Book Week 2025: A Week of Stories, Smiles, and Imagination
For children, books are more than just words on a page, they're a doorway to new worlds, big adventures, and characters they'll remember for years to come. Book Week 2025 ...
Aussie Kindies Blog & News
Helpful tips, learning inspiration and updates from our centres
At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, we're here to help families on their childcare journey. On this page, you'll find a collection of blog posts and updates designed to inform, inspire and connect with parents just like you.
Whether you're looking for school readiness tips, healthy meals ideas, activity inspiration for toddlers, or the latest centre news, our blog is here to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
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Big Questions, Little Scientists: Celebrating Science Week at Aussie Kindies
Have you ever heard your little one ask, "Why is the sky blue?" or "How do birds fly?" That's science, and it starts a lot earlier than you might think. ...
Family Tax Benefit A & B Explained: What Aussie Families Need to Know for 2025-2026
Raising children is one of life's greatest joys, but it can also be expensive. Between food, clothes, school supplies and child care, the costs add up fast. That's why it ...
Child Care Subsidy Update 2026: What the 3-Day Guarantee Means for Your Family
If you've been thinking about starting child care but weren't sure if it was affordable, or if you were eligible for support, there's good news. From January 2026, the Australian ...
Affinity Education Statement on Charges Laid by Victoria Police – Latest Update
This page was first published on 2 July 2025 and updated on 15 July 2025. Updates relating to the charges laid by Victoria Police on a former Affinity Education employee ...
NAIDOC Week for Little Ones: Small Steps, Big Meaning
"Why is that flag different, Mum?" It's a question many parents hear this time of year, and it's a beautiful chance to pause, listen, and learn together. You don't need ...
Big Learning in Small Spaces: How to Set Up a Play Nook at Home Without the Fuss (or the Cost)
If you've ever looked around your home and thought, "We have so many toys, but nothing's getting played with properly," you're not alone. The good news? You don't need a ...
Morning Mayhem? Here’s How to Get Out the Door (Mostly) On Time with a Toddler in Tow
Your toddler's half-dressed, your coffee's gone cold, and someone's crying because the blue bowl is in the dishwasher. You've got one shoe on, a work bag that may or may ...
Why Reading to Your Child (Even as a Baby!) Makes a Real Difference
There's nothing quite like cuddling up with your child and sharing a story. Whether you're reading the same book for the third night in a row or flipping through pages ...
When Your Child Feels Nervous in New Situations: How to Support Them with Care and Confidence
"You held my hand a little tighter as we walked into the centre. I gave you an encouraging smile, but you stayed close. Meanwhile, your sister had already rushed off ...
Managing Toddler Tantrums: How to Support Big Feelings with Care and Confidence
If you've ever found yourself in the middle of the grocery aisle with a toddler mid-tantrum, you're not alone. One moment they're fine, and the next, they're in tears, overwhelmed ...
Returning to Work? Support for You and Your Child’s Big Transition
Returning to work after caring for your child at home - whether for a few months or a few years - can stir up all kinds of emotions. Excitement. Guilt. ...
From “Uh-Oh” to “Look, Mum!”: Everyday Conversations That Help Toddlers Learn to Talk
Whether you're chasing chickens in the backyard, popping into the local IGA, or walking past the neighbour's tractor on the way to kindy, your toddler is listening - and learning ...
Learning to Share: Gentle Ways to Teach Toddlers and Preschoolers Turn-Taking
If you've ever had to break up a sibling standoff over a single toy, you know that teaching young children to share takes time, patience, and a little creativity. But ...
Learning from the Land: How Aussie Kindies Children Connect with First Nations Culture
At Aussie Kindies, we believe that every child should grow up with a strong connection to their local community - and that includes learning about the First Nations peoples who ...
Safe Sleep, Happy Days: Tips for Home and How Aussie Kindies Centres Support Restful Routines
For many families, sleep can feel like a bit of a guessing game - especially when little ones go from catnaps in the car to bedtime battles at home. Whether ...
Helping Little Hands Learn: Fun, Simple Hygiene Routines for Young Children
Teaching your child to brush their teeth, wash their hands, or hop into the bath doesn't have to be a battle. In fact, with a little patience, play, and routine, ...
Caring for Critters: Joyful Ways to Help Local Wildlife with Your Child
From the cheerful chatter of birds at sunrise to the rustle of leaves as a lizard scurries by, nature offers endless little wonders - especially when you're seeing the world ...
Little Explorers: How Our Projects Help Children Get Ready for School
If your child is getting closer to school age, you might be wondering:"Are they ready?""What should they know before they start?""How can I help them feel confident and settled when ...
Getting Ready for Big School: 10 Easy Activities You Can Do at Home
Starting school is a big adventure - and for many families, it comes with lots of questions. Is my child ready? What should they know? How can I help without ...
Getting Ready for Big School: 5 Skills to Help Your Child Shine
A simple guide to help you feel more confident about your child starting school. Starting school is a big moment for little people - and for parents too! If you've ...
Wiggle, Jump, Twirl: How Dancing Builds Confidence in Little Learners
Celebrating International Dance Day - 29 April If your child has ever busted out a wobbly wiggle mid-walk or started spinning in circles just because they felt like it - ...
A Family Favourite: Immune-Boosting Zucchini Slice Recipe
When the weather cools down, there's nothing better than a warm, homemade meal shared with family. At Aussie Kindies, we love serving up dishes that are comforting, packed with goodness, ...
Dig, Plant, Grow: Fun Garden Activities to Celebrate Earth Day with Your Child
Post updated July 2025. Simple ways to connect with nature and build lifelong eco-friendly habits, one seed at a time. With Earth Day coming up on 22 April, it's the ...
Little Bodies, Big Energy: Fun Ways to Keep Your Child Moving Every Day
If your little one seems to be made of pure energy - constantly running, bouncing, climbing or spinning - you're not imagining it! At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, we know ...
Helping Little Ones with Big Feelings: How Aussie Kindies Supports Emotional Wellbeing
From the shy wave at morning drop-off to the proud moment a child ties their shoes or shares a toy - early childhood is full of big emotions. At Aussie ...
Pumpkin, Lentil and Pasta Soup Recipe: A Family Favourite at Aussie Kindies
At Aussie Kindies, we know how important it is for young children to eat well - not just for their health, but for their learning, play, and overall wellbeing. That's ...
Healthy Habits, Happy Kids: How Aussie Kindies Supports Your Child’s Wellbeing
In Celebration of World Health Day - 7 April At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, every giggle, snack, and outdoor adventure plays a part in building your child's wellbeing. In honour ...
Easter Fun for Little Explorers: Easy, Nature-Inspired Activities for the Long Weekend
The Easter long weekend is the perfect time to press pause, enjoy the fresh autumn air, and spend quality time with your little one. Whether your family celebrates Easter or ...
Autumn Sensory Play: Hands-On Fun for Curious Kids
Autumn is a season of change-cooler mornings, crunchy leaves, and shifting colours in nature. At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, we love using sensory play to help children explore and understand ...
Moroccan Lamb with Couscous Recipe – A Healthy Meal for the Whole Family
At Aussie Kindies, we know that good food fuels happy, active kids! That's why we're passionate about providing nutritious, balanced meals that support growth, learning, and energy throughout the day. ...
Learning Through Play: How Aussie Kindies Builds Strong Foundations for Young Learners
The first five years of a child's life are filled with wonder, curiosity, and rapid development. Every new experience, from stacking blocks to singing songs, helps shape the way they ...
Little Hands, Big Hearts: How Young Children Can Make a Difference
At Aussie Kindies centres across Australia, we believe that every small act of kindness has the power to change the world. When children learn that their actions, no matter how ...
Beef and Bean Burritos: A Tasty and Nutritious Family Favourite
At Aussie Kindies, we know that good food fuels great learning! That's why we make mealtimes about more than just eating-we create positive food experiences that help children develop healthy ...
How Play-Based Learning Helps Children Build Friendships
Ever wonder how your child learns to make friends? It starts with simple social interactions! From giggles during group play to the first "best friend" moment, social connections in early ...
How Childcare and Play-Based Learning Builds Emotional Confidence
The early years of life are full of discovery, growth, and emotional learning. From their first smiles to forming friendships, young children are building the foundational skills they'll need to ...
Sun Safety for Bright Little Stars: Aussie Kindies’ Commitment to Outdoor Fun and Protection
There's nothing quite like the sight of happy children running, laughing, and playing in the great outdoors. At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, we understand how vital outdoor play is for ...
Top Educational Toys for Kids Under 5: Fun, Learning, and Family Playtime
Choosing the right toys for your child can feel overwhelming, but don't worry - we've got you covered! At Aussie Kindies, we believe that the best toys are not just ...
Is It Normal for Kids to Get Sick at Child Care? Understanding Immunity Building in the Early Years
If you're a parent, you've probably had this moment: your child starts child care, and suddenly, they come home with a runny nose, a cough, or even a fever. It's ...
Balancing Screen Time with Purpose: How to Make Digital Literacy Meaningful for Young Children
In today's world, screens are everywhere - from phones to tablets and even in many toys. For parents of young children, it's natural to feel concerned about screen time. While ...
Do Early Learning Centres Have a Curriculum? What Parents Need to Know
Many parents are surprised to learn that early learning centres don't just provide care - they also follow a structured curriculum designed to support a child's development from a young ...
Celebrating Multicultural Festivals at Our Child Care Centres
At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, we're passionate about helping children explore the world's rich cultural diversity. Our centres celebrate a variety of multicultural festivals and holidays, giving children the opportunity ...
How Regular Assessments and Ratings Ensure Quality in Australian Child Care
As a parent, ensuring your child receives the best care and education is a top priority. In Australia, the National Quality Framework (NQF) helps maintain high standards in early childhood ...
Making Friends, Making Memories: How Friendships Improve Social and Emotional Skills Before School
The early years of childhood are full of exciting firsts - first words, first steps, and for many children, their first friendships. At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, we believe that ...
How Child Care Centres Ensure Hygiene and Cleanliness for Your Child’s Health
At Aussie Kindies, we place your child's health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. A clean and hygienic environment is key to ensuring children can learn, play, ...
Music and Movement: Fun Songs and Games to Get Your Child Moving
There's no better way to combine fun and physical activity than through music and movement! At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, we love engaging children with music and movement programs that ...
Should I Enrol My Baby in Child Care? A Parent’s Guide to Making the Right Decision
As a parent, deciding whether to enrol your baby in child care can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself asking, "Is my baby too young for child care?" or "Will ...
Eating the Rainbow: How Our Centres Introduce Children to a Variety of Nutrient-Rich Foods
At Aussie Kindies, we emphasise the importance of eating a variety of colourful, nutrient-rich foods to support healthy development in children. This concept, often called eating the rainbow, encourages children ...
Supporting Children Through Big Emotions
All children experience big emotions like anger, sadness, and anxiety. As parents, it can be challenging to know how to help them understand and manage these feelings in a healthy ...
Fun Ways to Teach Young Children About Conservation and Sustainability
When it comes to teaching young children about big ideas like conservation and sustainability, it can be hard to know where to start. But here's the good news - it ...
The Ultimate Partner: How Educators Help Parents Navigate the Wild Ride of Early Childhood
Raising young children is one of life's greatest joys - but it can also be one of the biggest challenges. For families, the journey of early childhood can feel like ...
A Day in the Life of Your Child’s Favourite Book Character
Imagine waking up in the morning as your favourite book character. What adventures would you go on? What challenges would you face? What fun would you have? Getting into the ...
Preparing for Changes: How Life Events Impact Your Child Care Subsidy
Life is full of changes - whether it's starting a new job, moving to a new town, or welcoming a new baby into your family. While these events bring excitement ...
Why Maths is Important for Little Kids & How to Incorporate it into Daily Activities
We believe that every child is a little mathematician in the making! Maths isn't just about numbers and equations; it's a magical tool that helps children make sense of the ...
Long-term Benefits: How Integrated Early Education Shapes Future Learning
Early childhood is a critical period in human development, and the quality of education and care children receive during these years has a profound impact on their future learning and ...
10 Fun & Easy STEM Activities for Preschoolers
Post updated July 2025. Preschoolers are natural scientists. They ask big questions, explore their surroundings with curiosity, and love experimenting with how things work. That's exactly why introducing STEM learning (Science, Technology, ...
What Should My Child Know Before Starting School
Starting school is an exciting time in a child's lifelong learning journey. Before they start, a child should ideally have developed a range of basic skills and knowledge to help ...
Books To Help Your Child Transition Into School
Starting school is a major milestone for both you and your child, and reading books about what to expect can be a great way to make this transition easier. Read ...
Tips For Talking To Educators At Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews provide a valuable one on one opportunity to discuss your child's learning and development progress in relation to emotional development, social connectivity, foundational learning, and physical health ...
The Benefits of Music in Early Childhood
Music is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, resonating deeply within the human experience. In early childhood, the impact of music extends far beyond mere entertainment. It ...
8 Ways Playdoh Benefits Toddler Development
Post updated July 2025. If you've ever handed your toddler a blob of playdough, you've likely seen the pure joy on their face. There's something magical about the squish, stretch, ...
Embarking on a Sensory Play Journey: Nurturing Toddler Development Through Play
Understanding the Importance of Sensory Play During the toddler stage, children are like little scientists, eagerly exploring their surroundings and trying to make sense of the world around them. One ...
Affinity Expands Lifelong Learning Curriculum Through Partnership With Wandana Aboriginal Education
Affinity Education Group has announced the latest addition to the Lifelong Learning Curriculum - a partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education to deliver purpose-built Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural education. ...
Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 5
Welcome to the fifth instalment of our National Quality Standards seven-part series, where we provide an in-depth look into the seven quality areas benchmarked against the Australian Children's Education and ...
Supporting Your Child’s Learning Journey: The Early Years Toolbox
Affinity Education Group has proudly partnered with the University of Wollongong with the aim of enhancing the capabilities of our Teachers and Educators working with children in our School Readiness ...
Using Research To Meet Your Child’s Developmental Needs
The Lifelong Learning Curriculum was developed through extensive study of how children learn, what they learn and where they learn. At the Early Experiences age, research shows that children are ...
Improving Language and Thinking Skills in Infants; A Data Informed Approach
The recent data from the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) proposed an increase in Language and Cognitive development of vulnerable children. Based on these findings and other relevant research on ...
Random Acts of Kindness Day – Benefits of Teaching Kindness to Children
Saturday 17th of February 2024 is Random Acts Of Kindness Day! The day was created by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK), a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing kindness ...
Supporting Your Child’s Progression To Big School
With Graduation done and dusted, you and your child may be nervous about the transition into Big School. Here are five tips to support your child with this significant milestone ...
How We Transition Your Child To A New Room
Happy New Year! The holiday season is over, and it's time to return to our daily routines. It's incredible to see how quickly our children are growing up. This month, ...
Early Education: Navigating the First Weeks
The journey begins when your young child's education starts in the early childhood centre. Setting up orientation days and helping your child adjust to the new environment, new people, and ...
Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 4
Welcome to the fourth installment of our National Quality Standards seven-part series, where we provide an in-depth look into the seven quality areas benchmarked against the Australian Children's Education and ...
Learning with Dr. Lesley Jones: New Year New Rooms
This month we welcome many children and families to our Centres for the first time. We also welcome back the many thousands of children who will be transitioning into new ...
This Year’s Top 5 Most Captivating Reads
This year has provided a wonderful opportunity to explore a multitude of Early Education topics in depth. Discover which of our blog articles from 2023 our families and Educators loved ...
Affinity Increases Commitment to The Smith Family
Active Commitment to Sponsorship Affinity Education Group has increased its commitment to The Smith FamilyLearning for Life program again in the third quarter of 2023, with 236 individual child sponsorships ...
2023 Affinity Awards Open for Nominations
Affinity Education Group is excited to announce the launch of its yearly national awards, celebrating outstanding achievements and excellence within the Early Education and Care sector. This year, the awards ...
Educational Programs During the Festive Season
Summer Program Launch In preparation for 2024, we're launching two exceptional programs that will run across December and January for all of our children, from the nursery through to preschool ...
Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 3
Welcome to the third instalment of our National Quality Standards series, where we highlight the importance of implementing the seven key Quality Standards throughout all Lifelong Learning Centres. National Quality ...
Navigating End of Year Transitions
The Lifelong Learning Curriculum offers an abundance of research-based practices that ensure continuous learning during the holiday season. As a parent, you may wonder what development your child is progressing ...
Attending Early Education During the Holidays
The holiday period is such an exciting time for children and families, but it can also be busy and stressful. When your child is enrolled in a Lifelong Learning Centre, ...
Festive Learning in the Nursery
Research shows that children's development and learning is continuous. There are plenty of opportunities to learn regardless of the season. There are two important reasons why children benefit from care ...
Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 2
Welcome to the second part of our National Quality Standards seven-part series, where we provide an in-depth look into the seven quality areas benchmarked against the Australian Children's Education and ...
Benefits of attending Early Childhood and Care during the Holiday period
Effective early childhood education is of utmost importance in a successful transition to school and love for Lifelong Learning. Our LLC program is dedicated to ensuring this is achieved all ...
What do infants achieve in an Early Childhood Education environment?
It is natural to wonder whether infants and young children can benefit from time spent in an early childhood environment. At Affinity Education-owned centres, our Lifelong Learning Curriculum (LLC) begins ...
The importance of using the Abecedarian approach to improve toddlers’ language skills
Language is a crucial component of school readiness. No matter a child's age, they actively develop skills to become proficient and active communicators. Research shows that language development is best ...
The Lifelong Learning Curriculum – A Guide For Families
This month, we are highlighting the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, Australia's most advanced approach to early education that operates within all our Early Learning Centres. Our Educators implement this program to ...
Summer Program Sessions
Your child is invited to join us during our Summer Program! Throughout December, we have planned additional exciting activities to help your child continue their early learning journey whilst benefiting ...
The Importance of Friendships and Relationships in Childcare
This month, we wanted to share with you a little more about early childhood education, what it means, and how it works, and give you a glimpse of what your ...
Get to know your National Quality Standards
Our childcare centres are committed to a continuous improvement journey that enriches quality education and care delivery benchmarked against the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. With ...
How Friendships are Formed
There is so much research and focus on just how crucial the first five years of a child's life are and how this has an impact on social, emotional and ...
Guiding your Toddlers Future Behaviours and Relationships
When children reach the Toddler stage, their confidence blooms as they know you are there to catch them if they fall. Early Experiences Curriculum They become more curious about anything ...
Why Friendships Before ‘Big School’ Are So Important
Research continues to highlight the importance of the first five years of a child's life as the most critical period in the life span for brain development (Fox & Geddes, ...
It’s Safe Work Month at Aussie Kindies
National Safe Work Month is upon us! Aussie Kindies have jam-packed this October with a variety of events and programs to highlight the steps our centres and their amazing teams ...
A day in the life – Childcare and your child’s development
This month, we wanted to share with you a little more about early childhood education, what it means, and how it works, and give you a glimpse of what your ...
A Day of ‘Awe’ and ‘Wonder’ in your Nursery
When thinking about a typical day in the Nursery, it is common to have preconceptions about what happens and how the educators facilitate learning. Through online research and centre tours, ...
A day in the life of a Toddler
Every day in our Toddler room is filled with different types of learning that your child's Educators have intentionally planned to support children's growth and learning outcomes. From the moment ...
How my Educators get me School Ready
Early Childhood Education has proven to play a major role in a child's transition to school, and here at Aussie Kindies, we have passionate Educators and Early Childhood Teachers who ...
Spring has Sprung! What is happening at your centre?
Spring is the season for growth, and at our centres, growth can be seen in every room, program and child in our Lifelong Learning Village. Over this season, our Spring ...
What the Child Care Subsidy mean for our families?
What does the new Child Care Subsidy mean for families? On the 10 July 2023, the Australian Government increasing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) rates for families within Australia, resulting ...
10 Things to do when it’s wet with your little ones!
Entertaining children when it's wet outside, can be difficult for an excitable and energetic child, and our Early Childcare Centres know all too well what it means when the grey ...
Saying ‘Thank you!’ on Early Childhood Educators Day
The countdown is on to Wednesday, the 6th of September, when our centres will celebrate Early Childhood Educators Day. We're inviting all families and caregivers to make a special effort ...
Get involved for National Science Week!
National Science Week is fast approaching, with the official date to launch from the 12th all the way through to the 20th of August. All our Affinity Education Group Centres ...
Sensory Play: Nurturing Your Child’s Early Development
Post updated July 2025. If you've ever watched your child squish playdough, swirl their fingers through water, or laugh while stomping in the mud, you've seen sensory play in action. ...
Successful transitions through care and trust
Secure relationships… the key to transitioning into care through our Healthy Beginnings Curriculum Transitioning into care for the first time can often feel daunting for families and full of natural ...
Your little junior is graduating! Whats next?
Graduating from the junior rooms to the older 3-5-year old programs is a significant and exciting transition for young children. In this article, we unpack what families can expect as ...
Easing Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is common in young children, it occurs when children are feeling nervous about being away from their parents or carers. Read this article as we unpack what separation anxiety may look ...
Dont miss our Preschool/Kindergarten information sessions
It's that time of year when families begin to turn their attention to deciding where their child should be enrolled for their preschool or kindergarten year. The kindergarten or preschool ...
Effective room transitioning in early childcare
Graduating from one room to the next is a significant event for children, their families and educators alike. In this article we explore what you can expect as your child ...
Australian Breastfeeding Accreditation – Supporting our Aussie Kindies families
Returning to work as a breastfeeding mother is a right for employees and parents throughout Australia and here at Aussie Kindies, we are committed to making this transition as easy ...
Aussie Kindies Woy Woy recognises National Reconciliation Week
Our centres acknowledged National Reconciliation Week by creating meaningful and engaging activities designed to provide learning opportunities whilst having fun! During the week of the 29th of May, Aussie ...
The Importance of Loose Parts Play
Loose parts play allows children to turn everyday items into anything their imagination creates - from wooden blocks, leaves, acorns, and cotton wool - endless options! As babies and toddlers ...
Benefits of Gardening with Children
We're all aware of the benefits of fresh air and the outdoors, but did you know involving children in simple gardening practices has many benefits too? Gardening can benefit children ...
Aussie Kindies Support Variety’s ‘Hair with Heart’
Inspired by young Chloe Guiney's mission to help children with disabilities who recently took the chop as part of Variety's Hair with Heart initiative, Aussie Kindies Early Learning Kyabram has ...
The Importance Of Outdoor Play: Learning In Action
From nursery to five years old the importance of exploration in a child's development is paramount to their emotional, physical, social, language and cognitive growth. Exploration is not all about ...
Celebrating Early Childhood Educators Day
Today, Early Childhood Educators Day, is a very special day for our community. It's an opportunity to celebrate and thank our teachers and educators for their dedication and commitment to ...