Early Learning Centres
Early learning centres offer parents a choice of licensed, high quality child care and preschool programs. These environments are designed to help children develop in a safe and nurturing environment that provides the foundation for lifelong learning and helps them reach their full potential.
The Province of PEI is committed to continuing its leadership in the area of Early Learning and Child Care. To this end, we are investing in two key areas: expanding access to licensed spaces and improving the quality of those spaces.
Morell & Area Early Learning Centre, owned by Paige MacLaren, has been in operation since 2010. The centre is licensed to accommodate 40 children, and currently has a wait list. It is a small, rural centre that offers quality care and education.
Day Care
The day care industry is a key sector in the training and education sector and provides valuable opportunities for learners. This qualification will help learners to develop a range of skills to enable them to support children with learning and development difficulties in early learning and childcare centres and other settings. The qualification can be used in a wide variety of places of work including: further and higher education colleges, local authority children’s services, the voluntary sector and community-based organisations.
The Morell & Area Early Learning Centre is a small, family-run centre that serves 40 children. Paige MacLaren, the director, holds a level 3 ECE and a supervisor certificate and has a passion for child learning. She says that there is a large demand for trained ECEs, especially in rural areas.
The Day Early Learning State Government Center is located in downtown Indianapolis and serves families of state employees. It has 11 spacious classrooms, an indoor gross motor area and a playground. Teachers at the center have multiple years of experience and build strong relationships with children and their families. They also participate in the Paths to QUALITY quality rating system and are committed to continuous improvement. The center is a great choice for busy parents. The facility is open from 6:30 am until 6:00 pm and closes the day before and the day after recognized holidays.
Child Care Centres
Early learning and child care centres provide a safe, supportive and stimulating environment for children to learn and develop. They are regulated and monitored by the state, and are designed to support working parents with their child’s education and development needs. Child care centres offer a wide range of programs, including infant and preschool classes, and may also include family supports and health services.
Many families choose to enrol their child in childcare centres that have been accredited through an early learning and child care (ELCC) quality rating and improvement system (QRIS). The QRIS includes both publicly and privately operated ELCC centres, and it measures adherence to the national Early Childhood Education and Care Quality Standards set out in the Australian Children’s Education and Care Act 2013.
To be accredited, a centre must be registered and licensed with the local government. It must have an educator-to-child ratio of no more than 1:15, a healthy and nutritious menu and a child safety policy. The centre must also meet other requirements, such as ensuring that all educators have a current criminal record check.
The qualifications needed to work in a centre vary, but they all require at least a certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Educators can choose to complete their studies in vocational training colleges, TAFE or university. Some employers provide on-the-job training for aspiring ECEs. If you are considering a career in the industry, it is advisable to contact a variety of child care centres to see what they have to offer and discuss your options.
There are a number of ways to find out about childcare opportunities in your area, such as visiting the websites of different centres and asking about their curriculum. It is also a good idea to ask the centre for a tour and spend time with the staff. This will give you an insight into the kind of experience your child will have and whether they will feel comfortable there.
When you’re looking for a childcare provider, it is important to remember that everyone’s situation is different and there are many factors to consider. Choosing the right option for your child is essential to their happiness and growth. Whether you choose an early learning centre or family child care, it’s important to research all your options and make a decision that’s best for your child and your budget.Cache level 3 and Early learning centres