Our centre offers the QLD Government-approved ‘Free Kindy’ Program.

At Great Beginnings, your child will benefit from the QLD ‘Free Kindy’ Government-approved program as part of our enhanced learning program. Our Kindergarten program will support your child’s learning, development, and well-being for now, at school and beyond. We tailor our Kindergarten program across:

• Numeracy
• Literacy
• Emotional and Social Development
• Self regulation
• Healthy minds and bodies

The added benefits of our Kindergarten program include:

• QLD ‘Free Kindy’ Government-approved program
• Extended opening hours
• Open all year round (excl public holidays)
• Programs developed and delivered by our Early Childhood Teachers
• Exclusive music and movement program for self-regulation

“Let the child be the scriptwriter, director and the actor in their own play” - Magda Gerber

Nursery Space: 6 weeks – 2 years

Learning starts from before birth, and our Educators have created a welcoming and nurturing nursery environment where each baby feels safe to explore and discover new things - through their senses, their communication and cues (body language, facial expression and sounds) and through experimentation. On any given day you can see the nursery children engaging in all types of play including sensory play, music time, story time and more. Every day provides a brand new, exciting adventure for our babies to support their development, learning and wellbeing.

Toddler Space: 2 - 3 years

Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development. This happens through carefully planned music, dance, games, role playing and reading experiences.

On any given day the Toddlers can be seen developing their numeracy by building a tower, sorting objects, pointing and identifying shapes and patterns and participating in counting songs and games.

Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn-taking, developing self-confidence and emotional self-regulation. Our skilled team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling.

Kindergarten Space: 3 – 6 years

Kindergarten is a unique time for learning with peers and developing skills for later learning including confidence and curiosity, important skills for starting school. Our play-based program has school readiness at its core, encouraging active engagement in learning and supporting a range of positive developmental outcomes including resilience, independence, critical thinking and creativity.

The oral language supports literacy learning and a child’s oral language ability is the best predictor for later success in learning to read and write. Hearing the sounds within a language is the first critical step for all literacy learning. Our team supports our Kindergarten children's literacy development by engaging in rich discussions, reading, storytelling, dramatic play and experimentation all of which introduce new vocabulary as part of everyday conversations.

Throughout the Kindergarten year, children use their language to share ideas, ask questions, express themselves, and connect with peers and adults in social settings.

Social-emotional skills, including the ability to self-regulate emotions, are supported through group learning experiences. Our team supports each child’s social and emotional development by labelling and talking about emotions and supporting appropriate responses as together, they engage in new and challenging situations. Our goal in the Kindergarten year is to prepare children and families for a smooth transition to primary school.

Our centre chef prepares and cooks nutritious meals daily, catering to the unique dietary requirements of every child. We believe that by encouraging active participation (such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, preparing, and finally cooking!) children learn to appreciate and understand the importance of healthy eating across a wide variety of food.

Our centre offers seasonal whole food-based menus – created to delight the fussiest eaters.

Hi my name is Lauren and I am the Centre Manager here at Great Beginnings Atherton.

I have worked in early childhood education since 2016 and have been with G8 Education throughout that time. I have worked across a range of roles, beginning in the kitchen preparing children’s meals before progressing through the centre.

I came into early childhood education after the birth of my second child. Becoming a mother changed the way I viewed childhood and inspired me to be part of creating positive experiences for children during such an important stage of their lives. What I value most is the relationships I build with children and their families.

Over the years, I’ve learnt that every child develops in their own way. I take the time to listen, understand their interests and personalities, and respond to what they need. I believe children are more confident to learn and explore when they feel known, supported and secure.

Early learning gives children opportunities to learn through play and alongside other children. They can develop communication, social skills and independence, while educators plan experiences around their interests and development. This works alongside the important learning already happening at home.

Our team brings different strengths, experiences and personalities, but we share the same focus on providing children with a positive early learning experience. We work together to create a welcoming centre where children and families feel comfortable and supported.

Getting to know families is very important to me. I make time for conversations, listen to what matters to them and want them to feel comfortable approaching me. My aim is for families to feel confident that their child is genuinely known, cared for and valued.