Nexus Early Learning | Long Day Care & Kindergarten

SESSIONAL KINDERGARTEN VERSUS LONG DAY CARE

Understanding the Difference: Sessional Kindergarten vs Long Day Care

In Australia, families have two main early childhood education options to support their child’s transition to school: Sessional Kindergarten and Long Day Care.

While the structure and daily rhythm of these services differ, both follow the same accredited curriculum, delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Each setting is committed to offering a high-quality learning experience tailored to the developmental needs of young children, ensuring they’re well prepared for formal schooling.

What is Sessional Kindergarten?

Also known as Preschool, Sessional Kindergarten usually runs for a few hours a day on set days each week, aligning with the school term calendar. Most children attend for one or two years before starting school. These programs are often operated by community organisations, councils, or schools, and government subsidies may be available based on your family’s circumstances.

What is Long Day Care?

Long Day Care services, on the other hand, offer full-day care and education for children from infancy through to school age. Children already enrolled in care can seamlessly continue into the Kindergarten program within a familiar environment. For newcomers, it provides time to gently settle into new routines and relationships.

With longer hours and more consistent attendance, Long Day Care allows children to practise and build on new skills more regularly. This steady, immersive approach helps deepen learning and supports a more confident transition to school.

Why Many Families Choose Long Day Care

Longer Hours to Suit Your Schedule

Long Day Care centres like Nexus Early Learning are ideal for working families, offering extended hours that fit around full-time work or other commitments. At Nexus, children enjoy more than just education: they’re provided with freshly prepared, nutritious meals and can take part in a wide range of extra activities. From sport and community engagement to the convenience of on-site haircuts, the experience is as enriching as it is practical.

Stability Through Routine

Operating throughout the year including school holidays, Long Day Care provides a consistent, structured environment where children feel secure and thrive. This continuity helps reinforce routine, which many young children need to feel safe and confident.

A Head Start in Learning

Centres like Nexus Early Learning deliver a play-based program rich in opportunities for early learning. Children develop vital life skills such as communication, social interaction, and problem-solving—all in a fun and engaging environment that supports their overall development.

Government Approved, Parent Approved

Nexus Early Learning is an approved provider under the Victorian Government, which means:

Programs are led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers
Learning is play-based and aligned with children’s developmental stages
The program meets the standards of the National Quality Framework
The same government funding for sessional hours applies within Long Day Care

Which One is Right for Your Child?

Both Sessional Kindergarten and Long Day Care offer valuable learning experiences. But for many families, Long Day Care stands out thanks to its extended hours, consistent care, and holistic support for both children and parents. It not only provides a strong educational foundation, it also makes daily life a little easier for busy families.

Choosing the right setting depends on your family's needs and your child’s personality. But with its flexibility, rich curriculum, and year-round care, Long Day Care can be the ideal choice for giving your child the best start in their early years.