Holiday Hustle? How Casual Child Care Days Can Help You Stay Sane This Silly Season

The end of the year always seems to arrive in a blur – work deadlines, school concerts, Christmas shopping, family get-togethers, and a never-ending list of things to do. If you’ve ever wished for just one extra set of hands (or a few quiet hours), you’re not alone.

Why Two Years of Kindergarten or Preschool Could Give Your Child the Best Start to School

If it feels like your little one is growing faster than you can keep up, you’re not alone. Many families begin wondering how to make the most of those last precious years before school. Is one year of preschool enough, or would two years offer more time to grow, explore, and build confidence?

Fresh, Healthy & Delicious: Our New Spring Menu at Milestones

At Milestones, we believe that good nutrition is the foundation for happy, healthy learning. That’s why every season, our chefs and educators work with Feed Australia, a leading menu planning platform, to design meals that are balanced, child-friendly, and full of flavour.

Milestones Mount Riverview | Early Education & Child Care in Mount Riverview | Child enjoys the sandpit

Understanding Family Tax Benefit A and B: What It Means for Your Family in 2025-2026

Raising little ones is a beautiful, busy, and sometimes financially stressful chapter in life. That’s why it helps to know what support is available, and how to make the most of it.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, working part-time, or managing things solo, you might be eligible for Family Tax Benefit A and/or B. These payments are designed to help families cover the costs of raising children, and yes, they can be received alongside the Child Care Subsidy.

Let’s break it all down.

Milestones Warners Bay | Early Education & Child Care in Warners Bay | Children enjoy messy play

New Child Care Subsidy Changes in 2026: What the 3-Day Guarantee Means for Your Family

From January 2026, more families will be able to access three days of subsidised early learning, even if they don’t meet the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test.

Stress-Free Morning Tips to Get Everyone Out the Door (Even with a Toddler in Tow)

You’ve barely had coffee. Your toddler’s asking for toast, but only if it’s “the dinosaur one,” and you can’t find your keys because they were last seen in the toy oven. Oh, and you were supposed to leave ten minutes ago.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. At Milestones Early Learning, we see you. Mornings with a toddler can feel like a blur of cereal spills, outfit refusals, and wild negotiations about whether or not shoes are really necessary. Whether you’re heading to work, school drop-off, or just trying to get to the grocery store, we’re here to help you find a calmer way through.

Here are some tried-and-true tips from real parents (and our team of educators!) to help get everyone out the door on time—with your sanity mostly intact.

Back to Work: How to Make the Transition Easier for Both You and Your Child

Returning to work after spending time at home with your little one can stir up all kinds of emotions—excitement, guilt, relief, anxiety, and everything in between. Whether you’re going back full-time or just a few days a week, this change is big—for both of you.

If you’re finding it hard to imagine someone else caring for your child, or if you’re second-guessing your decision to go back—please know this: you’re not alone, and these feelings are normal. Many of us at Milestones are parents too, and we’ve supported thousands of families through this exact transition. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be supported—and that’s where we come in.

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 can actually benefit your child in the long run? While no one enjoys dealing with sniffles or fevers, the exposure children receive in a well-managed child care environment helps build a stronger immune system, setting the foundation for lifelong health.

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 for your child is a big decision. You want to feel confident that your child is in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports their early development. In Australia, high-quality child care centres adhere to the National Quality Framework (NQF), a set of standards that guide early childhood education and care. In this post, we’ll walk you through what makes a child care centre high-quality, including key factors like staff qualifications, the learning environment, curriculum, and safety protocols, to help you choose the best option for your family.

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 when it comes to helping your child adjust to new routines, environments, and friendships. At Milestones Early Learning, we understand the importance of preparing children for this transition, and we believe that one of the most powerful ways to build their confidence is through the friendships they form during their early years.