Kids Academy

Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 4

Tracey Ling — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 04:42:00 +0000

Welcome to the fourth installment of our National Quality Standards seven-part series, where we provide an in-depth look into the seven quality areas benchmarked against the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards.

Quality Area 4 of the National Quality Standard focuses on the provision of qualified and experienced educators who build secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships with children and young people. Area 4 focuses on creating predictable environments and encourages children’s active and meaningful engagement and participation in the learning program. A collaborative and ethical culture where professional standards guide all aspects of practice is critical to a quality service.

National Quality Standard – Quality Area 4 Staffing Arrangements

Quality Area 4 has two Standards that focus on the organisation and professionalism of educators, staff and management. These Standards are crucial to delivering quality outcomes for children under the National Quality Framework because:

Professional and collaborative relationships between management, Educators and staff support continuous improvement, leading to improved learning experiences and outcomes for children
Careful organisation of staff contributes to the continuous support of each child’s learning and development in an effectively supervised environment
Professional standards set quality benchmarks for Educators’ practice and relationships.

Standard One - Staffing Arrangements

Having sufficient educators and staff members available at all times when children are present, enables the service to deliver quality education and care programs that respond to and promote all children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Educators are likely to be responsive, purposeful and reflective when staffing arrangements at the service enable them to direct their full attention to their work with children, and when they do not have to attend simultaneously to other tasks.

Responsive learning relationships are strengthened as educators and children engage and learn together. The service is encouraged to arrange staff in ways that support positive experiences for all children at the service at all times.

Standard Two - Professionalism

Professionalism is demonstrated when management, Educators and other staff develop and maintain relationships with each other that are based on the principles of mutual respect, equity and fairness. Team collaboration that is based on understanding the expectations and attitudes of team members, and build on the strength of each other’s knowledge, help nurture constructive professional relationships. These relationships reduce the likelihood of misunderstanding and conflict. For more information see Early Childhood Australia’s Code of Ethics (2016), a resource that guides the behaviour of early childhood professionals.

When adults communicate effectively and respectfully with each other they promote a positive and calm atmosphere at the service, supporting children to feel safe and secure and contributing to the development of positive and reciprocal relationships between children and educators. Unresolved and poorly managed conflict between adults in the service affects morale and impacts on the provision of quality education and care to children.

Collaborative leadership and teamwork are founded on professional and respectful conversations about practice. Educators respect and engage with different ways of thinking and working as a team to critically reflect on practice. When Educators communicate effectively and share ideas about practice, children’s learning, development and wellbeing is optimised (Early Years Learning Framework; Framework for School Age Care).

If you would like further information about Quality Area 4 and how the staffing arrangements within our centres support your child’s learning, please have a chat to our team, or find a centre HERE.

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Supporting The Progression To Big School

Emeliza Ah Van — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 04:37:00 +0000

With Graduation done and dusted, you and your child may be nervous about the transition into Big School. Here are five tips to support your child with this significant milestone and set them up for success.

Transparency and open communication.
Validate your child's feelings and provide them with a safe space to express and regulate their emotions.
Encourage independence.
Being completely connected with your child's learning.
Meet your child's teacher and role model positive relationships.

More ways to support your child's progression to big school

Transparency and communication about change can often support your child with feeling a sense of ease when transitioning into such a new world. Some changes you might see worth discussing could be transportation changes, which may go from car drop off to bus drop off. Other changes include the sound and purpose of the bell or knowing where to locate the bathroom during recess and lunchtime.

As adults, we can remember how overwhelming it may have been to change workplaces. Moving to an unfamiliar space is a vast process, and having a safe space to share our emotions throughout the journey allows for an opportunity to discuss feelings to be heard or create solutions. In turn, there is an opportunity to build resilience and adapt to change, an ongoing factor in our everyday life, including the transition to Big School.

Encouraging your child to perform and assist with some self-help tasks, such as putting their shoes on, carrying their bag, washing their hands, and labelling their belongings, can make the transition to school much smoother. These activities can boost your child's confidence and promote a sense of capability. A consistent routine is key for them to gain a sense of control and independence.

Staying informed about your child's day can provide talking points for conversations. You may discuss the learning experiences with them, ask about their peers, and view the Storypark updates sent by your Lifelong Learning Centre. You can reinforce some key concepts and support their learning by revisiting these educational experiences with your child, which can foster conversations about their day at big school and support recollection of information.

Meeting your child's teacher before the transition can support your child in feeling a sense of belonging when they see positive relationships being role-modelled. Not only will this benefit your child's transition, but it could also ease your nerves as a parent!

Our Lifelong Learning Programs

Nursery

Your child's lifelong learning journey starts here! Our nursery provides a warm, safe environment for your baby to learn and grow. Caring and gentle educators will develop nurturing relationships with your baby, so your child will develop trust and a sense of belonging.

Toddler

Our centre provides a stimulating and fun environment to enhance your child's learning in their early years. Learning starts long before school, with the first five years of a child's life being crucial to laying the foundations for their ability to learn throughout their later years.

Preschool

Preparing for primary school is one of the most important times in a child's life. Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum School Readiness program stimulates young minds, builds confidence, resilience and positive self-image, and supports children's transition to school.

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How We Transition Your Child To A New Room

Shalini Chandaran — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 04:37:00 +0000

Happy New Year! The holiday season is over, and it's time to return to our daily routines. It's incredible to see how quickly our children are growing up. This month, many families are focused on shopping for school supplies and getting their children ready for the new academic year.

For families already a part of Affinity centres, you may be familiar with our transition process when your child moves to a new classroom after achieving their developmental milestones. As these transitions can be challenging for some children, Affinity has developed a process that ensures your child transitions smoothly into their next classroom.

Why are these transitions hard for some children?

Entering into a new environment can be an overwhelming experience for children, especially when they are surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Children can feel unsure of their safety and lack the comfort of an established safe space. They have yet to form trusting relationships with educators, and may feel uncertain as to why they have been brought to this new environment. These factors can create feelings of disorientation and uncertainty.

What happens when children don't feel supported?

Insecurity grows from day to day (growing fear)
They don't feel heard and begin to show big behaviours
Their fear of new environments grows, which then affects transitions to other environments

How do Early Experience Educators support children during transitions?

We understand that each child is unique and will need customised support when settling into a new environment.
Our educators spend time getting to know each child and their family.
Ensure that children's emotional well-being is a top priority.
Our rooms are set up with exciting activities for children to explore; we also plan intentional experiences for educators to facilitate conversation and build relationships through play.
We utilise unhurried 'care moments' (i.e., meal and rest times) to connect with each child.

Quick tips for parents to help with transitions

Share photos of teachers or friends in the new room and regularly include them in discussions.
Develop a shared ritual with your child before heading to school – a 7-minute workout, walking around the neighbourhood, cycling to school, drawing together, etc.
Prepare a photo of your family or the person your child loves the most for them to take to school.
Involve your child in decision-making on a lunch box, attire, packing, bags, etc. Start prepping your child emotionally three days before.
Create a routine first, and then create a visual poster for your child to have visual guide for each step in their routine.

Our Lifelong Learning Programs

Nursery

Toddler

Preschool

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Early Education: Navigating the First Weeks

Grace Essuman — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 04:37:00 +0000

Many parents are curious about their baby's experience after commencing care in an Early Childhood setting. In the early weeks, it is best to take things slow and allow time for your baby to process all the learning in our Healthy Beginning Curriculum. You may expect your baby to exhibit the following behaviours:

Endless new ways to communicate!

Early Education provides a fantastic avenue for babies to socialise! You may start hearing different 'noises' at home, such as babbling, cooing and crying. Your baby may also start recognising and responding to voices and facial expressions.

New skills and starting to assert their independence

Exposure to various learning experiences in an Early Education setting can contribute to your baby's developmental milestones. Babies acquire new skills and lifelong learning dispositions from a more structured routine, such as crawling and self-feeding!

Sleep and emotional adjustment

Babies may want some extra food and cuddles from you after starting care at an Early Childhood centre. Their brains have so much to process during the day, which may also affect their sleep.

Affinity Early Childhood Educators are highly qualified and experienced with settling young children into the routine. Please reach out to Healthy Beginnings room Educators; they can suggest options for your child and family.

Here are some helpful tips that you can use to make the transition into an Early Childhood Centre smoother

It is important to build a relationship with the Educators. When your child sees that you have a good relationship with their Early Childhood Educator, they are more likely to feel secure and trusting in that environment. Demonstrating your trust in the Educator will make your child more likely to trust them.

Stay and play with your child

It is recommended to spend some time with your child as they adjust to being away from you in our Early Childhood Centre. You can engage in activities such as reading a book together, playing quietly, or watching your child participate. As you and your child become more familiar with the environment, you can gradually reduce the time you spend together. The first days will help establish a drop-off routine that works for you and your child.

Remember to say goodbye at the drop-off time

When it is time for you to go, it is important to let your child know you are going and when you will return. Give your child a warm hug and kiss, say goodbye to their Educator, and leave promptly, as this helps them settle down with their Educator easily.

'All about me' Forms

These forms are a helpful tool Educators use to ensure there is consistency between the routines and rituals from home and daycare centres. The information from these forms is a starting point for establishing meaningful relationships with children and families. This starting point establishes a Circle of Security for children and primary caregiving practices.

Our Lifelong Learning Programs

Nursery

Toddler

Preschool

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This Year’s Top 5 Most Captivating Reads

Crysta Kelly — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 03:51:01 +0000

This year has provided a wonderful opportunity to explore a multitude of Early Education topics in depth. Discover which of our blog articles from 2023 our families and Educators loved the most!

In top place was 'The Importance of Using the Abecedarian Approach to Improve Toddlers' Language Skills,' revealing helpful and practical tips for encouraging little ones communicate and express themselves.

Next, 'A Day of Awe and Wonder in Your Nursery' invites you to explore the magic of Early Childhood Education. Take a delightful journey with 'A Day in the Life of a Toddler,' capturing everything from playtime to naptime. Learn how to navigate separation anxiety with our article 'Easing Separation Anxiety' featuring expert advice for parents and caregivers, shared by our team of qualified and experienced Educators.

Finally, 'Benefits of Attending Early Childhood and Care During the Holiday Period' uncovers why holiday care is a great opportunity for both fun and learning. These blogs are full of knowledge and inspiration for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about the well-being of our youngest learners.

The following list celebrates the year's most popular Early Education blog articles. Read more here:

Our Lifelong Learning Programs

Nursery

Toddler

Preschool

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Affinity Increases Commitment to The Smith Family

Crysta Kelly — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 02:52:45 +0000

Active Commitment to Sponsorship

Affinity Education Group has increased its commitment to The Smith Family Learning for Life program again in the third quarter of 2023, with 236 individual child sponsorships now being actively supported on behalf of centres around Australia. The program acknowledges the importance of additional support for children facing disadvantages, recognising that such support is essential for maintaining their engagement in education.

Learning for Life helps children create better futures for themselves by providing:

Financial assistance from a sponsor to help families meet the cost of school essentials like uniforms, books and excursions.
Support from a Learning for Life Program Coordinator to connect the child and their family to local learning opportunities and other supports.
Access to The Smith Family out-of-school mentoring and educational programs to help children get the most out of their school years.

Newcomers to Affinity Join Sponsorship Efforts

Newcomers to the Affinity Education Group community, including Kids Academy Mickleham, Kids Academy Waratah Estate and Kids Academy Melton in Victoria, are among those who are thrilled to sponsor a disadvantaged child.

Values Aligned With Vision

CEO Tim Hickey said the company's decision to broaden its corporate social responsibility strategy through a national commitment aligned with the company's values and employee feedback received in 2022.

"Our Affinity Commitment to The Smith Family is 'one child sponsored for every centre operated’ " Mr Hickey said.

One of the Affinity Values our centre teams always highlight is Being Completely Connected – with their families, and with local schools and communities," he said.

"Our promise – potential, realised – aligns strongly with The Smith Family vision for a world where every child has the opportunity to change their future."

"And our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, which aims to grow and instill a lifelong love of learning in every child, sets children up for the best possible success in primary school and beyond. It was a natural progression for us to choose The Smith Family's Learning for Life program, which provides young Australians in need with long-term educational support," Mr Hickey said.

Light Up Education for Children in Need.

This year we have chosen to support The Smith Family by setting up a Giving Tree to light up education for Australian children living in disadvantage. We are extending an invitation to help us reach our target of $10,000 via the Affinity Education Group Giving Tree.

Follow the link below to find out more:

The Smith Family Giving Tree

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2023 Affinity Awards Open for Nominations

Crysta Kelly — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 04:39:05 +0000

Affinity Education Group is excited to announce the launch of its yearly national awards, celebrating outstanding achievements and excellence within the Early Education and Care sector. This year, the awards experienced a record-breaking response, with more than 634 nominations received across more than 225 centres Australia wide. The sheer number of nominations is a testament to the Educators' enthusiasm and pride across Affinity Education Group. The awards have created incredible excitement, with centres posting celebratory photos and videos on Facebook using the hashtag #2023AffinityAwards.

Milestones Early Learning Oxley Vale celebrates multiple nominations.

Recognising outstanding commitment, passion and performance

Covering 32 categories, the nominees have shown excellence in their nominated field. Winners in each category will be announced in early December. The awards recognise outstanding commitment, passion and performance across several categories and professions, starting with Affinity Education Group's values: Being Completely Connected, Delivering Outstanding Professionalism, Going Above and Beyond, Creating Shining Stars, Living The Team Spirit and Having Serious Fun.

Papilio Early Learning North Strathfield Blue celebrating their nominations in the spirit of ‘Serious Fun’

Recognising outstanding commitment, passion and performance

Covering 32 categories, the nominees have shown excellence in their nominated field. Winners in each category will be announced in early December. The awards recognise outstanding commitment, passion and performance across several categories and professions, starting with Affinity Education Group’s values: Being Completely Connected, Delivering Outstanding Professionalism, Going Above and Beyond, Creating Shining Stars, Living The Team Spirit and Having Serious Fun.

Other categories recognise Excellence in Safety, Quality, Education and Financial Management. State Manager’s awards will be complemented by national winners for Best Centre Manager, Assistant Centre Manager, Early Childhood Teacher, Educational Leader, Lead Educator, Trainee and Cook.

Going above and beyond

CEO Tim Hickey said that the awards started about five years ago. “Our ambition was to build a culture that recognizes and rewards our people for living our values and going above and beyond with performance. It has evolved and has become bigger and bigger. Affinityites keep going above and beyond to deliver amazing service to our parents and the children.” Mr Hickey said.

“We have nominations for new Trainees, Cooks, Centre Managers, Assistant Centre Managers, Educational Leaders, and Early Childhood Teachers. Whichever role you play in our organization, we want to make sure that we give an opportunity to recognize you.” Mr Hickey said.

Recognising those leading the way

“The most important thing is that we're living our Affinity values because they are what differentiates us; it's what makes it different to work with us versus working with anyone else. We do live and breathe these values. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognize those who stand out and lead the way because we want to keep improving as an organization." Mr Hickey said.

The 2023 Affinity Awards National Winners will be announced on 11 December 2023.

Recognising our valued sponsors

The 2023 Affinity Awards have been made possible with the support of valued sponsors including:

Platinum Sponsor:

Proudly supporting facilities repair, playground and internal improvements and safety initiative projects nationally for Affinity! RockBuild Group are an Australian based leading provider, specialising in Design and Construction, Major and Minor Renovations, Project Management and Facilities Maintenance Services, specialising in the Retirement Living, Retail and Childcare sectors.

RockBuild have developed extensive experience and capability, to ensure we offer industry leading solutions to suit your specific construction project, renovation, programmed and reactive maintenance needs, offering a complete project management and construction service. At RockBuild Group, we take pride in our commitment to delivering exceptional results on every project we undertake. Our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals work closely with our clients to understand their needs and objectives, ensuring that we deliver customized solutions that meet their specific requirements.

Gold Sponsors:

Proudly delivering fresh food to all Affinity Education Group Centres each week! Woolworths at Work makes managing business groceries simple. Order online in minutes and have your delivery unpacked on your bench the following day for free*. From quality Australian fresh produce to cleaning and office supplies, our great value range is loaded with healthy, sustainable options to suit your budget. With consistent pricing, reporting tools and zero paperwork, Woolworths at Work is the smart yet simple solution your business has been searching for.

*Next day orders over $99, excludes same day and partner delivery. Subject to availability, excludes remote locations.

Industry Graduates

Proud to deliver training, development, and support to trainees, educators, Early Childhood Teachers and Centre Management Teams! Industry Graduates improves workforce capability through design and implementation of commercially focused strategies for employers and industry bodies. Industry Graduates have been working closely with Affinity to Realise Potential in all employees through our ‘Affinity Learning Academy’ model, which provides fully funded accredited training delivered by respected RTOs since 2017. We focus on attraction, recruitment, development and retention of candidates into the workforce from pre employment to leadership.

Silver Sponsor:

Bronze Sponsors:

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Educational Programs During the Festive Season

Lesley Jones — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:55:00 +0000

Summer Program Launch

In preparation for 2024, we're launching two exceptional programs that will run across December and January for all of our children, from the nursery through to preschool or kindergarten. The first of those programs is our summer program, which takes full advantage of our beautiful Australian summer.

Examples of activities that we have planned include water play days, mini master chef events, gardening clubs and art studio sessions. Dates for each activity will be advertised in the foyer. If your child only usually attends on a day that a particular event is planned, please check in with your Centre Manager and see if there is availability for a casual day so that your child can join the fun that we have planned over December and January.

School Readiness Intensive Program

The second program that we have running is our School Readiness Intensive Program for our children heading to big school in January. We don't want to see the momentum lost from the work that we've been doing with your children as we prepare them to move off to primary school.

The foundational learning programs you've become aware of, such as our Numeracy and Literacy, STEM programs or conservation programs, will continue throughout December and January. We've also added some fantastic inquiry-based projects for the children to extend their skills to ensure they are excited about starting big school.

We sincerely wish your families the very best of festive seasons, and we hope to see your children all through December and January, enjoying our educational programs in all of our centres across Australia.

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Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 3

Tracey Ling — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:42:51 +0000

Welcome to the third installment of our National Quality Standards series where we highlight the importance of implementing the 7 key Quality Standards throughout all Lifelong Learning Centres.

National Quality Standard – Quality Area 3 Physical Environment

The third Quality Area addresses physical environment. Quality Area 3, as outlined in the National Quality Standard, strives to guarantee a secure, appropriate, and stimulating physical environment that fosters children's learning and development. The design, equipment, and organization of the environment play a crucial role in shaping how space and resources are utilized, with the potential to encourage children's involvement, positive experiences, and the development of inclusive relationships.

Quality area 3 is comprised of two standards

Outlined on the ACECQA (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority) website, the two main standards include Design and Use. Design refers to the development of facilities appropriate for the operation of a service, and use refers to the creation of an environment that is inclusive, promotes competence, supports exploration, and encourages play-based learning.

Standard One - Design:

The outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, fixtures, and fittings are designed to be suitable for their intended purpose, ensuring inclusive access for every child. Upkeep must be maintained, ensuring that premises, furniture, and equipment are safe, clean and in excellent working order.

Standard Two - Use:

Use refers to the provision of an inclusive environment, resources that support play-based learning, and environmentally responsible practices. Outdoor and indoor areas are structured and customized to facilitate the involvement of each child and involve them in high-quality experiences within both constructed and natural settings. The resources, materials, and equipment are designed for versatile use, provided in ample quantity, and empower each child to participate in learning through play. The facility promotes environmental stewardship and encourages children to develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

The Regulatory Authority conducts Assessment and Rating of our service periodically. However, Affinity Education undertakes evaluation with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards biannually through our dedicated team of early years experts, known as our Quality Team. Through regular internal visits, we guarantee that your child's service consistently aligns with the framework, stays updated on Education and Practice guidelines, and receives tailored on-the-job coaching and training specific to the service, room, and, crucially, your children.

If you would like further information about Quality Area 3 and how the physical environment of our centres have been developed to support your child’s learning, please have a chat to our team, or find a centre near you.

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Navigating End of Year Transitions

Crysta Kelly — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:37:49 +0000

The Lifelong Learning Curriculum offers an abundance of research-based practices that ensure continuous learning during the holiday season. As a parent, you may wonder what development your child is progressing with during this time. Throughout the holiday season, your child is able to engage in our play-based School Readiness Intensive program that encourages shared sustained thinking with peers. The program allows children to develop social and emotional confidence and interact positively with others. Developing social and emotional confidence when transitioning into a new environment such as 'Big School' allows for more resilience when navigating such a significant change in their routine. Continuing care during the holiday period can support this.

School Readiness Intensive Program:

The School Readiness Intensive Program has been specifically designed to assist educators and teachers in Affinity centres with various simple, age-appropriate, and intentional learning experiences to provide during December and January. This program was developed in collaboration with Education Advisors and Early Childhood Teachers from all over Australia, focusing on implementing school-ready activities to achieve the best outcomes in a short time frame. We have decided to run this program during the end-of-year period to make it fun, exciting and fresh in the children's minds as they prepare to enter big school. The program includes large projects with an added intensity and focus on shared sustained thinking processes through inquiry-based learning. Through opportunities like these, children continue to build relationships with their peers and develop their skills of building and maintaining connections with others, which is an integral part of transitioning successfully into a big school.

Social-Emotional Confidence:

As we all know, the end of the year and transition to big school can be overwhelming for children and some families. It is the time of year with a mixture of big emotions for big buckets to fill, such as trying to organize the following year, getting ready for Christmas, attending orientations, getting to know new adults and children, and so on. Our centres have experienced these emotions and have ensured that we critically reflect and find various strategies to assist children and families with a smooth process.

Affinity Education Centres uses the Positive Living Skills online platform to support our children in social-emotional confidence. This new program was brought into Affinity early this year and has shown significant development in our children's social-emotional confidence.

Encouraging Growth Mindset:

Our educators will take this holiday period as an opportunity to explore and implement this program more deeply. Through this program, Educators will be extending growth mindset learning experiences, sharing age-appropriate social stories, using audio relaxation stories, songs, and posters to support various emotional needs in the room, and also sharing valuable tips and resources with parents that are suitable for this transition period to school.

Maintaining Wellbeing:

Positive Living Skills is an inclusive, preventative, evidence-based initiative designed to support children to learn skills for maintaining mental well-being and to support educators and early childhood teachers to promote positive behaviour within the Centre community while supporting Educators and families.