The terms early learning and preschool are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing.
Early Learning – Birth to 5 years
Early learning is the broader concept. It refers to the learning and development that happens from birth through the early years of childhood, typically up to school age.
It includes:
- Learning through play, relationships and everyday experiences
- Social and emotional development
- Language and communication skills
- Physical development
- Problem-solving, creativity and curiosity
- Experiences in long day care, family day care, preschool, kindergarten, and at home
At BFS, early learning is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and focuses on helping children become confident, capable learners, including those ready to transition to school.
All BFS Early Learning services offer a preschool program to support working families who need longer care hours.
Preschool
Preschool is a specific educational program or setting designed for children in the year or two before they start school, usually aged 3 to 5 years.
Our preschool programs:
- Prepare children for the transition to school
- Are led by qualified early childhood teachers
- Focus on play-based learning and school readiness
- Develop social skills, independence, confidence, language, and early literacy and numeracy foundations.
At BFS Community Preschool, our programs are also guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and focuses on helping children become confident, capable learners as they transition to school.
Early learning is the journey. Preschool is one part of that journey.
A child begins learning from birth, and those early experiences shape their development long before they enter a preschool program.
For Families
Preschool helps prepare children for school and is offered in both our long daycare setting as well as our Community Preschools. All programs are delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, so you can be assured with either choice. Early learning just gives your family more flexibility with open hours, and is subsided by CCS. That said, Community Preschools are eligible for NSW Government funding too (not CCS).
Every play experience, conversation, relationship and moment of discovery contributes to your child’s learning and development. Preschool is an important stage within the broader early learning journey.
