Gentle Steps to Sharing: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Learn Turn-Taking
If you've ever found yourself caught between a tug-of-war over a toy truck, you're not alone. Sharing is a big ask for little people - but it's also an essential ...
Lifelong Learning Corner
Expert tips, educational insights, and fun activities to support your child's growth and development.
- All
- Child Development
- Childcare and Enrolment Advice
- Early Learning
- Healthy Recipes
- Local Community
- Papilio News
- Tips and Ideas
Learning from the Land: How Papilio Children Connect with First Nations Culture
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe in nurturing curious minds and compassionate hearts - and that includes helping children understand and appreciate the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and ...
Creating Calm: Safe Sleep Tips for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Sleep might be one of the trickiest parts of parenting - but it can also be one of the most rewarding. Those peaceful moments before your little one drifts off, ...
Bubbles, Brushes and Bedtime Routines: Helping Your Child Learn Healthy Hygiene Habits
If brushing teeth feels like a battle, or your toddler protests every bath - you're not alone. These early years are joyful, chaotic, and full of learning, and it's completely ...
Wild About Wildlife: Simple Ways to Help Your Child Support Nature at Home
Does your little one chase butterflies, chat to lizards, or try to "rescue" worms from the footpath? If so, you've got a nature lover on your hands - and that ...
Curious Minds, Confident Learners: How Inquiry-Based Projects Prepare Your Child for Primary School
If you're starting to think about school and wondering how to give your child the best start, you're not alone. At Papilio Early Learning, we support children aged 3-5 to ...
Confident Beginnings: 10 Easy School Readiness Activities You Can Do at Home
If you've been thinking about your child's transition to preschool, kindergarten or formal schooling, you might be wondering: What exactly is school readiness? And how do I help my child ...
Is Your Child Ready for School? The 5 Key Skills That Matter Most
A supportive guide for families with children aged 3-5 years. If you've ever found yourself Googling "What should my child know before starting school?", you're not alone. As the start ...
Dance Like Nobody’s Watching: How Movement Nurtures Confidence in Young Children
Celebrating International Dance Day - 29 April There's something magical about watching a child burst into a spontaneous dance - a joyful twirl in the kitchen, a playful wiggle down ...
Wellness on a Plate: Immune-Boosting Zucchini Slice Recipe
As we head into the cooler months, there's nothing more comforting than a home-cooked meal that not only tastes great but also supports your child's wellbeing. At Papilio Early Learning, ...
Start Your Own Little Garden at Home: Beautiful Beginnings for Budding Eco-Learners
Celebrate Earth Day with hands-on nature play and a touch of everyday magic! With Earth Day just around the corner on 22 April, now is the perfect time to slow ...
Little Bodies, Big Energy: How Papilio Supports Movement and Physical Development
If your toddler seems to have boundless energy or your preschooler moves like they're auditioning for a gymnastics show - you're in good company. At Papilio Early Learning, we understand ...
Building Emotionally Resilient Children: How Papilio Supports Mental Health in the Early Years
Whether it's a quiet cuddle at drop-off, a big smile after making a new friend, or a moment of pride as your child says, "I did it!" - early childhood ...
Pumpkin, Lentil and Pasta Soup Recipe: A Papilio Family Favourite
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe nutrition is the foundation for lifelong wellbeing - especially in the vital early years, when children are developing rapidly. That's why our seasonal menus ...
Healthy Habits Start Early: How Papilio Nurtures Your Child’s Wellbeing
Celebrating World Health Day - 7 April At Papilio Early Learning, we know that a child's wellbeing is the foundation for lifelong learning. That's why, in honour of World Health ...
Celebrate the Long Weekend with Thoughtful, Nature-Inspired Easter Activities
The Easter long weekend is a wonderful opportunity to slow down, reconnect with your child, and embrace the beauty of autumn. Whether your family celebrates Easter or simply enjoys the ...
Autumn Sensory Play: Engaging Your Child in Nature’s Seasonal Changes
As the days become cooler and the leaves begin to change, autumn offers the perfect opportunity for sensory exploration. At Papilio Early Learning, we believe that sensory play is not ...
Moroccan Lamb with Couscous – A Healthy Family-Friendly Recipe
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe that nutritious, high-quality meals set the foundation for lifelong healthy habits. That's why we focus on providing balanced, wholesome foods that fuel growing bodies ...
The Science of Early Learning: How Papilio Early Learning Centres Build Strong Foundations
The first five years of a child's life are a time of extraordinary growth, with 90% of brain development occurring before the age of five (Harvard University, Center on the ...
Raising Kind Kids: Simple Ways to Nurture Empathy and Compassion
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe that kindness is more than just a good habit. Across our Papilio Early Learning centres in Australia, we create an environment where kindness is ...
Beef and Bean Burritos: A Tasty and Nutritious Family Favourite
At Papilio Early Learning, we know that mealtimes are about more than just filling hungry tummies-they're an opportunity for children to enjoy delicious, nourishing food while developing healthy habits that ...
Helping Children Build Social Skills for Academic Success
Ever wondered how friendships and social skills impact your child's learning? Research shows that strong social-emotional development in early childhood directly influences academic achievement, emotional resilience, and long-term success. At ...
Emotional Confidence in Early Childhood: How It Drives Academic Success in the First Five Years
The first five years of life are critical for laying the foundation for a child's future success - not only socially and emotionally, but academically as well. During this time, ...
Sun Safety for Bright Minds: How Papilio Early Learning Protects Your Child Outdoors
In Australia, sunny days are a gift - but they come with an important responsibility: protecting children from harmful UV rays. At Papilio Early Learning, we embrace outdoor learning as ...
The Best Educational Toys for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Inspire Growth Through Play
Choosing the right toys for your child can feel like a big decision. You want something fun and engaging, but also meaningful - something that helps your little one grow. ...
Reducing Sick Days in School: The Surprising Link to Quality Child Care
As a parent, it's only natural to want the very best for your child, especially when it comes to their health and education. While you may think of child care ...
Introducing STEM Concepts Through Digital Literacy: Simple Ideas for Young Learners
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills are becoming increasingly important in today's world, and introducing these concepts in early childhood can give children a head start in critical thinking, ...
Why the Lifelong Learning Curriculum Is the Best Choice for Your Child’s Early Education
Choosing the right early education program for your child is a big decision. At Papilio, we offer Affinity Education's Lifelong Learning Curriculum, recognised as the most advanced approach to early ...
How Learning About Different Cultures Boosts Child Development
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe that exposing children to a wide range of cultures and languages is essential for their development. Research shows that when children engage with different ...
What Is the National Quality Framework and Why Does It Matter for Your Child’s Early Education?
When choosing early childhood education and care for your child, ensuring they receive the highest quality education in a safe, nurturing environment is a top priority. In Australia, the National ...
The Power of Play: How Friendships Help Your Child Meet Developmental Milestones
Childhood is filled with magical moments, many of which take place through play. At Papilio Early Learning, we know that play isn't just about fun - it's a powerful tool ...
Emergency Preparedness in Child Care: What Happens During a Fire Drill?
At Papilio Early Learning, we prioritise child care emergency preparedness to ensure that every child feels safe and secure, even in unexpected situations. Emergencies like fires or severe weather, while ...
Weekend Fun: Simple Activities to Explore Nature with Your Little One
Spending time outdoors with your little one is not only a great way to bond, but it also helps them develop important skills like curiosity, observation, and connection with the ...
Why It’s Okay to Choose Child Care: Supporting Your Baby’s Growth While You Return to Work
Returning to work after parental leave can feel overwhelming, especially when you're leaving your baby in someone else's care. It's completely normal to feel torn between wanting to be at ...
Fueling Little Minds: The Role of Nutrition in Early Childhood Development
The food children eat plays a crucial role in their early growth and development. At Papilio, we understand that nutrition directly impacts not only physical health but also cognitive development, ...
The Impact of Secure Attachments on Mental Health
Building strong bonds with caregivers and educators is essential for a child's emotional security and mental health. The relationships formed during early childhood lay the foundation for how children view ...
From Conservation Lessons to STEM Leaders: The Academic Benefits of Early Environmental Education
In today's fast-evolving world, it's clear that tomorrow's leaders will need to be equipped with skills that go beyond traditional academics. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects have emerged ...
Why Your Child’s First Teacher Might Be More Important Than Their Last
When we think of education, our minds often drift to the critical final years of high school, where students prepare for university entrance exams and their future careers. However, there ...
The Power of Reading: How Storytime Fuels Your Child’s Future Academic Success
There's something magical about curling up with your child and reading a story together. The characters come to life, adventures unfold, and bonds are strengthened. But did you know that ...
Essential Tips for New Parents: Understanding the Child Care Subsidy
Navigating the world of child care can be overwhelming, especially when you're trying to ensure your child receives the best early education possible. One key aspect that can make a ...
5 Fun Activities to Build Your Child’s Numeracy Skills
Developing strong maths and numeracy skills in young children is crucial for their overall cognitive development and future academic success. Early engagement with numbers, patterns, and problem-solving not only lays ...
Holistic Development: The Role of Integrated Centres in Nurturing the Whole Child
In today's ever-evolving educational landscape, parents seek early childhood education environments that not only prepare their children academically but also nurture their overall well-being. Integrated child care and preschool centres, ...
How STEM Education Fosters Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving Skills in Young Children
In an increasingly complex and technology-driven world, the importance of STEM education-an interdisciplinary approach integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-cannot be overstated. By introducing children to these subjects and highlighting ...
Hints & Tips for Parents to Help Children Prepare for Starting School
Starting school is an exciting time in a child's lifelong learning journey, but some children and families may experience some anxiety about the transition. The following are some general hints ...
Easing the Transition: Helping Your Child Adapt to Early Childhood Education & Care
Starting early childhood education and care is a significant milestone for both children and parents. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with learning, growth, and social interaction. ...
The Vital Role of Parent Teacher Interviews in Your Child’s Education
Parent Teacher Interviews are common in primary and secondary school, but did you know they play an important role in early education too? Here at Papilio, Parent Teacher Interviews play ...
Bubble Play: Ways Toddlers Benefit
As adults, we might sometimes forget the simple pleasures that captivated us in our early years. One such joyous activity that continues to enchant toddlers worldwide is playing with bubbles. ...
The Fun, Gooey World of Slime Play: Exploring the Benefits
In the realm of childhood imagination, there exists a substance that captures the essence of wonder and creativity: slime. What may seem like a simple gooey material holds within it ...
10 Messy Play Ideas to Try With Your Toddler
Messy play is a highly beneficial form of play where children explore and interact with a wide range of sensory-rich materials. From squishing and moulding playdough to splashing in water ...
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. ...
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 ...
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
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
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
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 and ...
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
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 Care ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 Papilio Early Learning ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 Early Learning Centres. Our Educators implement this program to ...
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 ...
Papilio Educator Participates in Leadership Training
s part of the professional development opportunities offered by Affinity Education Group to our employees, Papilio Early Learning Lead Educator Deborah Aitchison has been part of a national group who ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 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 ...
It’s Safe Work Month at Papilio
National Safe Work Month is upon us! Papilio 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 Papilio 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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 Papilio, we have passionate Educators and Early Childhood Teachers who deliver ...
Creativity and fun through the power of books at Papilio!
Over the week of the 21st of August, our Papilio centres celebrated book week through the power of dress up, imagination and creativity as our Educators and Teachers developed learning ...
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 ...
Papilio got messy for National Science Week!
Last week, all Papilio 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! Last ...
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 ...
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 ...
Future Wildlife Champions Start at Papilio
Future Wildlife Champions Start at Papilio Early Childhood Teachers and educators at Papilio Early Learning Centres are excited to start offering children aged 3-5 access to the brand new Aussie ...
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 Affinity Education Group Centres ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 anxiety may look ...
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. The kindergarten or preschool ...
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 ...
Australian Breastfeeding Accreditation – Supporting our Papilio families
Returning to work as a breastfeeding mother is a right for employees and parents throughout Australia and here at Papilio, we are committed to making this transition as easy as ...
Papilio Recognises National Reconciliation Week
Our centres recognised National Reconciliation Week by creating indigenous activities that are designed to provide meaningful learning opportunities whilst having fun! Papilio Early Learning Wakerley At our Queensland-based centres, Papilio ...
First Steps into Papilio Early Learning Tamworth
Channel 7 featured a 'First Steps' exclusive as families enjoyed their first 'stay and play' sessions at the brand new Papilio Early Learning Tamworth. "Beautiful" "So exciting!" "Amazing learning environments" ...
Happy Mothers Day 2023
Papilio Early Learning Centres celebrating Mother's Day Happy Mother's Day to all our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties and guardians of the children in our care and beyond. Our Papilio Early ...
Big Thinkers STEM Program
Future Scientists! Big Thinkers STEM program now available Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has always played a vital role in the development of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum for children ...
New Centre Coming Soon in Tamworth
Purpose Built for Quality Education - Papilio Early Learning Tamworth We are proud to announce Papilio Early Learning Tamworth will be open for fun and learning in early 2023! Papilio ...
IWD recognition for Shining Star Noopur Lakhera
Papilio Early Learning Wakerley is thrilled to have been recognised by Affinity Education Group for the work of their Early Childhood Teacher Noopur Lakhera in providing equitable opportunities for children ...
Tummy Time
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. What is Tummy Time? Tummy ...
Harmony Day at Papilio Bella Vista
Our centres celebrated Harmony Day by creating activities that are designed to provide meaningful learning opportunities, whilst having fun! This week one of our NSW based centres, Papilio Early Learning ...
Centres Celebrate Holi, The Festival Of Colours!
This week, many Lifelong Learning Centres across the country celebrated Holi, an ancient Hindu festival signifying the victory of good over evil. Also known as the 'Festival of Colours', children ...
Why Kindergarten is one of the most essential years
As children grow and develop, they become more curious about the world around them - and are driven to learn and explore. This is an important time to support their ...
Benefits of Drawing for Children
Drawing on a blank piece of paper is a powerful way for children's imagination and creativity to go as far as they can. Education Advisor at Affinity Education Group, Jola Sung, ...
The Importance Of Outdoor Play: Learning In Action
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 ...