Skip to main content

Guide to look for OOSH - Out of School Hours Care

Understanding OOSH Care

OOSH care programs are essential services that extend the educational and developmental opportunities available to children beyond the conventional classroom. These programs, which include before and after school care, vacation care, and various activity-based clubs, are meticulously designed to provide children with a blend of learning, play and relaxation in a structured yet flexible environment.

This Guide to look for OOSH – Out of School Hours Care explains how OOSH care plays a pivotal role in supporting families, particularly those with working parents, ensuring children are engaged in productive activities that cater to their physical, emotional and intellectual growth.

In-depth Considerations When Choosing OOSH Care:

Program Quality and Accreditation

  • Comprehensive Accreditation Checks: Beyond basic accreditation, investigate the program’s history of compliance and any accolades or recognitions they have received for their service quality. This can offer insight into the program’s commitment to excellence.
  • Evaluating Program Content: Delve into the specifics of the curriculum. High-quality programs will have a diverse range of activities that not only entertain but also educate. This includes STEM activities, arts and crafts, sports, and even quiet zones for reading and homework help, ensuring a holistic approach to child development.

Staff Qualifications and Ratios

  • Beyond Basic Qualifications: In addition to verifying staff qualifications, consider the ongoing professional development opportunities provided to the team. Staff who are continuously learning and growing in their field can offer more to your child.
  • Understanding the Impact of Ratios: While low staff-to-child ratios are crucial, also consider how these ratios are managed throughout the day and across different activities, ensuring personalised attention and care.

Safety and Environment

  • Advanced Safety Protocols: Investigate the specific safety measures in place, including how the program handles allergies, first aid emergencies, and child security throughout the day.
  • Quality of Spaces: The quality and variety of physical spaces available for children play a significant role in their engagement and learning. Explore how the environment is designed to cater to different activities and age groups, ensuring it stimulates curiosity and exploration.

Flexibility and Convenience

  • Adapting to Family Needs: High-quality OOSH programs understand that families have dynamic needs. Evaluate how well a program accommodates unexpected changes in schedules, as well as their policies on late pickups or early drop-offs.
  • Strategic Location: The convenience of the program’s location should extend beyond proximity to home or school. Consider how easily accessible it is via public transport or whether the program offers its transport services for school pick-ups and drop-offs.

Communication and Parental Involvement

  • Engagement Opportunities: Look for programs that offer more than just regular updates. Quality OOSH care encourages active parental involvement through events, parent evenings, or opportunities to participate in certain activities.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: A program’s openness to parent feedback and its responsiveness to concerns or suggestions is indicative of a partnership approach to childcare.

Two Years is Better Than One

Find a Sense of Belonging

Build Focus & Concentration

Become More Independent

Guide to look for OOSH - Out of School Hours Care

Benefits of Quality OOSH Care: A Closer Look

  • Enhanced Learning and Development
    Quality OOSH care extends the educational journey of children by integrating playful learning with structured activities. This approach nurtures a child’s curiosity and encourages an eagerness to explore new concepts, building upon what they learn during the school day in a more relaxed setting. Activities like problem-solving games, science experiments, and literacy projects not only reinforce academic skills but also stimulate cognitive development in diverse and enjoyable ways.
  • Social Skills and Friendship

The informal atmosphere of OOSH care is ideal for fostering social interactions that might not occur within the structured school environment. Children learn to navigate social dynamics, negotiate with peers, and build relationships based on mutual interests and respect. This setting allows for the development of critical social skills such as empathy, communication, and cooperation, laying the groundwork for healthy social interactions throughout life.

  • Safety and Supervision

For parents, the assurance that comes with quality OOSH care — knowing their children are under the watchful eyes of qualified professionals in a secure environment — is invaluable. Programs with robust safety protocols and trained staff ensure that children are not only supervised but also taught how to stay safe, including understanding personal boundaries and emergency procedures.

  • Active Lifestyle

OOSH programs and kindergarten program in Corio and Truganina often emphasise physical activity, recognising its importance in children’s health and development. Whether it’s through team sports, individual physical challenges, or simply playful exploration of outdoor environments, these activities encourage children to embrace an active lifestyle. Regular physical activity is known to improve fitness, mental health, and even academic performance, making it a critical component of comprehensive child care.

shell-photo

Informed Dos and Don’ts When Selecting OOSH Care

Dos

  • Evaluate Program Diversity: Choose a program that offers a wide range of activities catering to various interests and developmental needs. This diversity ensures that every child finds something engaging and enriching.
  • Prioritise Communication: Opt for programs that value open and regular communication with parents, offering insights into your child’s progress, experiences, and any challenges they might be facing.
Read more