3 yr old kindy

[helen p]

My son is about to turn 3 and we're considering enrolling him in a 3 yr old kindy. A friend suggested that he attends daycare instead as the times are more flexible. What experiences have others had? Does anyone know of any good kindies or daycares on Perth SOR?

[TaliMay]

3yo kindy is much cheaper. The two I know of are in Perth but NOR. They are a part of a private school. Our Lady's Assumption is Catholic and they charge $2500 per year but its only 2 half days a week. St Andrews is full time (school hours) and is $3500 per year. This works out to be alot cheaper than day care unless you're a single mum in which case Centrelink pays for most of daycare.

Both options are good but 3yo kindy is hard to get into (long waiting lists) and all the kids are the same age.

Although times are more flexible with DC, you usually have to book at least couple of days per week, and you have to pay for them regardless.

In terms of care & education, both are eually good, but if you're considering staying at the school, it would make an easier transition from 3yo kindy to kindy the following year.

[hellogoodtx]

Hi -

I have a 5yo and 3yo and have tried both!

My 5yo went to a 3yr old kindy and it was great - It was the Stepping Out Kindy in Melville. They were fabulous there and he really enjoyed it. He went twice / week for 2.5 hours. It is short - but hereally did learn and grow from the experience and the teacher was really attentive - they picked up some learning difficulties for a friend which showed they really were interested in the children.

My 3yo goes to daycare. I was initially sceptical of daycare centres as they are SO often more about making profit than nurturing children's development - that was until I saw Como Children. I had a look and I just had to enrol my 3yo. They do minimum of 2 days - but it can be half days. THey are REALLY child centred, the carers are fabulous. I would rather keep my 3yo there than send him to Kindergarten at their school next year. The added bonus is it is for longer than 2.5 hours so you can actually do productive things! FYI - Como Children is on Birdwood Ave in Como.

Also...check about child care benefit and rebate. Some 3yo kindy qualify for the childcare rebate & benefit and some don't. You should get it at a daycare though.

Hope that helps.

[LC8261]

helen p, on 08 September 2010 - 01:35 PM, said:

My son is about to turn 3 and we're considering enrolling him in a 3 yr old kindy. A friend suggested that he attends daycare instead as the times are more flexible. What experiences have others had? Does anyone know of any good kindies or daycares on Perth SOR?

Kindy is cheaper but also it is a great way to meet other mums (i have made some great friends and so has my daughter). They were very welcoming to parents and siblings to come and stay/play for as long as we liked.
My second child is at daycare and it is the opposite. It's a quick drop off and you don't get to meet any other parents. Hours are heaps better, but expensive.
Hope this helps.
Lynda