Parents today want more than a quick daily recap at pickup: we want the full picture. We Google things, we’re reading, we ask questions — because we want to actually understand what our kids are learning during those long, busy hours they spend in child care.
Nobody understands this more than Guardian Childcare, which is why they launched To BE Me — their exclusive learning program designed to support every age and stage of a child’s early years. It gives families insight into their child’s development in a simple, meaningful way that builds a clear link between play and learning.
A key feature of the program is each child’s My Learning and Development Book: a personalised keepsake that tracks a child’s learning, friendships, and milestones from their five years with Guardian. It’s visual, easy to understand, and genuinely meaningful.
Years in the making, To BE Me represents a groundbreaking shift in how early learning centres support and celebrate children’s development. And just one month into its launch, it’s already showing huge wins.
What the Learning and Development Book is all about
The book is built around the program’s Development Pathways, showing families how their child is progressing in clear, visual and easy-to-understand way. The book was designed to translate the daily observations educators make into something families can genuinely connect with. Instead of technical early-childhood language, everything is written in the kind of language a parent can read and instantly recognise.
It tracks seven core areas - things like identity, social confidence, early reading, problem-solving, movement and independence - but always through a lens that makes sense in real life.
And because development doesn’t happen once a term, the book is updated constantly and as those moments happen, so families get a clearer view of how things change over time. It’s how they recognise one tiny behaviour in March becomes confidence in June and independence by September.
What families are asking for (and how To BE Me delivers)
“Families today are seeking clarity and connection to what’s happening in their child’s day-to-day experiences,” says a Guardian representative. “To BE Me bridges the gap between the professional insight of our teams and family understanding, empowering families to feel confident, connected, and involved in their child’s learning journey.”
Families love it because it shows their child’s growth in real language rather than jargon. Educators use it because it fits into daily routines instead of competing with them. And external specialists supporting children with additional needs say it gives them an instant, clear picture of where a child is at.
A philosophy built around every child
Grounded in research and real relationships, To BE Me focuses on understanding each child’s unique needs, strengths and experiences. This understanding is what enables genuine, tailored support.
At the heart of To BE Me are seven learning outcomes that reflect Guardian’s holistic approach to education:
- I Am Me
- A Good Friend
- A Reader
- A Writer
- A Counter
- A Mover
- A Great Thinker
Each outcome helps families see their child as a whole person; one who is growing across emotional, social, physical, and cognitive domains in ways that all connect to the bigger picture of who they’re becoming.
“When we truly know children, we understand how best to protect and support them,” says a Guardian representative. “To BE Me makes that possible through trusting partnerships centred around each child.”
For Erin Harris, a mum of three from Guardian Howlong, To BE Me offered a completely new perspective on her daughter Cleo’s learning journey.
“When Cleo was in the Toddler program, educators identified that she was developmentally ready to move into Junior Preschool,” Erin recalls. “I wasn’t sure if she was ready; she was settled where she was, and I didn’t really know what to look for.”
That’s when the team introduced Erin to the ‘Development Pathways’.
“The team used the Development Pathways to show me what Cleo had achieved, particularly within the ‘Being a Good Friend’ and ‘I Am Me’ pathways. Seeing it all mapped out helped me understand that she was emotionally ready for the move.”
The educators then used the Moving On Up plan to guide Cleo’s transition, and the results were remarkable.
“Over the past three months, Cleo’s development has been amazing to watch,” Erin says. “Every morning she proudly signs herself in, showing her sister her name on the board. She’s beginning to make marks on paper and name her drawings, meaning she’s now achieving the ‘A Writer’ pathway.”
For Erin, the To BE Me books have made Cleo’s learning journey not just visible, but deeply personal.
“The personalised books are such a lovely visual. They help me see how Cleo is learning and how those skills carry over into our home life, like making her own bed or packing her bag. It’s such a meaningful way to stay connected to her growth.”
At Guardian Howlong, the Learning and Development Book has also become a key tool for the centre’s visiting allied health team. Occupational therapists, speech pathologists and physiotherapists from Icaria Health visit regularly to support children with additional needs.
Having a clear, visual record of each child’s development has helped them instantly understand how children are progressing, what they’re confident in, and where they need support.
It creates a shared language between families, educators and health professionals: something Centre Manager Rachelle says has been incredibly valuable.
“With everyone reading the same story, children get more consistent support, families feel informed, and educators don’t spend half their day re-explaining things. It just works,” explains Rachelle.
For educators, it’s more time with children (not paperwork)
While To BE Me was created for families, it’s also transforming the educator experience behind the scenes.
Traditional documentation can be heavy and time-consuming. The Learning and Development Book was intentionally designed to simplify things, so educators can stay present with children instead of sitting behind a tablet or notebook.
“It’s not just about reducing writing,” says a Guardian representative. “It’s about saving time and bringing clarity to what matters most.”
The way the book is structured means educators can add observations alongside children, not away from them. It feels lighter, more intuitive, and less like paperwork. And for educators who want more depth, Guardian offers optional resources that match different learning styles, so no one feels overwhelmed.
What families are saying
The program has also been praised for helping families better understand and celebrate their child’s individuality, and for giving educators a chance to shine a light on the important work they do every day.
Feedback from families across Guardian Childcare centres has been overwhelmingly positive:
"This is so beautiful and cute to read. We are so proud and happy to know he has adapted very well from day one. As a first-time mum it’s not easy for me to be separated from him but knowing that he is with exceptional educators gives me more confidence and a bit of calm." - Parent at Altona North
“I love that this book shows where my child is developmentally, it’s so clear, so thoughtful. I’m excited and looking forward to it.” - Parent at Pascoe Vale
"It’s wonderful to see such a thoughtful and well-designed curriculum that highlights the importance of child development for families, while also recognising the incredible work of educators who are truly committed to helping every child thrive.” Parent at Altona North
"These updates are so delightful and I’m so proud of her. We are so appreciative of the care and attention you give to her and her development." - Parent at Bentleigh East.
Book your tour & see To BE Me in action
See firsthand how To BE Me brings your child’s learning journey to life. Book a visit at your nearest Guardian centre today.
