Lifelong Learning Corner

Expert tips, educational insights, and fun activities to support your child's growth and development.

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Milestones Mount Riverview | Early Education & Child Care in Mount Riverview | Kid enjoys play time

Child Care and Immunity: What Every Parent Should Know About Sickness and Long-Term Health

When starting child care, many parents worry about their child catching colds or other common illnesses. It's an understandable concern, but did you know that these early encounters with germs ...
Child learning digital skills on an interactive screen in school readiness program

The Role of Digital Literacy in Preparing Children for School and Beyond

Today's classrooms and workplaces are increasingly digital, making digital literacy a foundational skill that children need as they grow. Digital literacy in early childhood isn't just about screen time; it's ...
Early childhood learning and education at Milestones Seven Hills

Choosing the Best Child Care in Australia: Why Milestones’ Lifelong Learning Curriculum Stands Out

Choosing the best child care is a crucial decision for any parent. At Milestones Early Learning, our Lifelong Learning Curriculum is widely regarded as the most advanced approach to early ...
Early childhood learning and education at Milestones Seven Hills

Why Cultural Diversity Matters in Early Childhood Education

In today's multicultural world, early exposure to cultural diversity plays a powerful role in children's development. At Milestones, we're dedicated to nurturing inclusive, supportive environments where every child feels valued ...
Milestones Mount Riverview | Early Education & Child Care in Mount Riverview | Children enjoy outdoor play time

What to Look for in a High-Quality Child Care Centre

Choosing the right child care centre is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know what ...
Children forming friendships at Milestones Early Learning

Building Friendships, Building Confidence: How Early Friendships Prepare Your Child for School

As parents, one of the biggest milestones we look forward to is our child starting school. It's an exciting time, but it can also be a little daunting - especially ...

Safe Sleep at Child Care: Creating a Secure Sleep Environment for Babies at Milestones

At Milestones Early Learning, we know that ensuring your baby's safety is your top priority, especially during sleep. Quality sleep is not only vital for your baby's growth and development ...

Story Time Adventures: Our Favourite Children’s Books to Read Together

Story time is a magical way to bond with your child while helping them develop essential language and social skills. At Milestones Early Learning, we use story time as a ...

Feeling Torn About Returning to Work? Here’s How Child Care Can Be a Positive Step for Your Baby

As a parent, the thought of returning to work after parental leave can bring up a lot of emotions. You may feel torn between wanting to be at home with ...
group mealtime benefits for kids

Food, Fun, & Friends: Why Group Mealtime Matters for Child Development

Group mealtime is more than just eating - it's a valuable opportunity for children to learn essential life skills. At Milestones Early Learning, we recognise that shared meals help foster ...
Milestones Warners Bay | Early Education & Child Care in Warners Bay | Children enjoy messy play

Promoting Positive Self-Esteem in Young Children

Helping young children develop a strong sense of self-worth is one of the most important things we can do to set them up for success. A healthy sense of self-esteem ...
Aussie Wildlife Champions

Sustainable Learning, Sustainable Futures: How Environmental Education Leads to Lifelong Success

As parents, we all want to give our children the best start in life - one that equips them not only with knowledge but with the values and habits that ...

Superheroes in Disguise: How Early Childhood Educators Save the Day (and Your Sanity!)

When it comes to superheroes, most of us picture capes, masks, and superpowers. But what if we told you that some of the most powerful superheroes are the ones without ...
Milestones Blaxland | Early Education & Child Care in Blaxland | Outdoor area of Milestones Blaxland childcare centre

How Play-Based Physical Activities Boost Literacy Development in Children

Play is a fundamental part of childhood, and it's also one of the most powerful tools for learning. For young children, play-based physical activities like obstacle courses, climbing frames, and ...

Maximising Your Child Care Subsidy: Tips for Families

Navigating the world of child care can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding how to make the most of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) in Australia. Whether you're ...

How to Develop Maths & Numeracy Skills from Birth

Maths and numeracy skills are foundational to a child's development and success in life. But did you know that these skills can be nurtured right from birth? Engaging in simple, ...

A Day in the Life of a Preschooler at Milestones

At Milestones Early Learning, every day is carefully structured to foster growth, learning, and fun, providing a nurturing environment that supports the holistic development of each child. The integrated child ...
Stem education in early childhood education will help close the gender gap

How Early Exposure to STEM can Help Close the Gender Gap in These Fields

Early exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is essential for closing the gender gap in these fields. This blog explores how introducing STEM concepts early can challenge stereotypes, ...
Milestones Early Learning in Swansea. Quality child care in Swansea for ages 0-5.

How to Help Children Develop School Readiness

Starting school is an important stage in your child's life. Before they start though, a child should ideally have developed a range of basic skills and knowledge to help them ...
Milestones Early Learning in Swansea. Quality child care in Swansea for ages 0-5. | How we transition children from one activity to another at Milestones

How To Help Children Transition From One Activity To Another

There are many times during the day when children have to stop doing one activity and transition on to another. For example, leaving the playground to go home, or putting ...
The importance of Parent Teacher Interviews in early education | Milestones Early Learning Centres

The Importance of Parent Teacher Interviews in Early Education

Three times a year Milestones' educators complete a Progress Record to assess your child's learning progress in relation to key developmental areas. After completing a Progress Record, we work with ...
The benefits of sandpit play for toddlers

Exploring the World Through Sand: The Benefits of Sandpit Play for Toddlers

Toddlers are like little explorers, constantly curious about the world around them. One of the most captivating and beneficial play experiences for them is the humble sandpit. This simple play ...
Benefits of water play for toddlers

Splish Splash! The Surprising Benefits of Water Play for Toddlers

As parents and caregivers, we're always on the lookout for activities that not only entertain but also help our little ones learn and grow. One such activity that often brings ...
Messy play benefits for toddlers

Unleashing the Benefits of Messy Play: How it Enhances Toddler Development

Messy play isn't just about creating a mess; it's about fostering crucial aspects of a child's development. From sensory exploration to cognitive growth, messy play opens doors to a world ...

Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 5

Welcome to the fifth instalment of our National Quality Standards seven-part series, where we provide an in-depth look into the seven quality areas benchmarked against the Australian Children's Education and Care ...
Affinity Education has partnered with Wandana Aboriginal Education to deliver immersive cultural experiences for children at Milestones Early Learning Centres.

Affinity Expands Lifelong Learning Curriculum Through Partnership With Wandana Aboriginal Education

Affinity Education Group has announced the latest addition to the Lifelong Learning Curriculum - a partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education to deliver purpose-built Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural education. ...
We leverage the expertise of academic professionals and integrate evidence-based practices into our curriculum to enhance the learning journey.

Supporting Your Child’s Learning Journey: The Early Years Toolbox

Affinity Education Group has proudly partnered with the University of Wollongong with the aim of enhancing the capabilities of our Teachers and Educators working with children in our School Readiness ...
Using Research To Meet Your Child’s Developmental Needs

Using Research To Meet Your Child’s Developmental Needs

The Lifelong Learning Curriculum was developed through extensive study of how children learn, what they learn and where they learn. At the Early Experiences age, research shows that children are ...
Improving Language and Thinking Skills in Infants; A Data Informed Approach

Improving Language and Thinking Skills in Infants; A Data Informed Approach

The recent data from the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) proposed an increase in Language and Cognitive development of vulnerable children. Based on these findings and other relevant research on ...

Random Acts of Kindness Day: Teaching Acts of Kindness to Children

Saturday 17th of February 2024 is Random Acts Of Kindness Day! This annual event was created by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK), a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing ...
Supporting The Progression To Big School

Supporting The Progression To Big School

With Graduation done and dusted, you and your child may be nervous about the transition into Big School. Here are five tips to support your child with this significant milestone ...

How We Transition Your Child To A New Room

Happy New Year! The holiday season is over, and it's time to return to our daily routines. It's incredible to see how quickly our children are growing up. This month, ...

Early Education: Navigating the First Weeks

The journey begins when your young child's education starts in the early childhood centre. The process of setting up orientation days and helping your child adjust to the new environment, ...
Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 4

Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 4

Welcome to the fourth installment of our National Quality Standards seven-part series, where we provide an in-depth look into the seven quality areas benchmarked against the Australian Children's Education and ...

Learning With Dr. Lesley Jones: New Year, New Rooms

This month we welcome many children and families to our Centres for the first time. We also welcome back the many thousands of children who will be transitioning into new ...

Decade of Excellence: Celebrating Three Consecutive ACECQA Exceeding Ratings 

Milestones Early Learning Greensborough received their third consecutive exceeding rating in the ACECQA Assessment Process. This remarkable milestone not only speaks to their commitment to excellence but also highlights the ...
Transitioning to a new room and on to primary school

Unveiling a New Chapter: Milestones Early Learning Seaford Grand Opening! 

We are thrilled to share the exciting news of the opening of Milestones Early Learning Seaford, marking the third purpose-built centre by Affinity Education Group in Victoria with a pipeline ...

This Year’s Top 5 Most Captivating Reads

This year has provided a wonderful opportunity to explore a multitude of Early Education topics in depth. Discover which of our blog articles from 2023 our families and Educators loved ...
Affinity Awards Banner

2023 Affinity Awards Open for Nominations

Affinity Education Group is excited to announce the launch of its yearly national awards, celebrating outstanding achievements and excellence within the Early Education and Care sector. This year, the awards ...

Educational Programs During the Festive Season

Summer Program Launch In preparation for 2024, we're launching two exceptional programs that will run across December and January for all of our children, from the nursery through to preschool ...
Milestones Early Learning Bairnsdale. Quality child care in Bairnsdale for ages 0-5.

Attending Early Education During the Holidays

The holiday period is such an exciting time for children and families, but it can also be busy and stressful. When your child is enrolled in a Milestones Learning Centre, ...

Festive Learning in the Nursery 

Research shows that children's development and learning is continuous. There are plenty of opportunities to learn regardless of the season. There are two important reasons why children benefit from care ...

Navigating End of Year Transitions

The Lifelong Learning Curriculum offers an abundance of research-based practices that ensure continuous learning during the holiday season. As a parent, you may wonder what development your child is progressing ...

Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 3

Welcome to the third instalment of our National Quality Standards series, where we highlight the importance of implementing the seven key Quality Standards throughout all Lifelong Learning Centres.   National Quality ...

Affinity Increases Commitment to The Smith Family

Active Commitment to Sponsorship Affinity Education Group has further strengthened its commitment to The Smith Family Learning for Life program in the third quarter of 2023. The number of individual ...
Milestones Toddler Room Educator Playing Learning

Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 2

Welcome to the second part of our National Quality Standards seven-part series, where we provide an in-depth look into the seven quality areas benchmarked against the Australian Children's Education and ...
Milestones Kindy Preschool Room Childcare

Benefits of attending Early Childhood and Care during the Holiday period

Effective early childhood education is of utmost importance in a successful transition to school and love for Lifelong Learning. Our LLC program is dedicated to ensuring this is achieved all ...
Milestones Baby Playing Smiling Nursery

What do infants achieve in an Early Childhood Education environment?

It is natural to wonder whether infants and young children can benefit from time spent in an early childhood environment. At Affinity Education-owned centres, our Lifelong Learning Curriculum (LLC) begins ...

The importance of using the Abecedarian approach to improve toddlers’ language skills

Language is a crucial component of school readiness. No matter a child's age, they actively develop skills to become proficient and active communicators. Research shows that language development is best ...
Educator with baby

The Lifelong Learning Curriculum – a guide for families

This month, we are highlighting the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, Australia's most advanced approach to early education that operates within all our Milestones Early Learning Centres. Our Educators implement this program ...

Summer Program Sessions

Your child is invited to join us during our Summer Program! Throughout December, we have planned additional exciting activities to help your child continue their early learning journey whilst benefiting ...

Milestones Educator Participates in Leadership Training 

Milestones Early Learning South Townsville Assistant Centre Manager Joanne Sawtell is one of 10 Affinity Education Group employees who participated in the 2023 ELACCA 'From the Ground Up' leadership project ...

The Importance of Friendships and Relationships in Childcare

This month, we wanted to share with you a little more about early childhood education, what it means, and how it works, and give you a glimpse of what your ...
Get to know your National Quality Standards – Series 4

Get to know your National Quality Standards

Our childcare centres are committed to a continuous improvement journey that enriches quality education and care delivery benchmarked against the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. With ...
The importance of Parent Teacher Interviews in early education | Milestones Early Learning Centres

How friendships are formed

There is so much research and focus on just how crucial the first five years of a child's life are and how this has an impact on social, emotional and ...

Guiding your Toddlers future behaviours and relationships

When children reach the Toddler stage, their confidence blooms as they know you are there to catch them if they fall. Early Experiences Curriculum They become more curious about anything ...

Why friendships before ‘Big School’ are so important

Research continues to highlight the importance of the first five years of a child's life as the most critical period in the life span for brain development (Fox & Geddes, ...

Ahoy! Milestones Dalyellup Celebrates Talk Like A Pirate Day

Milestones Early Learning Centres hold a range of activity-filled events, fundraisers and awareness drives throughout the year, with each centre having some autonomy to choose days they celebrate with the ...

It’s Safe Work Month at Milestones

National Safe Work Month is upon us! Milestones Early Learning Centres have jam-packed this October with a variety of events and programs to highlight the steps our centres and their ...

Aussie Wildlife Champions Dress Up and Donate Success

Through the second and third week of September, all our Milestones centres participated in the Aussie Wildlife Champions fundraiser drive for the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.  A part of this fundraiser ...

A day in the life – Childcare and your child’s development

This month, we wanted to share with you a little more about early childhood education, what it means, and how it works, and give you a glimpse of what your ...

How my Educators get me School Ready

Early Childhood Education has proven to play a major role in a child's transition to school, and here at Milestones, we have passionate Educators and Early Childhood Teachers who deliver ...

A day in the life of a Toddler

Every day in our Toddler room is filled with different types of learning that your child's Educators have intentionally planned to support children's growth and learning outcomes. From the moment ...

A Day of ‘Awe’ and ‘Wonder’ in your Nursery

When thinking about a typical day in the Nursery, it is common to have preconceptions about what happens and how the educators facilitate learning. Through online research and centre tours, ...

Milestones Celebrates Book Week!

Over the week of the 21st of August, our Milestones centres celebrated book week through the power of dress up, imagination and creativity as our Educators and Teachers developed learning ...

Finalist Outstanding Educator in NTEC Awards 2023

We are excited to announce that our very own Gabriela Savio, Lead Educator for Milestones Early Learning Darwin City, has been chosen from more than 30 nominees as one of ...
Aussie Wildlife Champions | Lifelong Learning Curriculum | Affinity Education

Spring has Sprung! What is happening at your centre?

Spring is the season for growth, and at our centres, growth can be seen in every room, program and child in our Lifelong Learning Village.  Over this season, our Spring ...

Milestones get ‘active’ for National Science Week!

Last week, all Milestones Early Learning Centres participated in National Science Week, one of our more loved and educational events of the year for our children, educators and teachers! National ...

What the Child Care Subsidy mean for our families?

What does the new Child Care Subsidy mean for families?   On the 10 July 2023, the Australian Government increasing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) rates for families within Australia, resulting ...

Junior Conservation Program Starts at Milestones

Junior Conservation Program Starts at Milestones From August 2023 onwards, children at Milestones Early Learning Centres around Australia will start learning about 18 endangered and native Australian species through the ...

Saying ‘Thank you!’ on Early Childhood Educators Day

The countdown is on to Wednesday, the 6th of September, when our centres will celebrate Early Childhood Educators Day. We're inviting all families and caregivers to make a special effort ...

Get involved for National Science Week!

National Science Week is fast approaching, with the official date to launch from the 12th all the way through to the 20th of August. All our Milestones Early Learning Centres ...
Lifelong Learning Curriculum for children aged 0-5 years. Exclusive to Affinity Education Group owned child care centres in Australia.

Sensory Play: Nurturing your child’s early development

Sensory play, messy play or creative play are just some of the terms used to describe a lot of fun!   As a child our senses are a vital foundation of ...
Family responsibilities, policies and procedures

Your little junior is graduating! Whats next?

Graduating from the junior rooms to the older 3-5-year old programs is a significant and exciting transition for young children. In this article, we unpack what families can expect as ...

Successful transitions through care and trust

Secure relationships… the key to transitioning into care through our Healthy Beginnings Curriculum. Transitioning into care for the first time can often feel daunting for families and full of natural ...

Easing Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is common in young children, it occurs when children are feeling nervous about being away from their parents or carers. Read this article as we unpack what separation ...

Dont miss our Preschool/Kindergarten information sessions

It's that time of year when families begin to turn their attention to deciding where their child should be enrolled for their preschool or kindergarten year. Enquire Now Find Your ...

Effective room transitioning in early childcare

Graduating from one room to the next is a significant event for children, their families and educators alike. In this article we explore what you can expect as your child ...

Tummy Time is an essential activity for a baby’s development

Tummy Time is an essential activity for a baby's development and is a regularly encouraging exercise for our centres 0-1 children in our Nursery rooms. Tummy Time is the activity ...

Healthy Beginnings (birth – 1year)

The Lifelong Learning Healthy Beginnings Curriculum for babies birth-1-year-olds emphasises the establishment of secure attachments and positive relationships between babies and educators through the use of Circle of Security and learning zones focused on play schemas ...

Big Thinkers STEM program now available

What is Big Thinkers STEM? Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has always played a vital role in the development of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum for children aged 3 to ...

School Readiness: Lifelong Learning Curriculum For Your Preschooler

Our preschools (NSW, ACT and NT) or kindergartens (VIC, QLD and WA) are designed to encourage your child's growth and development further, focusing on building the necessary skills to set ...

What are the National Quality Standards (NQS)? 

The Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) National Quality Standards sets a high national benchmark for early childhood education and care and outside school hours care centres in Australia.   The ...

Toilet Training – Our Experts Top Tips

Learning to use the toilet is an essential milestone in your child's life, and as we know, each child develops at different rates; therefore, our experts suggest focusing on a ...

10 Things to do when it’s wet with your little ones!

Entertaining children when it's wet outside, can be difficult for an excitable and energetic child, and our Early Childcare Centres know all too well what it means when the grey ...
Childcare Caloundra

Early Experiences: Lifelong Learning Curriculum For Your Toddler

The Lifelong Learning Early Experiences Curriculum emphasizes the development of Toddlers' language and social development using the Abecedarian approach within our intentional learning zones focused on play schemas that support ...

Australian Breastfeeding Accreditation – Supporting our Milestones families

Returning to work as a breastfeeding mother is a right for employees and parents enrolled with Milestones Early Learning Centres.   Affinity Education Groups community of Milestones centres are proud to ...

Milestones recognises National Reconciliation Week

Our centres across Australia recognised National Reconciliation Week by creating activities designed to provide meaningful learning opportunities while having fun!   Milestones Early Learning Tamworth CBD Last week one of our ...

Affinity Education Group Offers Free Degrees

Early Childhood Teacher Naomi Bowditch enjoys free University Education through Affinity. Milestones Early Learning Aspley's Early Childhood Teacher Naomi Bowditch is one of more than 100 employees of Affinity Education ...

Milestones Early Learning Blair Athol Supports Fighter Frankie!

Our amazing team at Milestones Early Learning Blair Athol held an early Australia's Biggest Morning Tea on 19th May in honour of their beloved 'Fighter Frankie' to raise funds to ...

Happy Mother’s Day 2023

Happy Mother's Day to all our mothers and guardians who facilitate a motherly role for the children in our care and beyond.  Our Milestones Early Learning Centres celebrated Mother's Day ...

Our commitment to reconciliation

Header artwork has been sourced by Reconciliation Australia. It was designed by artist Jessica Johnson for National Reconciliation Week 2021. Learn more about the artwork, its elements, and the artist ...

National Quality Framework: A parent’s guide

In Australia, Early Childhood Services are guided by the National Quality Framework regulated by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). ACECQA is an independent national authority that ...

Happy Grandparents Day

Sunday, the 30th of October, was Grandparents Day and marked the last day of Seniors month. Our centres have been celebrating to show our appreciation for all grandparents in our ...

Milestones Early Learning Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Our centres celebrated Valentine's Day on Tuesday, the 14th of February, by creating Valentine's Day-based activities that are designed to provide meaningful learning opportunities whilst having fun! ​ This week ...

Milestones Augustine Heights Walk For Autism

From 29 March to 5 April 2020, our educators at Milestones Early Learning Augustine Heights will be walking 10,000 steps per day to help change the lives of people on the ...

Gumtree Cottage Joins Milestones Early Learning Community

Affinity Education Group is pleased to announce the recent rebrand and refresh of Gumtree Cottage to Milestones Early Learning Everton Park. Milestones Early Learning is a well-respected childcare brand within ...

Milestones Wagaman 2022 Kindicare Awards Finalist

Milestones Early Learning Wagaman are delighted to be one of a small group of finalists for the 2022 Kindicare awards. The awards are to recognise and congratulate centres on the ...

Milestones Everton Park’s Community Focus

All our Affinity Education Group centres consider our families and communities an extension of our centres; therefore, our educators, teachers, managers, and support team actively engage and support our communities Australia-wide. ...

Change Makers at Milestones Middle Swan

The children at Milestones Middle Swan have been collecting containers to help keep our community healthy.  Our Middle Swan team has a strong sense of community and are involved in various activities that help take care of our natural ...

When children take the lead

Every day, our educators work tirelessly to create a safe and stimulating environment where your children's love of learning can thrive. They do this by recognising, nurturing and extending their ...

The Importance Of Outdoor Play

From nursery to five years old the importance of exploration in a child's development is paramount to their emotional, physical, social, language and cognitive growth. Exploration is not all about ...

Celebrating Early Childhood Educators Day

Today, Early Childhood Educators Day, is a very special day for our community. It's an opportunity to celebrate and thank our teachers and educators for their dedication and commitment to ...