7 tips to help you choose an ECLC for your preschooler
When choosing a preschool, kinder or early childhood learning centre (ECLC) for your three or four-year old, it’s great to have options. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some tips to help you pick the perfect ECLC.
- Take time to talk to the teachers
Whether your child is a full-time daycare aficionado or new to attending care outside the home, they need to be surrounded by experienced teachers who are passionate, positive and nurturing. Great relationships with teachers help your child feel a sense of belonging and encourage trust and communication.
When you attend a tour or open morning, try and chat to as many teachers as possible. Ask them what they love about their job, what experience they have and, most importantly, watch how they interact with your child and others.
- Get your child prepped for Prep
If you know where your child will go to primary school, check that the ECLC's curriculum and educational philosophy matches up. This will help create a seamless transition between ECLC and Prep.
Wesley College Elsternwick, Glen Waverley and St Kilda Road ECLCs are integrated into the school campuses and draw upon the same International Baccalaureate teaching and learning framework used in later years. This integration not only guarantees your child a place in Prep but also offers a familiar environment, helping build your child’s confidence before ‘big school’ begins.
- Investigate the approach to wellbeing
At this crucial time of development and growth, your child needs space and guidance to develop life and school skills such as self-esteem, cooperation, making friends, and emotional literacy and agility.
Ask about the ECLC’s approach to children’s cognitive, emotional, social and physical wellbeing and development, and how the approach is put into action.
Wesley College ECLCs have embraced the Grow Your Mind wellbeing program, which focuses on understanding and nurturing emotional and mental health and wellbeing, enabling children to be productive, lifelong learners. Smaller class sizes also allow teachers to personalise learning and wellbeing experiences, so each child can grow, explore and develop according to their interests, needs and ability levels.
- Ask about specialist programs and opportunities
Aside from numeracy and literacy, does the ECLC offer specialist programs such as music, dance, drama, language or library programs? Is there access to facilities such as swimming pools or art centres? Will incursions and/or excursions fit your child’s interests and foster creativity?
- Don’t discount convenience
The reality is, if you have other commitments or children to consider, you need an option that fits your family. The last thing you and your child need at this exciting time is added stress.
Most kindergarten programs only run on certain days and at specific times, which isn’t convenient for everyone. Look for an ECLC that offers flexibility. Wesley College ECLCs offer integrated kindergarten programs, full-time and part-time options, and before and after school care to cater for every family.
- Choose an option that includes play-based, hands-on learning
Young children learn best through doing. An ECLC’s environments and experiences should encourage curiosity and a sense of adventure and reflect the identity and cultures of its children and families.
Outdoor areas that include lots of natural elements and sensory experiences give children the space they need for independent exploration, and imaginative, interactive and collaborative learning and play.
- Ask about NQF ratings
Regulated services across Australia are required to meet high national standards of safety and learning and development opportunities. All Wesley College ECLCs have achieved the National Quality Framework’s highest possible quality rating – Exceeding.
Ben Dooley, Head of Junior School, Glen Waverley Campus
Explore what Wesley College ECLCs can offer your child at an Elsternwick, Glen Waverley or St Kilda Road open morning or campus tour. Click here to learn more.
