The Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life program is a $14 billion scheme designed to give Victorian children high-quality early learning experiences. Their scheme includes funding for 3 3-year-olds to 4-year-olds, shifting four-year-old kindergarten to ‘Pre-Prep,’ among other initiatives. For parents, the Best Start, Best Life scheme can make weekly childcare more accessible and affordable.

Navigating early childcare programs can sometimes present a source of confusion. Specifically, you may be wondering whether you should opt for sessional kinder or long daycare kinder for your child. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between sessional kinder and long daycare kinder and which may be a better fit for your childcare arrangements.

Sessional Kindergarten

Sessional kindergarten (sometimes referred to as ‘council kinder’) is a program offered to 3-4-year-olds during school term time. Sessional kindergarten is led by qualified teachers and is designed to introduce children to play-based learning. Sessional kindergarten is available in Victoria for up to 15 hours a week.

What is a Sessional Kindergarten Program?

A sessional kindergarten program is a structured early childhood education program that typically operates for a set number of hours each week (generally 15 hours spread over several days).

If your child only requires a few hours of care per week, sessional kindergarten is a good option. 

Benefits of Enrolling in a Sessional Kindergarten Program

• Sessional kindergarten offers a few scheduling options. For parents who have very flexible schedules, they may benefit from sessional kindergarten’s hours.
• Sessional kindergarten deploys play-based learning, which supports healthy cognitive and social development in young children. A high-quality sessional kindergarten program will ensure that your child has all the foundational social and educational skills ready for primary school education.
• Sessional day care can be subsidised for up to 15 hours a week, saving costs.

Long Day Care

Long day care caters to children aged 6 months – 5 years, including government-approved 3-year-old & 4-year-old kindergarten programs. Long day care provides the added benefit of having kindergarten programs integrated into a childcare centre, providing flexible hours which accommodate working families (long day cares are typically open from 6.30am-6.30pm).

Furthermore, it makes for an easy transition for children already enrolled in the centre, as they can remain in the same centre from infancy through to school age. Consequently, long day care offers better convenience and flexibility than sessional kindergarten. Families with working parents might consider using a local long day care centre.

What is a Long Day Care Program?

Long day care services are typically based in dedicated, purpose-built centres and provide early education programs designed and delivered by qualified teachers & professionals. They provide children with a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment that allows them to explore the world around them with a natural curiosity, build their motor skills, learn how to express themselves in creative ways and develop their cognitive and emotional skills. Children are engaged through play-based learning, which includes fun, practical activities designed to foster their development in multiple areas (including academic skills, social skills, emotional skills and physical development). 

In long day care, kindergarten programs for three and four-year-olds are led by fully qualified kindergarten teachers. Many centres also include an exciting incursions and excursions program which helps to deliver a holistic approach to early childhood education.

Benefits of Enrolling in a Long Day Care Program

• They’re a reliable option for continuous childcare. For working families, long day care can provide an educational and social experience that supports families by being open from 6.30am-6.30pm
• Long day care combines childcare with structured educational programs. The programs provide consistent and caring support for cognitive, social, emotional and physical development from infancy all the way through to school age.
• Long day care also provides nutritious meals prepared by qualified chefs (up to 5 meals per day: breakfast/morning tea/lunch/afternoon tea/late snack).
• Long day care kinder can be subsidised for up to 15 hours a week, saving costs.

There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ option when it comes to choosing between sessional kindergarten and long day care kindergarten. By considering the program differences carefully, you can choose which one is a better option for your child and your family needs.

Sessional Kinder vs Long Day Care Kinder: Which One Is Right For You?

So how do you choose the right Kinder program? Consider asking yourself:

• What hours do I need to arrange childcare for?
• What financial resources do I have available, and am I available for any subsidies or financial relief?
• How important is socialisation and play-based learning in my child/ren’s development? What group size does my child/ren thrive in?
• What high-quality facilities and kindergarten sessions do you have available locally?
• Do I need a centre that provides meals, nappies, sunscreen and other essentials, or am I happy to provide these myself?

By reflecting on these questions, you can discern which childcare option may fit your family’s needs better.