In Australia, ELC stands for “Early Learning Centre,” which is a term used to describe a childcare center or preschool for young children. These centers are typically for children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years old, although the specific age range may vary depending on the particular center. Some centers may also offer after-school care and holiday programs for school-aged children.
Early Learning Centre

Yes, Early Learning Centre (ELC) is a term used in Australia to describe a childcare center or preschool for young children. These centers are designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow while their parents are at work or school. ELCs typically offer a range of activities and programs to support the development of children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. These may include play-based learning, structured activities, outdoor play, and opportunities for children to learn through exploration and discovery. The specific age range and program offerings may vary depending on the particular ELC.
preschool age in Australia
In Australia, preschool, also known as “kindergarten,” typically refers to the year of education before children start primary school. Preschool is not compulsory in Australia, but it is widely available and highly regarded as a valuable form of early education.
Children in preschool are usually aged between 3 and 5 years old. Preschool education is designed to support children’s learning and development through a range of activities and experiences, including play-based learning, structured activities, and social interaction. The specific age range for preschool may vary slightly depending on the state or territory in which you live, as education is the responsibility of the individual states and territories in Australia.
Preschool education
Preschool education in Australia, also known as “kindergarten,” is a year of education provided for children before they start primary school. It is not compulsory, but it is widely available and highly regarded as a valuable form of early education.
Preschool education in Australia is designed to support the learning and development of children aged between 3 and 5 years old. It is typically provided by qualified early childhood educators in a range of settings, including community preschools, long day care centers, and private preschools.
Preschool programs in Australia are typically play-based, meaning that they are built around children’s interests and involve a range of activities and experiences that support children’s learning and development. These may include structured activities, such as group time and story time, as well as opportunities for children to explore, create, and learn through play.
The specific program offerings and age range for preschool may vary slightly depending on the state or territory in which you live, as education is the responsibility of the individual states and territories in Australia.
Holiday programs for school-aged children
Holiday programs are a type of childcare service that is typically offered to school-aged children during school holidays. These programs are designed to provide a safe and engaging environment for children to participate in activities and experiences while their parents are at work or otherwise occupied.
Holiday programs may be offered by a range of organizations, including schools, community centers, and private childcare providers. They may take place at a variety of locations, such as schools, community centers, or outdoor locations.
Holiday programs may include a range of activities and experiences, such as sports, arts and crafts, outdoor play, and educational programs. They may also include excursions and field trips to local attractions. The specific activities and program offerings may vary depending on the location and the specific holiday program.
Children’s interests
Children’s interests are the things that they enjoy doing and learning about. Children’s interests can vary widely and can change frequently as they grow and develop.
In the early years, children’s interests are often centered around exploring their environment and learning about the world around them. As they grow older, children may develop more specific interests in particular hobbies, activities, or subjects.
Encouraging children’s interests is an important part of their learning and development, as it helps them to become engaged and motivated learners. When children are able to pursue their interests, they are more likely to be curious, motivated, and persistent in their learning.
There are many ways to support children’s interests, including providing them with opportunities to explore and learn about the things that interest them, encouraging them to ask questions and seek out answers, and providing them with resources and materials to support their learning.