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Altona Early Education Centre

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Helpful reads for families

Practical advice from our educators on starting childcare, getting ready for school, routines, wellbeing and more.

School prep13 October 2026

What Parents Can Expect During Their Child’s First Week of Prep

Starting Prep is a major milestone for children and their families. After years of learning through play, attending childcare, and preparing for kindergarten, the first week of primary school brings exciting new experiences,…

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School prep7 September 2026

School Readiness: 7 Essential Skills Every Child Develops Before Prep

Starting Prep is an exciting milestone for every family. While many parents focus on letters, numbers, and writing, school readiness is about much more than academic knowledge.

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School prep10 August 2026

How Kinder Helps Children Develop Independence Before School

One of the biggest changes children experience when they start primary school is the increased expectation to do things independently. From unpacking their own bag to following classroom routines, children are encouraged to…

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Routines8 July 2026

How Daily Routines Help Prepare Children for Kinder and School

Children thrive on routine. Knowing what to expect each day helps them feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. Whether it’s arriving at childcare, enjoying morning group time, eating lunch, or packing up at the end of the…

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Families11 June 2026

Why Communication Between Parents and Educators Matters

When it comes to supporting a child’s growth and development, one of the most important partnerships is the one between parents and educators. Children benefit most when the important adults in their lives work together, share…

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Families18 May 2026

The Importance of Consistency Between Home and Childcare

Young children thrive when they know what to expect. Consistency between home and childcare helps children feel secure, confident, and more settled in their daily routines. When expectations, language, and routines are similar…

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Starting childcare29 April 2026

What to Pack in Your Child’s Childcare Bag

Preparing your child for a day at childcare can feel overwhelming especially if you’re not sure what they’ll need. Having a well-packed childcare bag ensures your child stays comfortable, happy, and ready to enjoy their day…

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Development19 January 2026

How Childcare Supports Your Child’s Social Development

One of the most valuable benefits of childcare is the role it plays in supporting children’s social development. From learning how to share and communicate, to building friendships and managing emotions, the early years are a…

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Fees & CCS19 December 2025

Understanding the New Changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) in Australia: The 3-Day Guarantee

For many families in Australia, early childhood education and care is one of the biggest weekly expenses. In response to this, the Australian Government has introduced significant changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) that…

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School prep24 November 2025

How to Prepare Your Child Emotionally for Starting School

Starting school is a big milestone, and while many children feel excited about the adventure ahead, it’s also completely normal for them to feel a little unsure. New routines, new people, and new expectations can feel…

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School prep4 November 2025

Helping Your Child Transition from Kinder to School

Starting school is one of the biggest milestones in a child’s early years. It’s an exciting time filled with new experiences, friendships, and opportunities to learn but it can also bring a mix of nerves and uncertainty for…

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Routines14 October 2025

The Benefits of Routine for Toddlers in Childcare

For toddlers, the world can feel big, exciting, and sometimes a little unpredictable. That’s why having a consistent daily routine is so important. Routines give young children a sense of security and stability they know…

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Wellbeing7 October 2025

Screen Time and Young Children: What’s Healthy?

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere, from phones and tablets to TVs and computers.

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Development29 September 2025

The Importance of Play-Based Learning in Early Childhood

Play isn’t just fun, it’s a vital part of a child’s development. Through play, toddlers and pre-schoolers learn essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, creativity, and social interaction. At Altona Early…

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Development17 September 2025

Encouraging Independence in Toddlers: How Childcare Supports Your Child’s Growth

One of the most important skills toddlers develop in their early years is independence. Learning to do things for themselves helps children gain confidence, make decisions, and develop problem-solving skills that will serve…

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Starting childcare28 August 2025

What to Ask During a Childcare Centre Tour

Choosing the right childcare centre is one of the most important decisions parents make for their little ones. A centre tour gives you the chance to see the environment, meet the educators, and ask the questions that matter…

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Wellbeing6 August 2025

How We Handle Illness and Sickness at Our Childcare Centre

At Altona Early Education, the health and safety of every child in our care is our top priority. We know that young children are still building their immune systems, which means they can be more vulnerable to everyday…

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Families24 July 2025

How to Balance Work and Parenting When Using Childcare

Finding a balance between work and parenting can feel like a daily juggling act. For many families, childcare provides vital support—giving parents the time to work while ensuring their little ones are nurtured in a safe,…

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Starting childcare10 July 2025

How to Transition from Home to Childcare Smoothly

Starting childcare is a big milestone—for both children and their families. At Altona Early Education Centre, we understand that this transition is deeply personal, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.…

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Development18 June 2025

What Are Milestones for Children Aged 0–5?

From their very first smile to their first day at school, children grow and develop at a remarkable pace. The early years—from birth to age five—are filled with key developmental milestones that help lay the foundation for…

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Starting childcare17 June 2025

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Day at Childcare

Starting childcare is a big milestone—for both you and your child. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves as the first day approaches. Whether your child is feeling curious, anxious, or somewhere in…

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Development9 June 2025

How Childcare Supports Early Childhood Development

The early years of a child’s life are among the most formative. Between birth and age five, a child’s brain develops more rapidly than at any other stage, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, emotional wellbeing, and…

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