the vegetable garden, Mandarin lessons and Happy Feet dance classes.
Centre manager Leslee Russell said the aim of the centre was to allow as much flexibility as possible for both children and families.
“We used to have all of our year ones and twos in one room, but we changed it because it does get quite busy,” she said.
“Especially if you have little babies and then older ones, it’s not fair.
“So we moved them, it’s best for the children. What’s best for the children is what we do.
“The development of the children and just what the families want through the service is what we aim for.
“Sometimes parents want their kids to stay longer in the earlier classes and that’s perfectly fine.”
More information can be found at the G8 website.
