Choosing between sessional and integrated kindergarten can feel like a big decision. As parents, you want the best for your child, and you also want the program to suit your family’s lifestyle and needs. It can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’re here to help.
Sessional and integrated kindergarten are two common early learning options, each catering to different family setups and offering unique benefits. This guide will explain what these programs entail, highlight their differences, and help you decide which option is best for your family.
Key learnings in this article:
- Integrated kindergarten combines kindergarten with long day care, offering extended hours of care and inclusions like meals. Ideal for working families needing full-day care.
- Sessional kindergarten is a standalone program with shorter, fixed hours. It's suited to families seeking fewer hours of care.
- Both programs provide structured teaching, play-based learning, and supportive environments to ease children into routines.
- To choose the right program for your family, consider your child care needs, your child's learning preferences, Free Kinder and CCS eligibility, and visit centres to find the best fit.
- The Y offers both sessional and integrated kindergarten programs that promote belonging, creativity, and confidence in a nurturing environment.
Keep reading to learn more about the differences between sessional and integrated kindergarten.
What is integrated kindergarten?
Integrated kindergarten combines traditional kindergarten education with long day care services within the same facility. These programs are designed to cater to families who need care for extended hours. They provide children with opportunities for play, education and rest.
Benefits of integrated kindergarten:
- Convenient for working families: With extended hours, parents don’t need to worry about rushing to pick up or drop off their child during work hours. Integrated kindergarten is perfect for working parents needing full-day care.
- Eases children into routine: Children experience a mix of structured, intentional teaching, play-based learning, and rest in a familiar and supportive environment.
- Best of both worlds: Integrated kindergarten offers high-quality kindergarten education as well as the practicalities of child care such as nutritionally prepared meals throughout the day and nappies.
What is sessional kindergarten?
Sessional kindergarten is a standalone program that operates during specific hours, such as morning or afternoon sessions, and typically runs a few days a week.
Benefits of sessional kindergarten:
- Suit families who want fewer kinder hours: Sessional kindergarten operates on shorter, fixed schedules (e.g., a few hours per day, a few days per week).
- Eases children into routine: Children also experience a mix of structured, intentional teaching and play-based learning in supportive environments.
- Prepare your own meals: Sessional kindergarten is suited to parents who prefer to make and prepare all meals for their child.
How to choose the right early learning program for your family
Deciding between sessional and integrated kindergarten doesn’t have to be a daunting task. When deciding between sessional and integrated kindergarten, it’s essential to consider your family’s needs and the type of learning environment that would be best for your child.
Here are a few questions to consider:
Does your family need extended childcare hours?
If ‘yes,’ integrated kindergarten might be your best choice.
Is my child eligible for Free Kinder?
Children attending both sessional kindergarten and integrated kindergarten are eligible for the Government’s Free Kinder initiative. Your child may also be eligible for CCS subsidies to cover additional care hours within a week in a long day care setting too.
What sort of learning environment would suit your child best?
If your child thrives on routine and consistency, integrated kindergarten offers a seamless day. If they’re just starting to engage in structured group learning, sessional kindergarten might ease them into the experience with its shorter session times.
Integrated kinder programs run for most of the year, while sessional kinder programs operate on shorter, set session times during school terms.
Both environments provide an excellent stepping stone for children as it helps them get used to structured learning in a supportive environment.
Have you visited any early learning centres?
Visiting a centre is a great way to see whether it's right for your family and your child. Asking questions about their programs, meeting the staff and seeing the facilities can help you make an informed choice.
Remember that there’s no right or wrong decision. Both programs offer incredible benefits that cater to different family needs and lifestyles. It's all about what works best for your family.
Our sessional and integrated kindergarten programs
At the Y, we understand that every family is different, which is why we offer both sessional kindergarten and integrated kindergarten programs. Whether you’re looking for short hours or a full-day of care, our programs are designed to support your child’s early learning and development.
Our programs are more than just about education; they foster a sense of belonging, creativity and confidence in your little one. Plus, the Y’s experienced educators and nurturing environment will ensure your child feels safe and thrives.
Research tells us that consistent and strong relationships are the foundation of good learning and quality outcomes for learning. So, if a child has been in that long day dare setting since they were one, or two, or six months, that place is set up for them to learn well. They know their environment, they have clear expectations, they have a confidence, and they see people in that space who they’ve known since they were a baby. These factors set the foundations for a quality learning environment.
Want to learn more? We’re here to help! Find your nearest Y Early Learning Centre or enquire today to explore program options that suit your family’s needs.
