Pottery, baristas, yoga and computer coding: The premium perks reshaping ECEC 

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are offering an increasing range of ‘premium perks’ targeted at both children and families as fees continue to increase and parents demand more return on their investment in a competitive enrolment environment. 

Elements for children such as pottery classes, AI robots, computer coding, sensory withdrawal spaces, cheerleading classes and tai chi are becoming more commonplace in a bid to provide not only for holistic development opportunities, but also as families have increasing options for ECEC in their community. 

In the parent and family space perks such as barista-made coffee and baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, occasional care and concierge services at drop-off time are becoming more widespread. 

Families using Victorian service Woodlands Early Learning Centre pay $179 a day (before subsidies) with children having access to computer coding classes, an exercise coach, an Italian language program and for the St Kilda Road service a “hero playscape”, which features a small plane that was airlifted into the high-rise centre with a crane.

With seven centres across its network the provider is expanding in “high-growth, underserved areas of Victoria” and will open more than 20 new sites in the next 12 months.

Speaking with The Age Woodlands founder Hamish Rotstein said sparking “wonderment and imagination” in the children the provider cares for is a priority, and that in the near future the provider will introduce a robotics program for the children featuring AI-enabled robots which can interact with them, recognise faces and greet children by name, answering questions using AI technology, dancing with them and doing simple tasks such as taking children’s temperatures.

KindiCare CEO Benjamin Balk noted an increasing number of providers offering support for what he termed the “juggle struggle” of raising a young family, including visits from speech pathologists and allied health services.

“Services can also vary greatly in terms of what’s included in the fee so it’s really important that parents compare services and ask questions around what’s included,” he added.

To read the original coverage of this story please see here.