Guides, tips, and insights for every stage.
From your child's first day at the centre to their last day of Kinder, we're here with practical guidance, honest advice, and the latest thinking in early childhood education.
Starting care & orientation
We encourage at least one flexible orientation visit before your child starts. Meet the educators, explore the room together and make day one feel more familiar.
Explore the orientation processSchool year starting calendar
Estimate your child's Victorian 3-Year-Old Kinder, 4-Year-Old Kinder and Prep start years without leaving Jenny's ELC.
Use the start-year calculator
What Is the EYLF and Why Does It Matter for Your Child?
The Early Years Learning Framework is the foundation of quality early childhood education in Australia. Here's what it means in practice — and why it matters for your child's development.
Understanding the Child Care Subsidy: A Plain-English Guide for Families
The Child Care Subsidy can significantly reduce your childcare costs — but the system can be confusing. Here's everything you need to know in plain English.
How to Choose the Right Childcare Centre: 10 Questions to Ask on Your Tour
Choosing a childcare centre is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your family. These ten questions will help you find a place where your child will truly thrive.
Nutrition for Toddlers: What to Expect at Childcare and How to Extend It at Home
Good nutrition in the early years sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating. Here's how we approach mealtimes at Jenny's ELC — and how you can reinforce it at home.
Language Development from Birth to Five: What's Normal and When to Seek Help
Language development in the early years is remarkable — and highly variable. Here's what to expect at each stage, and what signs might indicate a need for extra support.
Play-Based Learning: Why 'Just Playing' Is the Most Important Work of Childhood
Play is not a break from learning — it is learning. Here's the science behind play-based education and why it produces better outcomes than academic drilling in the early years.
School Readiness: What It Really Means (and What It Doesn't)
School readiness is one of the most misunderstood concepts in early childhood. It's not about knowing the alphabet — it's about something much more important.
Funded Kinder in Victoria: What Every Family Needs to Know in 2026
Victoria's funded Kinder program gives 4-year-olds 15 hours of free Kinder per week, and 3-year-olds between 5 and 15 hours. Here's how it works, who's eligible, and how to access it through Jenny's ELC.
Nature Play: Why Time Outdoors Is Essential for Young Children's Development
Children are spending less time outdoors than any previous generation. Here's why nature play is not a luxury but a developmental necessity — and how we prioritise it at Jenny's ELC.
Managing Big Emotions in Toddlers: A Guide for Exhausted Parents
Toddler tantrums are not bad behaviour — they're a sign of a developing brain. Here's what's actually happening, and what to do (and not do) in the moment.
Preparing Your Child for the Transition to School: A Practical Checklist
The transition from Kinder to Prep is a big moment for children and families. Here's a practical checklist to help you prepare — and what to expect in the first term.
We're always happy to help.
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to your nearest Jenny's ELC centre — our directors and educators are always happy to chat, whether you're an existing family or just exploring your options.