ECEC Provider in Focus: Sunkids

Sunkids is a long day care (LDC) provider with 16 services across the suburbs of Brisbane and the Gold Coast of Queensland. 

 

What is the history of SunKids? 

 

Sunkids was founded in 2004, and is a family owned business. The chain of services aims to provide children and families with “beautiful childcare (sic.) environments that nurture the whole child”. 

 

What is the SunKids vision, and approach to learning?

 

Sunkids was established on the premise that “our community and world would only be made better by providing better outcomes for young children and families.”

 

A singular vision drives the ethos of the business: to positively shape the next generation and beyond through a specific play based curriculum. 

 

A number of core elements underpin this vision including: 

 

• Children: A Precious Trust
• Parents: The First Educators
• Early Childhood Professionals: The Role of The Educator
• Curriculum: A Child-Centered Framework
• Physical Environment: The Third Teacher
• Relationships & Respectful Interactions: All There Is

 

Sunkids mission is “to create nurturing environments where every child is embraced, empowered, and prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.”

 

Are there any unique aspects to the SunKids offer? 

 

Sunkids offers an extra-curricular program, led by qualified and experienced Sunkids Coaches, to every child at no additional cost to families. Sessions are held three days a week and feature activities such as sports, movement, music, yoga, meditation, games, and dance.

 

These programs are thoughtfully tailored to suit all age groups, from Nursery to Kindergarten, extending and enhancing the Sunkids Curriculum. 

 

Educators at Sunkids use a Virtues Approach when interacting with children, which takes a positive approach to character development through a focus on the prevention of undesirable behaviours rather than management after the behaviour has occurred, with a long term view of helping children to guide their own behaviour by drawing on inherent virtues. 

 

“When children learn to live by these principles and values, the development of good character, self-esteem and healthy relationships are natural outcomes. You’ll find Sunkids Educators speaking the language of the Virtues throughout each day to empower children to act on the best within themselves,” Sunkids notes on its website. 

 

What is Sunkids’ approach to educators’ identity and development? 

 

Sunkids employees have access to a number of benefits and resources including performance based bonuses, flexible hours, comprehensive leave entitlements, opportunities for career advancement, tailored professional development opportunities, above award wages, and a 60 per cent discount on care for their own children, if required. 

 

To learn more about Sunkids please see here.