Child Care vs ELC

Child Care vs. Early Learning Centre (ELC) – what’s the difference?

There really isn’t one.

They say one of the big differences between ELC and childcare is that ELC is really centred first on the educational needs of the child, and at an ELC they have a qualified Early Childhood teacher facilitating the program for kindy age children.

We also have a qualified Early Childhood teacher and one of our main areas of focus is on the educational needs of the child, but we also focus on providing a nurturing, secure and stimulating learning environment that promotes happiness and a desire to learn in all children. Our aim recognises that children mature at different rates and that they have preferred styles of learning. We also emphasise the importance of holistic learning with special attention paid to the establishment of an emotionally secure foundation to support each child’s developing sense of self and empathy for others. 

While we cannot speak for all Early Learning Centres, as a child care centre, we pride ourselves on nurturing each child. We know that when children feel safe and secure, they are able to openly express their feelings and ideas and confidently explore and engage with their social and physical environments through relationships and play – EYLF, Learning Outcome 1.