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 become.
That’s why many families are now choosing two years of kindergarten or preschool, giving children more time to develop confidence, curiosity, and essential skills before taking the next big step into school.
Recent research shows that children who experience two years of quality early education are better prepared academically, socially, and emotionally, setting them up for lifelong success.
Why Two Years Matter: The Science of Early Learning
The first five years of life lay the foundation for everything that follows. During this time, children’s brains form more than one million neural connections every second, a period of growth that simply can’t be replicated later in life. In fact, around 90% of brain development occurs by age five (source: education.vic.gov.au).
According to research from the Mitchell Institute at Victoria University, children who participate in two years of quality preschool or kindergarten show stronger outcomes in early literacy, numeracy, emotional regulation, and social skills than those who attend for one year (source: vu.edu.au).
Across countries such as New Zealand, the UK and much of Europe, two years, and around 20 hours of kindergarten each week, is already recommended as best practice for school readiness.
Inside Papilio’s Two-Year School Readiness Program
At Papilio Early Learning, our Lifelong Learning Curriculum offers a comprehensive two year School Readiness Program, carefully designed for children aged three to five. Each program is led by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher who supports every child’s individual learning journey.
Learning at Papilio is purposeful, project-based, and deeply engaging. Our educators nurture each child’s natural curiosity through programs such as:
- Big Thinkers STEM - encouraging investigation, experimentation, and creative problem-solving.
- Positive Living Skills - supporting emotional wellbeing, confidence, and friendships.
- Early Years Toolbox - empowering educators to track and strengthen school readiness outcomes.
- MathSeeds and Reading Eggs - building strong literacy and numeracy foundations.
Each day blends structured learning with spontaneous play, from collaborative projects and storytelling to music, movement, and outdoor discovery. Children enjoy chef-prepared meals made onsite, and a range of extra-curricular experiences such as sport, yoga, and music sessions, all included as part of our premium early education offering.
Making Quality Early Education More Accessible
From January 2026, the Australian Government’s new Child Care Subsidy (CCS) 3 Day Guarantee will make it easier for families to access consistent, high-quality early education.
This policy guarantees that eligible families can receive the CCS for at least three days of care per week (72 hours per fortnight), regardless of activity hours (source: servicesaustralia.gov.au).
In simple terms, it means families can plan for a minimum of three days of early learning each week, ensuring children have more opportunities to learn, play, and build meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers.
If your child is thriving at Papilio and you’re considering whether to extend their days, now is the perfect time to talk with your Centre Manager about how this change could benefit your family.
Learn more about the Child Care Subsidy and 3-Day Guarantee.
Preparing Confident, Curious Learners for Life
Every child’s journey is unique, and the final two years before school are a time to nurture potential, celebrate individuality, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
With Papilio’s two-year kindergarten program, your child will:
- Build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
- Strengthen language, literacy, and numeracy skills through hands-on discovery.
- Develop social and emotional intelligence through play and collaboration.
- Enjoy nourishing meals and enriching extracurricular experiences every day.
At Papilio, we’re proud to provide a learning environment where every child is supported by expert educators, inspired by meaningful experiences, and prepared for a bright, confident start to school.