What is Preschool - The Importance of Child Care & Day Care Centres in Sydney

What is Preschool – The Importance of Child Care & Day Care Centres in Sydney

In Australia, preschool is an early education program designed for kids, usually before they start what we call “big school.” It’s led by qualified early education teachers who specialise in helping kids this age learn through play. 

In Australia, every child is entitled to 600 hours of free or subsidised preschool each year. That’s about 15 hours a week, which is enough time for kids to get comfortable in a childcare setting and also build important skills before they have to move on to full-time school.

Some states call it kindergarten or ‘kindy,’ but no matter what it’s called, the goal is the same: to give kids a strong start in their education journey and also give them time to practice following the rules, listening to teachers, and getting along with classmates.

Most kids in Australia start preschool when they’re four or five years old, but some programs welcome three-year-olds.

Benefits of Preschool for Your Child

Here are the top benefits your child stands to enjoy when they get enrolled in childcare & daycare centres in Sydney:

What Your Child Will Learn in Preschool

Here’s what your child will learn in preschool:

Social Skills

One of the first things your child will learn is how to interact with others. When they’re enrolled at preschool in Chipping Norton, they’ll meet kids from different backgrounds and with different personalities, and they’ll begin learning how to share, take turns, and solve conflicts. 

These may seem like small things, but they’re building blocks for how your child will interact with people for the rest of their life. They’ll learn to listen to others, express their feelings, and start to understand that everyone has their own emotions and needs.

Communication

Your child’s communication skills will grow a lot at daycare. They will engage in activities like reading stories, playing games, or even just chatting with their caregivers. Through all of these, your child will learn how to use words to express themselves. 

They’ll start understanding more about language and how to use it to connect with others. They’ll also pick up on body language and facial expressions, which are key parts of communication.  

Cognitive Skills

A great preschool in Warwick Farm will also help your child develop their thinking skills. While they’re having fun with puzzles, building blocks, or playing with toys, they’re actually learning a lot about how things work, how to solve problems, and how to think critically. 

For example, when they build something with blocks, they’re learning about balance and structure. When they solve a puzzle, they’re working on patience and problem-solving.  

Motor Skills

Children develop their motor skills (both fine and gross) through a variety of activities at daycare. They’ll work on their fine motor skills by drawing, colouring, or using scissors. These activities help with hand-eye coordination and strength. On the other hand, gross motor skills are developed through running, jumping, or climbing. 

 

What a Typical Day in Preschool in Sydney Looks Like

A typical day at a preschool like Joey’s Cottage is a combination of fun, learning, and lots of exploration. Here’s what one of our typical days looks like at Joey’s Cottage:

  • The day kicks off bright and early, around 7 a.m., when the children start arriving. Parents sign in and make sure their child’s things are tucked safely away in their locker. 
    As soon as the kids step into the classroom, they’re met with smiling teachers who are ready to greet them. It’s a nice, warm welcome to get them excited for the day ahead. Parents are encouraged to hang around for a bit, join in on the activities, and help their kids settle into the routine before saying goodbye.
  • By 7:15 a.m., breakfast time rolls around. Joey’s Cottage makes sure no one goes hungry, with a progressive breakfast served between 7:15 and 7:45. The main items on the menu are cereals and toast, and the kids are allowed to eat whenever they’re ready, so long as it’s before the next activity.
    Group time is the next activity. This is when the class comes together to do the morning routine which typically involves greeting each other, going through the day of the week, the month, and checking out the weather. It’s also when we introduce two new focus letters for the week, helping the kids start thinking about words and letters. 
  • Then, at 9:30 a.m., it’s time for morning tea. The kids sit down to snack on something from the rotating six-week menu. By 9:45 a.m., the focus shifts to Pre-reading, Language, and Literacy. This part of the morning is all about building those early skills. 
  • By 11:50 a.m., it’s time for lunch. The kids enjoy a freshly made homemade meal, with plenty of healthy options. They also help serve themselves by pouring water and passing out fruit, which builds their independence.
  • After lunch, around 12:25 p.m., the kids have a rest or nap time. Each child has their own bed, where they can relax, listen to calming music, and rest their bodies. For those who don’t need a nap, we offer quiet activities like story time, puzzles, and colouring.
  • At 1:15 p.m., the fun continues with Show and Tell. The kids take turns sharing something with the class. We set this up to build their confidence and speaking skills. After that, at 2 p.m., it’s time for some Science and Numeracy. The kids explore basic science concepts, and numbers, and learn how to solve problems in fun and interactive ways.
  • Around 2:20 p.m., it’s afternoon tea time, followed by Music and Movement at 2:50 p.m. The music session helps the kids develop rhythm and coordination, while the movement session keeps them active and engaged.
  • At 3:10 p.m., the kids head back outside for some more playtime. This is another chance for them to socialise, burn off energy, and enjoy the outdoors before wrapping up the day.
  • By 4:15 p.m., it’s indoor group time again, where the kids can choose their own activities and play in their own way. This is followed by a late afternoon snack at 4:45 p.m. Every fun-filled day at Joey’s Cottage comes to an end at 6 pm.

Visit Joey’s Cottage – One of The Best Preschools in Sydney and Nearby Suburbs

We invite every parent in Sydney to visit Joey’s Cottage and see firsthand the wonderful opportunities waiting for your child. Come and meet our team of qualified educators and also take a tour of our facilities.

We can’t wait to show you everything Joey’s Cottage has to offer! Contact us today to schedule your visit.