Sessional vs. Integrated : Choosing the Best Fit for Your Child at Anderson Road Child Care Centre

Nurturing Young Minds for Over 11 Years

When it comes to choosing a kindergarten program for your child, families in Albion and surrounding suburbs—including Sunshine and Sunshine West—often wonder: What is the difference between sessional and integrated kinder, and which one is best for my child?

At Anderson Road Child Care Centre, we understand that every child and every family is unique. That’s why we offer both sessional and integrated kindergarten programs to suit different needs, schedules, and preferences. This article provides an in-depth look at both options to help you make an informed decision for your child’s early education journey.

🧠 What Is Kindergarten in Victoria?

Kindergarten (or ‘kinder’) is a play-based early learning program designed to support children’s development in the year or two before they start school. It is led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) and follows the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), which emphasises five key outcomes:

Children have a strong sense of identity
Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Children are confident and involved learners
Children are effective communicators

Both sessional and integrated kinder programs follow this framework—but they differ in their delivery model.

📚 Sessional Kindergarten – Structured, Short-Duration Early Education

Sessional kinder is a traditional kindergarten model, typically run during school terms for a set number of hours per week.

🔍 Key Features:

Set Schedule:

At Anderson Road Child Care, we offer:

3 days/week (Mon, Tues, Friday) – 5 hours per day

OR 2 days/week (Wed & Thurs) – 7.5 hours per day

Term-Based:

Operates during the Victorian school term calendar (40 weeks). No sessions during school holidays.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up:

Parents must follow designated start and end times (e.g., 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM or similar).

Free Kinder Support:

Eligible for the Victorian Government’s Free Kinder initiative, offering up to $2,050 per year in fee relief.

Education-Focused:

Structured around play-based learning, school readiness, group time, story sessions, outdoor play, and social development—but without additional care services like meals or extended hours.

No Care Component:

Sessional kinder does not include breakfast, lunch, snacks, or nap times. These are managed at home by families.

🎯 Who Is Sessional Kinder Best For?

Families with flexible schedules who can manage drop-off and pick-up
Children who don’t need full-day care and thrive in shorter, structured sessions
Parents seeking a purely educational environment before school

It’s also a popular choice for families exploring Sunshine daycare or Sunshine childcare centre options, who may prefer part-time kinder programs close to Albion.

🌈 Integrated Kindergarten – Education with Full-Day Childcare Convenience

Integrated kindergarten combines the same educational curriculum as sessional kinder with the full support of long day care services.

🔍 Key Features:
Longer Operating Hours:
Available Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with the kindergarten program delivered between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Year-Round Operation:
Available 52 weeks a year, including school holidays (excluding public holidays and closure periods).

Full Care Services:
Includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks), nappies, rest periods, and outdoor activities.

Same Education Standards:
Delivered by qualified ECTs following the VEYLDF, covering group learning, early literacy and numeracy, art, science, and social-emotional development.

Flexible Drop-Off & Pick-Up:
Families can arrive and leave anytime during opening hours, ideal for working parents.

Free Kinder Applicable:
Eligible for the $2,101 fee offset through the Free Kinder initiative.

🎯 Who Is Integrated Kinder Best For?

Working parents or carers who need full-day care
Families wanting a consistent routine all year round
Children who benefit from extended learning and social time
Parents who want everything onsite—meals, nappies, structured learning

It’s especially suitable for those seeking childcare in Sunshine West or a Sunshine long day preschool with a strong educational foundation.

🎯 Sessional Vs Integrated Kinder Comparison at Anderson Road Child Care Centre?

Feature	Sessional Kinder	Integrated Kinder
Schedule	Fixed hours, 2–3 days/week	Full-day care, 5 days/week
Operating Days	School terms only (40 weeks/year)	Year-round (up to 52 weeks)
Program Duration	5–7.5 hours/day	Kinder runs 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Meals Provided	❌ No	✅ Yes
Nap Time	❌ No	✅ Yes (for those who need it)
Nappies Included	❌ No	✅ Yes
Flexibility	Low – set times	High – flexible hours
Government Funding	✅ Free Kinder eligible	✅ Free Kinder eligible
Best For	Part-time/stay-at-home families	Full-time workers, busy families

🏆 Why Families in Albion & Sunshine Choose Anderson Road Child Care Centre?

Conveniently located near Albion station and a short drive from Sunshine and Sunshine West, Anderson Road Child Care Centre is proud to offer:

🌿 Nature-Inspired Learning Spaces:
Purpose-built environments, indoors and out, that spark discovery and creativity.

🎓 Experienced Educators & ECTs:
A passionate team committed to your child’s growth and development.

👫 Strong Community Partnerships:
Collaborating with local organisations to support school readiness.

💬 Transparent Communication:
Stay in the loop with OWNA and daily learning updates.

📣 Access to Free Kinder:
Both program types receive government support to reduce fees.

Whether you’re comparing us to a Sunshine early learning centre or looking for a top-rated Sunshine childcare centre, you’ll find that Anderson Road Child Care Centre offers the personal care and professional education you’ve been searching for.

Ready to Enrol or Want to Learn More?

Whether you’re leaning toward sessional kinder for its structured simplicity, or integrated kinder for all-day convenience, our friendly team is here to guide you.

🔹 Book a personalised tour
🔹 Meet our educators and see our kinder rooms in action
🔹 Enquire now to secure your child’s place for 2025

📍 Visit us at https://andersonroadchildcare.com.au/
📞 Call us on (03) 9312 6407
📧 Or email us at info@andersonroadchildcare.com.au