Queensland families seeking a single provider for both kindergarten and before and after school care can find comprehensive options at Little Scholars School of Early Learning. This guide explains how to identify centres that offer both services, details the specific programs available across South East Queensland, and provides a practical framework for evaluating your local options.
Service Finder Tools
Finding a childcare centre that offers both kindergarten and before and after school care (OSHC) requires using the right digital tools. The most reliable starting point is the federal government's service search tool, which allows you to filter providers by location and specific service types. This tool is essential for verifying which centres are approved to deliver both early childhood education and school hours care.
Using the Federal Service Search
The Services Australia website hosts the primary search tool for approved childcare services in Australia. When using this tool, you can enter your postcode or suburb and then filter the results to show only services that provide both 'Early Childhood Education and Care' and 'Before and After School Care'. This ensures you are looking at providers that are registered and approved for both service types under the National Quality Framework.
Local Provider Directories
Understanding Kindy and OSHC
Kindergarten and Before and After School Care are distinct services with different purposes, age ranges, and regulatory requirements. Understanding these differences helps parents make informed decisions about which provider to choose.
What is Kindergarten?
Kindergarten is a government-funded early childhood education program for children in the year before they start school. In Queensland, the Free Kindy initiative provides 15 hours of funded kindergarten per week for eligible children. This program focuses on school readiness, social development, and foundational learning skills.
What is Before and After School Care?
Before and After School Care, also known as OSHC, is a service for school-aged children, typically from Prep to Year 12. It provides supervised care before school starts, after school finishes, and during school holidays. This service is crucial for working families who need flexible care options that align with their work schedules and school timetables.
Little Scholars Program Offerings
Little Scholars School of Early Learning operates 17 purpose-built campuses across South East Queensland, including the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich, and Redland Bay. The provider offers a comprehensive range of services that cater to children from six weeks to school age, including both kindergarten and OSHC programs.
Kindergarten Programs
Little Scholars delivers the Queensland Government-funded Free Kindy program at all 17 campuses. This ensures that every family enrolled with the provider can access the 15 hours of funded kindergarten per week. The program is led by qualified early childhood teachers and is designed to support children's transition to school.
Before and After School Care
Little Scholars offers Before and After School Care at select campuses. This service is run by experienced and qualified educators and includes healthy meals, age-appropriate activities, and safe transport to and from school. The OSHC program is CCS approved, meaning eligible families can receive a subsidy on their fees.
Integrated Service Model
One of the key advantages of choosing a provider like Little Scholars is the integrated service model. Families can access both kindergarten and OSHC at the same campus, which simplifies logistics and provides a consistent environment for their children. This model is particularly beneficial for families with multiple children of different ages, as it allows them to use a single provider for all their care needs.
Comparison of Service Models
The following table compares the key features of standalone kindergarten providers, standalone OSHC providers, and integrated providers like Little Scholars.
| Feature | Standalone Kindy | Standalone OSHC | Integrated Provider (e.g., Little Scholars) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 4-5 years | Prep-Year 12 | 6 weeks to school age |
| Service Type | Early Childhood Education | School Hours Care | Both ECEC and OSHC |
| Logistics | Separate provider for OSHC | Separate provider for Kindy | Single provider for both |
| Consistency | Low | Low | High |
| Subsidy | CCS applies | CCS applies | CCS applies to both |
Key Takeaways
- Use the federal Services Australia search tool to find approved providers offering both kindy and OSHC.
- Kindergarten is a government-funded program for 4-5 year olds, while OSHC is for school-aged children.
- Little Scholars offers both Free Kindy and OSHC at select campuses across South East Queensland.
- Integrated providers simplify logistics by offering both services at the same location.
- Check specific campus pages for details on OSHC availability, as it may not be offered at every site.
- Both kindy and OSHC are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Consider the provider's philosophy and values to ensure they align with your family's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Little Scholars offer both kindy and OSHC at all campuses?
Little Scholars offers Free Kindy at all 17 campuses. However, Before and After School Care is available at select campuses. You should check the specific campus page or contact the local centre to confirm OSHC availability.
How do I find a childcare centre that offers both services?
Use the Services Australia search tool and filter for providers that offer both 'Early Childhood Education and Care' and 'Before and After School Care'.
Is the Child Care Subsidy available for both kindy and OSHC?
Yes, both kindergarten and OSHC are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy. Eligibility and subsidy amounts are assessed individually by Services Australia based on your family's circumstances. according to Child Care Centers
What age range does Little Scholars cater to?
Little Scholars cares for children from six weeks to school age, including nursery, toddler, kindy, and OSHC programs.
Can I use the same provider for my kindy child and my school-aged child?
Yes, if the provider offers both services at the same campus. Little Scholars offers an integrated model at select locations, allowing families to use a single provider for both age groups.
How do I book a tour of a Little Scholars campus?
You can book a tour online or call the local campus directly. Tours are a great way to see the facilities and meet the educators.
Conclusion
Choosing a childcare centre that offers both kindergarten and before and after school care can simplify your family's life and provide a consistent environment for your children. Little Scholars School of Early Learning is a leading provider in Queensland, offering both services at select campuses across South East Queensland. By using the right tools and considering your family's specific needs, you can find the right provider for your children's care and education.
To explore the Little Scholars difference, book a tour of your local campus today.