Why Kindergarten Matters – and Why the Right Choice Makes a Difference

EDUCATION Week is a timely reminder that learning doesn’t begin at school – it begins long before a child walks through a classroom door.

Early education and care (which includes kinder and Long Day Care), plays a vital role in shaping children’s curiosity, confidence and capacity to learn, laying foundations that support not only academic success, but lifelong learning and wellbeing.

Research consistently shows that high quality early childhood education has a profound impact on children’s development.

In kindergarten, children build essential social and emotional skills, learn how to collaborate with others, develop early literacy and numeracy, and gain the confidence to explore the world around them.

The quality of teaching, the strength of relationships, and the values underpinning a kindergarten or Long Day Care service can make a lasting difference.

That’s why families are increasingly seeking kindergartens that prioritise evidence based practice, highly skilled educators and strong partnerships with families.

At Shine Bright, kindergarten is seen as a critical stage of learning – not a stepping stone to be rushed through, but a powerful opportunity to nurture each child’s unique potential.

Shine Bright’s chief of education Belinda Schultz said that kindergarten is where children develop the foundations for lifelong learning.

“When children feel safe, supported and inspired, they are far more likely to engage deeply in learning, build resilience and develop a strong sense of who they are,” she said.

“Shine Bright kindergartens are guided by a commitment to high-quality education and care, with programs shaped by contemporary research and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.

“Educators are supported through ongoing professional development, reflective practice and strong leadership – ensuring learning environments are intentional, inclusive and responsive to every child.

“We are committed to forming relationships with families who play such a central role to their child’s learning. Children thrive when educators and families work together.”

Choosing an early education and care setting is one of the first education decisions a family makes. Open communication, community connection and a shared understanding of each child’s strengths and needs underpin the kindergarten experience and should form part of the decision regarding which kindergarten or long day care to choose.

“We encourage all parents and carers to attend Open Days to find a kindergarten or long day care that suits their child’s needs. All of Shine Bright’s 44 services have an Open Day on Wednesday 20 May that we hope you will embrace,” Belinda said.

“We have 42 kindergartens across central and northern Victoria, as well as two Long Day Care centres in Bendigo and Charlton which have integrated kindergarten programs within their daily schedules.

“Our focus is on creating environments where children feel they belong, where their voices are heard giving them agency, and where learning is joyful, purposeful and deeply engaging.

“When children are supported to shine in their early years, the benefits extend far beyond their early years learning – into schools, communities and their future lives.”

Visit the Shine Bright website to find a kindergarten or Long Day Care near you which you can visit on Open Day, 20 May, from 9.00am until 11.30am. (shinebright.org.au)

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