Ask a child what they did at childcare today and the answer is almost always some variation of "played." Which is, to be fair, entirely accurate, and also a significant ...
Whether you're newly pregnant, preparing to return to work, or simply starting to explore your options, the question of when to enrol your child in childcare tends to arise earlier ...
The early years of a child's life are extraordinary. In just five years, a newborn becomes a curious, communicative, socially aware little person, ready to take on the world of ...
Choosing a premium early learning environment means asking premium questions. Not just "is it nice?" or "is it convenient?", but "who, specifically, is responsible for my child's development, and what ...
Some of the most profound learning happens not in formal instruction, but in a quiet moment of play, when a child picks up a piece of bark, places a small ...
As the air turns crisp and the days begin to slow, autumn invites a sense of warmth, comfort, and connection. At Papilio Early Learning, this seasonal shift is reflected in ...
There is something beautiful about watching young children form friendships. The tentative approach. The negotiation over who gets to be the "shop keeper." The repair after a disagreement. The way ...
Big feelings can feel all-consuming, for children and for the adults supporting them. One moment your child is happily playing, the next they're overwhelmed by frustration, disappointment, or exhaustion. Often, ...
If sleep has felt unsettled lately, you're not alone. Many families experience periods where bedtime becomes harder, night wakings return, or routines that once worked suddenly don't. It can be ...
The return to childcare after the holidays often arrives quietly, and yet it can stir up more emotion than we expect. After weeks of slower mornings, familiar rhythms and extra ...
Australian summers invite us outdoors - longer days, warmer weather and meaningful moments spent exploring, playing and connecting. As we approach the end of the year and the sunny season ...
As parents, we think a lot about what our children eat, especially when they're spending their day learning, exploring and growing in an early learning environment. We want food that ...
Over the past few weeks, many Papilio families have reached out with questions about the upcoming Child Care Subsidy (CCS) changes, especially the new 3 Day Guarantee starting in January ...
As the year winds down, the weeks somehow seem to speed up. November and December bring a joyful mix of school events, end-of-year parties, festive gatherings, and last-minute shopping, all ...
Quick Takeaways Under 2 years: Avoid screen time (except video calls). Ages 2-5: No more than one hour per day of recreational screen time - less is better. Quality over ...
The years before school are some of the most magical and important in a child's life. Every question asked, every story told, and every friendship formed helps shape who they'll ...
At Papilio, we believe mealtimes are as important as story time, play time, and every other part of your child's day. That's why each season, our chefs work with Feed ...
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe every child deserves the very best start in life, and that happens when families and educators work hand in hand. As a parent, you ...
Toilet training is one of those milestones that can feel just as big for parents as it does for toddlers. At Papilio Early Learning, we know that supporting your child ...
Recently, I took my 3-year-old to the dentist for the first time. She tried so hard to be brave, but when it was her turn, nerves got the better of ...
There's something magical about Book Week, when children step into the shoes of their favourite characters, stories come to life, and imaginations run wild. Book Week 2025 is so much ...
From the way toddlers mimic a bird's song to the questions kindy children ask about stars and shadows, young children are constantly exploring the world's hidden patterns. This Science Week ...
Choosing the best start for your child means considering both education and affordability. At Papilio Early Learning, we understand that government payments like the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) can play ...
From January 2026, a major change to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will make it easier for more families to access subsidised early learning and care. Known as the 3 ...
This page was first published on 2 July 2025 and updated on 15 July 2025. Updates relating to the charges laid by Victoria Police on a former Affinity Education employee ...
"Mummy, why are there two flags?" My three-year-old asked while pointing to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at our local community centre. I didn't have the perfect words, ...
In the rush of daily life - packed lunches, work meetings, sticky fingers, and sibling negotiations - creating a space where your child can slow down, focus, and play meaningfully ...
It's 7:43am. Your toddler is mid-meltdown because their toast is "too toasty," your work bag's half-packed, and they've just declared that only the yellow cup will do, even though it's ...
There's something timeless and beautiful about reading with your child. Whether it's a familiar bedtime story, a quiet moment with your baby in your arms, or a favourite book shared ...
"You clung to my hand as we walked through the door, wide-eyed and silent. I bent down, smiled, and gently nudged you forward, but you held back. Meanwhile, your little ...
For parents of toddlers, those big emotions can sometimes come out of nowhere. One minute your little one is happily playing, and the next, they're melting down over the wrong ...
Returning to work after time at home with your child can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Whether you're picking up where you left off or starting fresh, ...
Your toddler's world is bursting with new sounds, ideas, and discoveries - and every little word helps them make sense of it all. From naming colours at breakfast to chatting ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
Post updated July 2025. There's something truly magical about bubbles. The way they shimmer in the sun, float gently on the breeze, and pop with the lightest touch - toddlers ...
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 ...
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 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. ...
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 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 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 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 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 ...
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 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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" ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Post updated July 2025. There's something deeply satisfying about watching a young child pick up a crayon and confidently make their mark on paper. The colours, the lines, the joyful ...
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 ...
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 ...