11
traineeships through ECEC
The Y Canberra Region
2024-2025 Impact Report
Children's Services
Inspiring our youngest minds
Children Services
Early Learning is different at the Y. We recognise that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life is critical, and we understand the crucial role that learning, a nurturing community and home environment play in setting a child up for success.
We create real-world environments that allow children to have true experiences. We encourage children to explore and be adaptable to their environment, and we promote community connections and sustainable practices as a core value.
The Y Canberra Region operates 5 Early Learning Centres and 11 Outside Hours School Care Programs, and we have been running children’s programs since the 1970’s.
six hundred and ninety four
children attending Vacation Care programs
1,868
children enrolled in Outside Hours School Care
100
children participating in three-year-old initiative
37
children supported through the CSP program
247
children enrolled in the Universal Access Preschool Program
734
total children enrolled in Early Learning Care
Intergenerational Program
At the Y Canberra Region, community connection is at the heart of everything we do. One of our most cherished initiatives is the intergenerational program, which brings together preschool children and aged care residents in a meaningful and impactful way.
Established in 2013, the program has become a permanent feature of our preschool curriculum, engaging with residents through structured, joyful interactions that benefit both generations.
Led by a dedicated Early Childhood Teacher and a passionate team of educators, the program is designed to cultivate empathy, respect, and understanding. It helps children explore the natural process of aging and fosters meaningful relationships with older adults, including those with physical or cognitive differences.
At the Y, we value the wisdom and life experience that older generations bring. This program is a powerful example of how early education and aged care can work hand in hand to build stronger, more compassionate communities.
Bush Kinder
At the Y, our Bush Kinder program draws inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which sees the environment as the “third teacher” and champions child-led, inquiry-based learning. This approach extends beyond the traditional classroom, immersing children in natural environments where they are encouraged to explore, question and construct their own understanding of the world around them.
Bush Kinder fosters a deep respect for children’s capabilities, empowering them to lead their own learning journeys. In this dynamic setting, educators act as co-researchers and facilitators, guiding discovery rather than dictating outcomes. Nature becomes a vibrant learning space where creativity, ideas and theories are nurtured through open-ended play and exploration.
The experiences provided through Bush Kinder align with the key outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework while also reflecting the core principles of Reggio Emilia, such as the importance of relationships, collaboration and the hundred languages of children. These languages are expressed through movement, sensory exploration, storytelling and artistic expression, all of which are deeply embedded in our connection to nature.
Children’s Voice
Our preschool children participate in centre committee meetings, where they actively participated in discussions on several important topics. The agenda covered a range of items, including the introduction of our new winter menu, updates on the care of our chickens and special topics such as upcoming excursions, a bubble activity, and the idea of a PJ Day.
This experience proved to be highly beneficial for the children, as it provides them with an opportunity to express their thoughts, ask questions, and contribute ideas. Involving young children in decision-making helps build their confidence and a sense of responsibility. It empowers them to understand that their voices matter and that they can actively influence the decisions that affect their daily lives.
Furthermore, this approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as children learn to consider different perspectives and think through possible outcomes. It also fosters a sense of community and collaboration, as they engage with peers and educators in a shared process of decision-making.
By offering children a role in shaping the environment around them, we not only support their social and emotional development but also instil in them a greater sense of belonging and agency within their learning community. This experience also nurtures key skills such as communication, negotiation, and teamwork, important abilities that will benefit them well into the future.
Children Services Program (CSP)
The Y Canberra Region is a proud partner of the Children’s Services Program (CSP), funded by the ACT Government and managed by the Support Services for Children, Inclusion Division. It is a privilege to continue this valued partnership in delivering high-quality education and care to some of Canberra’s most vulnerable children.
The CSP aims to support vulnerable families by providing access to short-term early childhood education and care. This vital program helps reduce barriers to participation, ensuring early learning services are accessible to those who need them most.
The program funds early childhood education and care placements for a limited period, based on the assessed needs of each family. In many cases, families referred through the program are experiencing crisis situations, often compounded by financial hardship and other risk factors.
Under our current agreement, The Y Canberra Region holds eight full-time CSP-funded places per week across our five Early Learning Centres. In the 2024–2025 financial year, we supported 34 children from 31 families, totalling 1,009 days of care delivered through this program.
Three-Year-Old Initiative Program
The 3-Year-Old Initiative provides up to 500 ACT families with access to two days per week of free Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in a participating service. Referrals to the initiative begin when a child is 2 years and 10 months old and continue until they reach 3 years and 11 months of age.
This program is designed to support children who would benefit from consistent access to a play-based early learning environment. Many of the participating families face complex life challenges, and The Y Canberra Region’s Early Learning Centres have worked diligently to create safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments for all enrolled children and their families. Our approach helps families to feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout their early education journey.
Due to our demonstrated operational success and in response to a growing demand, The Y Canberra Region is currently supporting the placement of 69 children across our five Early Learning Centres, each attending two days per week under this initiative.
Tanya’s work (YMCA Gungahlin) is making a significant impact, not only in the lives of children and families but also in setting a high standard for early childhood leadership. Her dedication, compassion, and professionalism are truly worthy of recognition.” Aimee Hunter and Nat Munoz – Early Childhood Community Coordinators.
Three-Year-Old Universal Access Program
The Three-Year-Old Preschool Program provides ACT Government-funded access to free, high-quality preschool education for Three-year-old children enrolled at The Y Canberra Region’s Early Learning Centres.
Through this program, each eligible child receives up to 300 hours of free preschool education per year, supporting early access to structured, play-based learning environments.
This program represents the largest investment in Early Childhood Education in the ACT’s history. The Y Canberra Region is proud to be a partner provider. The program is grounded in the belief that play-based learning is a powerful tool to support children’s wellbeing, learning, and development-laying a strong foundation for future educational success.
Currently, 124 families are benefitting from 300 hours of free care across our 5 ELC’s.