Qld Kindy - difference between kindy program in LDC and C & K?

[bheditor]

That's a timely article!

I agree that daycares use the term "kindy" a bit indiscriminately. My son's room is called "kindy [colour]", but they don't actually run a kindy program. they did, but the teacher left and they didn't replace her so they lost their accreditation.

You would think "kindy" would be a word reserved for an actual accredited program, otherwise it's misleading.

Yes very timely! We are helping the state government get that message out there at the moment as we realise it is all a bit confusing at the moment.

[share a book]

Hi, I have recently stopped working in a ldc and now work from home. In the 3-4 and 4-6 year rooms, a kindy program is run from 9am to 3pm each day in line with other kindy or pre-prep programs. Now from home, I also run the kindy program during school hours. We use the Early Years Learning Framework and I am learning more about National Curriculum to better prepare the children emotionally and academically for school.

[Sundae]

The person who runs the "kindy" program is now a Bachelor Qualified Teacher.
As for basic painting and drawing , come to my centre from the Nursery up we use anything and everything to paint with! Potato Mashers, leaves, feathers, tennis balls, hands and feet, straws, and that's only to name a few I'm crazy for art lol

[biscotti]

I have always thought it would be good if C & K could offer a before and after kindy program, to make it more accessible for working parents.

Some affiliated centres have offered after kindy programs in the past but due to high costs they aren't always feasible....only a handful that I know of too. One centre I know of looked at working in with the after school care at the local school but I'm not sure how that one panned out. I think it was an issue with ratios, I'll have to chase it up, just for my own interest!

I think one of the biggest differences is that a C&K Kindy is non-profit and many LDC's are run for profit ie it's someone's business. There can be quite a difference in the way a centre is run or how a program is delivered when it's run as a business. The other thing to consider is that C&K centres, well the affiliated ones are usually managed by parents - the Management Commitee - a great opportunity to be involved in the program and hands on in running of the centre

Hope that helps

[Pina Colada]

In terms of the program these days there is no difference, although it wasn't long ago where there was a real difference.

I know, for me, there are 2 big benefits of C and K over LDC and that is the class is consistent ie. there is the same group of 22 children there on all 3 days rather then varying numbers and faces during the week and also we are not eligible for any type of childcare rebate, so we would be paying $70+ in LDC instead of $27 for C and K.

[biscotti]

I know, for me, there are 2 big benefits of C and K over LDC and that is the class is consistent ie. there is the same group of 22 children there on all 3 days rather then varying numbers and faces during the week

I meant to mention that, I was only just saying that to someone today. The same children on the same days is a huge benefit - for both teacher and the kids

[sweetseven]

That's a timely article!

I agree that daycares use the term "kindy" a bit indiscriminately. My son's room is called "kindy [colour]", but they don't actually run a kindy program. they did, but the teacher left and they didn't replace her so they lost their accreditation.

You would think "kindy" would be a word reserved for an actual accredited program, otherwise it's misleading.

I am of the understanding that the official term is "pre-prep" but many people use "kindy" or "pre-school" because those are the terms they are more familiar with. I would expect that there are limitations on what is classed as "pre-prep" but almost anything can be called "kindy" or "pre-school".

[bheditor]

Hi everyone! Just popping in as this thread caught my attention.

The QLD government is running a big campaign at the moment to let people know more about what they are now officially calling Kindergarten (or Kindy) - which is the year before Prep.

More info on our Kindy hub: http://www.bubhub.com.au/queensland-kindy-news/

Hope this clears up any confusion!