The Benefits of Extra-Curricular Activities in Child Care Extra-curricular activities play a vital role in the holistic development of children, especially in early learning environments like My Cubby House Early Learning. These activities extend learning beyond the traditional classroom, offering numerous advantages that contribute significantly to a child’s growth and development. Key Advantages of Extra-Curricular Activities in Child Care Enhanced Social Skills: Participating in group activities helps children develop essential social skills. They learn to communicate, cooperate, and form friendships, which are crucial for their social development. Boosted Physical Health: Many extra-curricular activities involve physical exercise, promoting better health and fitness among children. This physical engagement is crucial for developing motor skills and encouraging a healthy lifestyle from a young age. Improved Academic Performance: Extra-curricular activities can complement academic learning. They often involve problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative skills that can enhance cognitive abilities and academic achievement. Nurtured Specific Talents and Interests: Every child is unique, and extra-curricular activities provide opportunities for children to discover and develop their specific interests and talents, whether in sports, arts, music, or other areas. Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence: Participating in and mastering new skills boosts children’s self-esteem and confidence. Achievements in these activities provide children with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Developing Discipline and Time Management: Engaging in structured activities teaches children about discipline, time management, and the importance of commitment, skills that are valuable throughout life. Why Choose My Cubby House Early Learning? At My Cubby House Early Learning, we understand the importance of these benefits. Our diverse range of extra-curricular activities is designed to cater to various interests, ensuring that every child finds something they love. Our experienced educators are committed to providing a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow through these activities. Our programs include a balance of physical, creative, and cognitive activities, all geared towards enhancing the child’s overall development. By participating in our carefully crafted activities, children not only enjoy their time but also acquire skills and experiences that set a strong foundation for their future. Empower Your Child’s Future Today In conclusion, the benefits of extra-curricular activities in child care are extensive and impactful. These activities are more than just a way to pass the time; they are integral to the well-rounded development of young children. At My Cubby House Early Learning, we are dedicated to providing these enriching experiences to nurture your child’s potential. For more information on our programs and to explore how we can contribute to your child’s growth, call us on (07) 5527 1679 or visit our Enrolment Enquiry page here. Join My Cubby House Family Now – Fostering Bright Minds for a Brilliant Future! 🌟 Related links: https://mycubbyhouseearlylearning.com.au/blog/fun-and-educational-indoor-activities/ Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Buffer, Digg, Tumblr, Reddit, StumbleUpon, Delicious, WhatsApp, Line and Naver.
Navigating Room Transitions: Supporting Your Child at My Cubby House Early Learning As February unfolds at My Cubby House Early Learning, many of our young learners have embarked on a significant journey – transitioning from one room to another as the new year begins. This milestone, while exciting, can bring about a mix of emotions for both children and parents. At My Cubby House, we understand the importance of this transition and are dedicated to making it as smooth and positive as possible. Reflecting on the Transition Now that we are in February, our children have already made their room transitions. It’s a time of new beginnings, offering fresh opportunities for growth and learning. While some children adapt quickly, others may take a little longer, and that’s perfectly okay. Each child’s journey is unique, and at My Cubby House, every step of that journey is supported with care and understanding. The Importance of Room Transitions Moving to a new room within our centre is more than just a change of scenery. It signifies a developmental leap, where children are introduced to new activities, challenges, and opportunities for social interaction. These transitions are carefully planned to align with each child’s readiness and are designed to support their ongoing development. Supporting Children and Families Understanding and support from parents and educators play a pivotal role in easing room transitions. Here’s how we at My Cubby House approach this important phase: Preparation and Communication: Before the transition, we discuss the upcoming change with the children, helping them understand what to expect. We also provide parents with information on the new room, its routines, and activities, ensuring they feel confident in their child’s next step. Gradual Introduction: Whenever possible, we facilitate visits to the new room ahead of the transition. This allows children to familiarise themselves with the new environment, educators, and peers, easing any anxieties they may have. Consistency in Care: Our educators work closely across rooms to ensure consistency in care and approach. This continuity helps children feel secure and supported as they navigate their new surroundings. Listening and Reassuring: We pay close attention to how each child is adjusting, offering extra reassurance and support as needed. Children’s feelings are acknowledged and validated, reinforcing that it’s okay to miss their old room while also getting excited about the new one. Looking Ahead As we move further into the year, we celebrate the resilience and adaptability our children have shown. The early weeks of February are a testament to their capacity to embrace change with enthusiasm and curiosity. At My Cubby House Early Learning, we remain committed to nurturing these qualities, ensuring our children thrive in every room they transition to. We understand that parents play an essential role in this process, and we encourage ongoing communication with our team. If you have any concerns or wish to discuss your child’s adjustment further, please don’t hesitate to reach out by calling our office on 07 5527 1679. Transitions are a natural part of growth and learning, and at My Cubby House Early Learning, we are here to support every child and family through these changes. Together, we look forward to a year filled with new adventures, learning, and joy. Related links: https://mycubbyhouseearlylearning.com.au/blog/transitioning-to-primary-school/ Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Buffer, Digg, Tumblr, Reddit, StumbleUpon, Delicious, WhatsApp, Line and Naver.
Embracing the Future of Early Education: Free Kindy in Queensland From January 2024, a significant evolution in early childhood education is set to unfold across Queensland. The state government is introducing free kindergarten, known affectionately as ‘kindy’, for all eligible children. This landmark initiative promises to enrich the learning journey of countless young minds. The Essence of Free Kindy At its core, the free kindy program is about offering 15 hours per week of quality early education over 40 weeks a year, at no cost to families. This program is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to ensure every child enjoys a strong start in their educational journey. Kindy is more than just a precursor to formal schooling; it’s a vibrant, nurturing space where children can make friends, engage with new environments, and partake in activities that foster their holistic development. From imaginative play and nature exploration to group learning and early literacy, kindy offers a world of opportunities for young learners. Free Kindy’s Role in Child Development The benefits of free kindy extend beyond financial relief for families. It supports children’s early learning, wellbeing, and development. In these formative years, kindy lays the foundation for lifelong learning, providing children with the tools they need to thrive in the ever-evolving world around them. Accessing Free Kindy Beginning in 2024, free kindy will be available to all eligible children in Queensland. Parents can use resources like the Free Kindy Finder to locate a government-approved kindergarten program near them. This initiative is not just about making kindergarten accessible; it’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity for quality early education. The My Cubby House Early Learning Advantage At My Cubby House Early Learning, we are proud to be part of this transformative initiative. Our Queensland Approved Kindergarten Program aligns with the Queensland kindergarten learning guideline, ensuring that our curriculum and teaching practices meet the highest standards of early education. The ‘kindy tick’ is a mark of quality and assurance that your child will receive the best possible start in their educational journey. Looking to the Future The introduction of free kindy is a significant step towards a brighter future for Queensland’s children. It represents a commitment to equality, quality education, and the belief that every child deserves the best start in life. If you’re a parent considering this wonderful opportunity for your child, we invite you to contact My Cubby House Early Learning on 07 5527 1679 to discuss eligibility and how we can support your child’s early learning journey. With free kindy, we are not just nurturing the minds of young learners; we are shaping the future, one child at a time. Related links: https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/freekindy Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Buffer, Digg, Tumblr, Reddit, StumbleUpon, Delicious, WhatsApp, Line and Naver.
Easing the Transition: Tips for Parents Moving Kids from Kindy to School Transitioning from kindergarten to primary school is a significant milestone in a child’s life, and it can be an equally challenging period for parents. As your child prepares to take this big step, here are some strategies to help make the transition smoother for both of you. Start the Conversation Early: Begin discussing school with your child well before the transition. Talk about what they can expect and express excitement about the new experiences they will have. This helps in building a positive attitude towards school. Establish Routines: Consistent routines are comforting for children. Before school starts, establish a morning routine that mimics a school day. This might include waking up at a certain time, getting dressed, and eating breakfast. Visit the School Together: If possible, visit the new school with your child. Familiarising them with the environment, such as classrooms, playgrounds, and toilets, can alleviate anxiety and build comfort. Encourage Independence: Primary school requires a greater level of independence. Encourage your child to do tasks such as dressing themselves, packing their backpack, and tying their shoes. This builds confidence and self-reliance. Read School-Themed Books: Reading books about starting school can help your child understand and visualise what school will be like. Choose books that depict school in a fun and engaging way. Maintain Communication with Teachers: Establish a line of communication with your child’s new teacher. They can provide insights into how your child is adjusting and offer specific advice. Create a Goodbye Ritual: Saying goodbye on the first day can be tough. Create a special goodbye ritual, like a special handshake or a hug, to make partings easier. Stay Positive: Children often pick up on their parents’ anxieties. Stay positive and calm about the new school experience, as your attitude can greatly influence your child’s. Encourage Socialisation: Arrange playdates with other children who will be attending the same school. Familiar faces can make the new environment less daunting. Attend School Events: Participate in school events and orientations. This not only helps your child but also allows you to connect with other parents and the school community. Remember, it’s normal for children to experience a range of emotions during this transition. Patience and understanding are key. At My Cubby House Early Learning, we understand the importance of this transition. We are committed to supporting families through this journey. Our team are always available to offer advice, share resources, and provide personalised support to ensure your child’s move from kindy to school is as seamless as possible. If your child is nearing this exciting transition, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support and guidance by calling the centre on 07 5527 1679. Together, we can make your child’s first step into formal schooling a positive and memorable experience. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Buffer, Digg, Tumblr, Reddit, StumbleUpon, Delicious, WhatsApp, Line and Naver.
Helping your children transition from kindy to primary school Starting school is a big milestone for any child. But for mothers, it can also be a time of anxiety and stress. How will my child cope with the new routine? Will they make friends? Will they be happy at school? There are plenty of things you can do to help your child make a successful transition from kindy to primary school. Here are just a few tips to get you started… Start talking to your children about primary school a few months before they start Preparing your children for the transition to primary school should start well before they walk through the doors on their first day. Conversations about what to expect and what it is like to go to school are important in helping your children feel confident when they make the move. Starting these conversations a few months before they enter primary school will allow time for any questions or worries that come up during this new transition in their lives. Although inevitable nerves may arise, talking openly as a family about what’s entailed will help them develop greater autonomy, resilience and satisfaction from mastering this new stage of life. Visit the primary school together so they can see what it’s like and meet their teacher Visiting the primary school before your children start their schooling journey is a great way to familiarise them with their new environment and meet their teacher. This can be an invaluable opportunity for children to get comfortable with the surroundings and build trust in their teacher, both of which can be essential for settling into primary school successfully. It may also provide you with a chance to introduce your children to any new classmates they could have, helping to create a feeling of familiarity when they return on their first day of term. Talk about what to expect on the first day of school, such as meeting new friends and learning new things The first day of primary school can feel a little overwhelming for kids and parents. Taking the time to plan ahead can help ease some of the initial trepidation users may be feeling. From meeting new friends and teachers to learning new things, there’s plenty to look forward to on that very first day. It’s important to encourage your child while assuring them they’ll soon be settling in and making lots of exciting memories with their classmates. Consider going through a practice round walking into class, introducing themselves to the teacher and finding their seat – this can help set the tone for a successful start at their new school. Help them pack their bag with everything they need for school, including their lunch and snacks Before starting school, ensuring your children have everything they need is key. It’s helpful to start with packing their schoolbag a day before they leave. Make sure they include all their stationary, plus a few snacks and a well-balanced lunch that keeps them full throughout the entire day. Talk to them about the importance of keeping their things in an organized manner, as it helps them stay on top of their chores and makes morning preparations easier. Also, help them create an efficient schedule for completing their homework and other tasks after school so that once the time for preparing for bed arrives, it’s not a stressful ordeal filled with rushed assignments. Have a positive attitude towards primary school – encourage them to be excited about starting this new chapter in their lives! As your children transition to primary school, it is important for them to have a positive attitude about the experience. Nurturing an enthusiasm for learning and excitement about this new chapter of their lives will go a long way in helping to make the transition more seamless and enjoyable. Encourage them by talking positively about primary school – remind them of how much fun they will have, friends they can make and new experiences they can look forward to. Allow them to express any fears they may have but ensure that your own attitude towards primary school remains encouraging. Providing your kids with reassurance and remaining optimistic are two key elements in helping them be ready for primary school! In conclusion Transitioning from kindy to primary school can be a big adjustment for your child, but there are things you can do to help them transition smoothly. Talk to them about primary school a few months before they start, visit the school together so they see what it’s like and meet their teacher, and talk about what to expect on the first day of school. Help them pack their bag with everything they need for school, including their lunch and snacks. And finally, have a positive attitude towards primary school – encourage them to be excited about starting this new chapter in their lives! If you have any questions about helping your child to transition to primary school, please call our office on 07 5527 1679 or use our contact form. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Buffer, Digg, Tumblr, Reddit, StumbleUpon, Delicious, WhatsApp, Line and Naver.
Cheaper kindy for families in 2023 The Queensland Government is introducing new funding from January 2023 which will mean cheaper kindy for many families. Whether your child attends kindy in a sessional kindergarten or in a long day care it may be free, or cheaper, if you are eligible for Kindy Plus or you receive Family Tax Benefit (FTB). Kindy plus or fee-free kindy If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may be eligible for Kindy plus or fee-free kindy. Do you: hold a current Australian Government Health Care Card (HCC)? hold a current Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card (automatic HCC entitlements)? hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card or White Card? have formal communication, such as a letter, from the relevant agency stating the intent to issue a Health Care Card? have evidence of formal foster or kinship care arrangements have three or more children of the same age enrolled in the same year? have a child who is identified as living in a formal child protection out-of-home care arrangement? identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander? hold a temporary visa and in the process of seeking asylum, or are you a family and child who have entered Australia under the Australian Government’s Refugee and Humanitarian Program? In addition, if you attend a sessional kindy and experience temporary financial hardship you may be eligible for the Kindy plus subsidy. Next steps if you’re eligible for Kindy plus Talk to your kindy provider (sessional kindergarten or kindy in a long day care) to confirm your eligibility. If you haven’t selected a kindy provider, visit the Starting Blocks website . Next steps if you are not eligible for Kindy plus If you answered no to any of the above, you still may be eligible for cheaper kindy if you receive Family Tax Benefit or attend a sessional kindergarten. Family Tax Benefit or FTB If you receive FTB, there are reduced fees regardless if you attend a sessional or long day care kindergarten. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, kindy is cheaper in 2023 for your kindy-aged child. Do you receive: Australian Government Family Tax Benefit A? Australian Government Family Tax Benefit B? Different saving amounts apply if you are eligible for FTB, for example, you will receive: up to $3,500 per year if your child is enrolled in a sessional kindergarten $500 per year if your child attends kindy in a long day care. The difference is less than in a sessional kindy because you also receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS) from the Australian Government. Read more about Family Tax Benefit Next steps if you’re eligible for FTB Talk to your kindy provider (sessional kindergarten or kindy in a long day care) to confirm your eligibility and your final out-of-pocket costs. Read the below frequently asked questions about cheaper kindy and kindy savings in 2023. Cheaper kindy Will my family benefit from the changes from 1 January 2023? Many families will see real savings, and for some families, kindy will be free. Families can determine if they are eligible for kindy savings or fee free kindy by meeting the Kindy plus criteria or if they receive Family Tax Benefit. Contact your kindy provider to confirm eligibility and out-of-pocket costs or read more about Family Tax Benefit . What is FTB and why is it used? Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a trusted, well-known and equitable mechanism and measurement tool used by the Australian Government to help low-to-middle income families. It is means tested and helps ensure government subsidies are provided to families who need them most to help with the cost of raising a child. Alignment to the Australian Government’s FTB ensures the Queensland Government is helping families on low- to middle-incomes with the cost of raising children and sending them to kindergarten. Families eligible for FTB will receive a subsidy of up to $3,500 a year if enrolled in a sessional kindergarten and $500 a year for kindy in a long day care. Families may also access the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS), to reduce their kindy fees. Read more about Family Tax Benefit. Will families receive the kindy savings directly? No. The kindy savings, or subsidies, are provided directly to your service provider who must pass the savings on to families through reduced fees. What do I need to do to receive the kindy savings? Families should confirm their eligibility to receive kindy savings with their kindergarten program provider. Head to the Kindy savings webpage to find out about cheaper or fee free kindy. What is the difference between sessional and kindy in long day care? Sessional kindergartens run during school terms and school hours for 40 weeks a year. They provide kindergarten without extended hours of care. Long day care services providing kindergarten usually operate at least 10 hours a day, Monday to Friday, for at least 48 weeks a year. They provide a kindergarten program and extended hours of care. Learn more about the different types of kindergarten Kindy savings What does the Kindy savings webpage do? The Kindy savings webpage helps determine if you’re eligible for a Queensland Government subsidy to make kindy cheaper from 2023. Do I receive the kindy savings directly? No. The kindy savings or subsidies are provided directly to your kindergarten program provider to pass on through your reduced fees. Confirm your kindy savings eligibility with your kindergarten program provider. Does the Kindy savings webpage tell me how much kindy will cost? The Kindy savings webpage shows you the overall annual kindy savings or subsidies you are eligible for. Your kindergarten program provider will apply your savings to your fees and tell you what kindy will cost. Do I have to show proof I’m eligible for a kindy subsidy or fee free kindy? You are encouraged to take your result from the Kindy savings webpage to your chosen kindergarten program provider. You may need evidence or documentation on enrolment to enable the provider to confirm your eligibility and apply your savings. For example, you may have