Benefits of Excursions for Children during their Early Learning Years
As children grow, it’s essential to expose them to various experiences and environments to develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Excursions are an excellent way to achieve this, especially during their Early Learning Years. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of excursions for children in childcare.
- Enhanced Learning Experience: Excursions provide an opportunity for children to learn in a new environment outside their early learning centre. They get to experience firsthand what they learned in class and understand how it applies to the real world. For example, a trip to a science museum can help children understand science concepts and theories better. Excursions help children see the relevance and practicality of what they learn at childcare.
- Improved Social Skills: Excursions promote social interaction among children. They have the opportunity to bond with their classmates and childcare educators outside the school environment, leading to improved communication and teamwork skills. Moreover, during excursions, children may interact with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. This helps them develop an understanding and appreciation for diversity, leading to better social skills.
- Exposure to New Environments: Children who go on excursions get to experience new environments, which helps them broaden their horizons. They learn about new cultures, customs, and traditions, which fosters a sense of respect and tolerance for different ways of life. Additionally, visiting new places can help children develop a sense of adventure and curiosity, leading to a more profound appreciation for the world around them.
- Hands-on Learning: Excursions provide hands-on learning opportunities for children outside their childcare centre in Sydney. They get to see and touch the things they’re learning about, which makes the learning experience more memorable and effective. For example, a trip to a farm in Sydney can help children understand the importance of agriculture and farming practices.
- Positive Memories: Excursions create positive memories for children that they will cherish for a long time. These memories help build a positive attitude towards learning and can lead to increased engagement in the classroom. Positive memories from excursions across Sydney can also inspire children to pursue new interests and hobbies.
In conclusion, excursions are an excellent way to enhance a child’s early learning experience, social skills, and exposure to new environments. They offer hands-on learning opportunities that help children develop a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the world around them. Moreover, excursions create positive memories that can inspire children to continue learning and exploring. Therefore, it’s essential to provide opportunities for children in our childcare centres to go on excursions across Sydney to help them grow and develop.
Preschooler Friendly Leftover Easter Eggs Recipe!
Our Childcare Healthy living Ambassador, Libby Babet, loves coming up with healthy recipes for your little learners. Do you have an abundance of Easter Eggs leftover like her? Well, use up your leftover Easter eggs by making this healthy, low sugar, high fibre Brown-ana bread, packed with energy boosting B-Vitamins! With a nut-free option available, this is the perfect snack for your child to have after a long day at their early learning centre.
Step one is to blend, or process these ingredients together:
2 bananas
1 can red kidney beans
Half a cup maple syrup
Half a cup raw cacao
Step two, add the rest of these ingredients and blend again:
Half a cup of flour (any variety)
Half a cup slivered almonds (optional)
Half a cup desiccated coconut
Now grate or break up your leftover Easter eggs and sprinkle on top for sweetness (optional to also sprinkle extra coconut & almonds). Get your preschooler involved in the cooking process by allowing them to pour in the ingredients or sprinkle the chocolate.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, allow to cool and serve to your little people!
Make sure you try making these delicious cookies and donât be afraid to add any extra ingredients to enhance the flavour! Watch the full video on our Instagram by clicking here.
If you have any questions for our childcare healthy living ambassador or would like to enquire about our daycare vacancies for 2023, make sure you get in touch with our childcare enrolment team today.
Discover the Best Preschool Program near Strathfield for Your Child’s Early Education
As a parent, one of the most important decisions you will make for your child is where they will attend preschool. At a young age, children are like sponges, absorbing new information and skills at an incredible rate. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a preschool program that will provide your child with a solid foundation for their future academic and social learning. At Active Kids Homebush, our childcare centre near Strathfield, we are proud to offer a comprehensive preschool program that is designed to give children the best start in life.
Our preschool program is geared towards children aged three to five years old, and it’s designed to support the growth and development of each child. Our curriculum is based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which is a nationally recognized program that promotes learning through play. The EYLF is a comprehensive guide that outlines the key outcomes that children should achieve by the time they reach the end of their preschool years.
At our Strathfield childcare centre, we use a play-based approach to teaching, which means that learning is integrated into everyday activities and experiences. Through play, children can develop their social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities. Our childcare in Sydneyâs Western Suburbs is structured to provide children with a balance of structured activities and free play, so they can learn at their own pace and in their own way.
Our team of experienced educators works closely with each child to provide individualized support and guidance. We believe that every child is unique, and we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where they can explore their interests and abilities. Our educators regularly observe and document each child’s progress, and we use this information to create personalized learning plans for each child.
In addition to our play-based curriculum, we also offer a range of extra-curricular activities to enhance each child’s learning experience. These activities include music and movement, art and craft, and outdoor play. We also organize excursions around Homebush and Strathfield to expose children to new experiences and broaden their horizons.
At our childcare centre near Strathfield, we understand the importance of creating a strong partnership with parents and caregivers. We regularly communicate with families to keep them informed about their child’s progress and to involve them in their child’s learning journey. We also encourage parents to participate in centre activities and events, so they can become part of our vibrant and supportive community.
In conclusion, our preschool program at our childcare centre near Strathfield is designed to provide children with a strong foundation for their future academic and social success. Through a play-based approach to learning, individualized support, and a range of extra-curricular activities, we strive to help each child reach their full potential. If you’re looking for a high-quality preschool program for your child, we invite you to visit our childcare centre by contacting us today.
Start Strong Childcare Program
Save up to $2110 per year for your preschooler at our childcare centres in Sydney with the Start Strong Program!
The NSW Government has introduced a new preschool fee relief program through the Start Strong Affordable Preschool initiative in 2023 as part of its $1.3 billion Affordable Preschool program from the start of 2023.
Families attending a preschool program at a long day care service will receive up to $2110 per year subsidy for every child, who is at least 4 years old, on or before 31 July 2023 and enrolled in a long day care preschool program.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Start Strong Affordable Preschool fee relief program, a child will need to be at least 4 years old on or before 31 July 2023 and not be receiving the fee relief from another service.
All NSW families are eligible regardless of Citizenship or residency status. The Start Strong funding is additional to and will not affect familiesâ Child Care Subsidy (CCS) payments.
How will it work?
The fee relief payment is an annual flat rate of $2110 per eligible child. You can break this down to a weekly fee relief of $40.57 ($2110/52 weeks) which will be applied to your familyâs account as a fortnightly credit.
How do I access the fee relief?
If you are wondering how to claim the Start Strong Affordable Preschool fee relief, contact our Family Relations Team to receive the fee relief declaration form. Families are required to complete a declaration form to nominate the long daycare centre they would like to receive fee relief from.
You can only receive this fee relief at one centre at a time. This is confirmed by the completion of the declaration form.
To find out more about the Start Strong Preschool program, head to our Start Strong Page.
If you have any questions or would like to tour one of our 15 centres please contact our family relations team today!
Healthy Christmas Cookies For Your Childcare
Come to the Kitchen with our Childcare Healthy Living Ambassador Libby Babet as she prepares some delicious Christmas Cookies that you can easily make for your whole family. These cookies only have 3 ingredients and are so healthy that you and your kids can enjoy them for breakfast or for a tasty treat at your childcare centre.
The three simple ingredients are:
- Bananas
- Oats
- Milk (or water)
Step 1: Mash your banana in a bowl with a fork. You can use either one large or 2 small bananas to make around 5 medium sized cookies.
Step 2: Add a cup of oats (quick oats are the best).
Step 3: Add a Âź cup of milk or water and stir
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius fan forced
Step 5: While your oven is preheating, choose your cookie cutters and pop your mixture inside.
Step 6: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes and you have some delicious super healthy cookies to take to your daycare centre.
Make sure you try making these delicious cookies and donât be afraid to add any extra ingredients like honey or cinnamon to enhance the flavour! Watch the full video on our Instagram by clicking here.
If you have any questions for our childcare healthy living ambassador or would like to enquire about our daycare vacancies for 2023, make sure you get in touch with our childcare enrolment team today.
Rose Bay – $125 Fridays for Preschool
Need child care on a Friday at Active Kids Group Rose Bay?
Book your child in on a Friday at our Rose Bay Child Care Centre for only $125. Limited positions available.*
Terms and conditions:
- Effective from the 14th of February 2022
- Offer ends 31st December 2022
- Special rate applies to permanent positions on Fridays only in the Preschool room
- This offer must be mentioned at time of booking for redemption
- Does not apply to extra days or casual days
- Subject to availability
- Special rate only applies when increasing days, does not apply when swapping days
- From 1st January 2023, the fee will be in line with the standard daily rate for that age group.
Contact our family relations team to book your additional day of care now and make the most of this amazing childcare offer.
Phone: 02 8362 3000
Email: [email protected]
Bondi Childcare Rooftop
Active Kids Bondi is a child care centre located in a beautiful, quiet street just a short walk from the world famous Bondi Beach. Our daycare in Bondi is open Monday to Friday and has a wonderful outdoor environment, including a rooftop play area, that is natural and spacious which offers stimulating learning experiences for each individual child. Our Indoor environments are well lit with natural light and our facility is full of natural resources. Our Centre is well structured, inviting, warm, tidy, and clean.
At our preschool rooftop play area, our child care students take part in a number of different activities. For physical education, our learners take part in our Learn and Grow Fitness and Dance Programs up on the roof top, as well as being able to ride their bikes and enjoy the play equipment. Our rooftop garden also allows students to learn about different types of plants, fruits and vegetables as we have our own vegetable patch. For fresh air, our day care students love going to the rooftop to draw, read and play.
We are also proud to have an experienced childcare chef who provides all meals which are prepared and cooked on site inclusive of breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The meals are carefully prepared, and we cater for each individuals dietary requirements.
You can check out all that is going on at our Bondi Childcare Centre by visiting our Instagram page.
To join our Active Kids Group family book a tour now at our Bondi daycare centre or contact us today!
AKG Awards 2021
Earlier this month Active Kids Group celebrated the year and their achievements at their annual Christmas party. We were proud to award multiple child care educators who display AKG’s mission and values as educators. This year we also celebrated the highest amount of length of service awards for some special employees who have spent many years at our child care centres. Some notable award recipients that we would like to mention:
Above & Beyond Award â Suzie Braumann from AKG Moore Park Childcare
Our Most Valuable Performers â Grace Phillips from our Learn Grow Team
5 Years of Service – Natasha Makerry from AKG Ermington Childcare
5 Years of Service â Rhiannon Thomas from AKG Bondi Childcare
10 Years of Service â Kristine Pobi from AKG Narwee Childcare
10 Years of Service â Marisa Galati from our Management Team
20 Years of Service â Pauline Wooley from AKG Mascot Childcare
25 Years of Service â Jodie Giannetto from our Management Team
Outstanding Service Award – AKG Homebush Childcare
We got to end the year by celebrating with the wonderful men and women we talk to most everyday, but this year we havenât had a chance to see many at our child care centres. Weâd like to thank all the staff and coordinators at our day cares for all their hard work. It has been wonderful to see every work together and we are excited to welcome new faces to the Active Kids Group Family in the new year.
If you are interested in joining our Active Kids Group family and becoming a part of the team, make sure to contact us today!
Vaucluse Cottage Recognition For Outstanding Service
Community engagement is essential to quality outcomes for children at our Active Kids Group child care centres. It provides an important relationship with their environment; promotes belonging, supports active participation in the world and connection to families and supportive networks.
Some of Vaucluse Cottage child care achievements, includes:
– Community Book Swap
– Clean Up Australia Day with HMAS Watson
– Bringing Learn and Grow to their local park
– ANZAC Day story time with the Australian Navy
– Incursions with their local GP and Nurse from Randwick hospital
– Challah Fridays with bread provided by local bakery
– Video resource with NSW health, starring one of their dadâs who is a paramedic
– Giving from their herb garden to the local community
– Book Week at Woollahra library
– Building relationships with Red Cross for multiple services
As a result, Vaucluse Cottage Day Care has been awarded âOutstanding Service to Community Engagementâ across the Active Kids Group Early Learning Centres.
On top of this, HMAS Watson has congratulated Vaucluse Cottage Child Care Centre for their outstanding efforts by providing them with the âBravo Zulu Awardâ. Their ongoing efforts to engage local organisations, including their partners HMAS Watson, has provided the best environment for child care learning, participation, and a strong sense of community for the children and families within the day care.
To join our Active Kids Group family, book a tour at our outstanding Vaucluse Cottage child care centre or contact us today!
End of Year Celebrations at Thumbelina Child Care
Thumbelina is a child care centre in Edgecliff that has been educating children under Active Kids Group since 2010. Thumbelina has a strong community connection and ensures all families and their children feel safe and secure and have a sense of belonging throughout their Early Childhood journey.
This day care is divided over 3 levels and the children have designated areas for both indoor and outdoor play. We believe that incursions, excursions and extra-curricular activities are an integral part of educating the children and developing each childâs broader understanding of the world around them.
Our AKG learner’s at Thumbelina child care centre celebrated the end of this year with their fellow learners, educators and families. They had a picnic spread, face painting and an exciting visit from Santa!
Gianny, our service coordinator at Thumbelina had this to say: The children and their families are often with us for many years as two or more siblings will attend the day care centre. This means the parents are well known by all the staff and feel like a part of the Thumbelina Family, which makes these end of year celebrations even more important for our families.
You can check out the end of year celebrations at our Thumbelina Child Care Centre by visiting our Facebook Post.
To join our Active Kids Group family, book a tour at our Thumbelina child care centre in Edgecliff or contact us today!