We are so happy with MAD for our two sons. We previously went to a larger daycare, but we feel that MAD is a much better fit for our boys. There is an incredibly warm and friendly vibe at every pick up and drop off, and we know our boys feel happy and comfortable with all of the educators. We love getting our daily updates and photographs and we are so impressed with the range of different activities and educational experiences that are provided every day. Definitely 5 stars from us! 

Annika - parent

We absolutely LOVE these guys! They are so lovely and caring towards our daughter. She sometimes doesn't even say goodbye to us when we drop her off as she is excited for the day ahead. This isn't a place where your kids are just going to "just play games" all day. It's a place where the games and activities are focused on specific learning and developmental outcomes, and you're going to get updates each day on how your child is developing. It's also a place where if you're trying to help your child learn how to share at home, you can let them know and they'll continue to try to help your child throughout the day.

Lastly, our daughter only goes twice a week, but we noticed how much faster she started developing as soon as she started day care. It's been really great. For context, we have tried another day care that we originally thought was great. However, now that we've experienced MAD at Oceana, we realise how great they are and the extra level of support and care they provide.

David - parent 

Our daughter has only recently started but is loving every minute of it. The staff here are amazing with her, always keeping us up to date with what activities they've been doing throughout the day which has been awesome to receive. This is also our daughter's first time attending child care and they have made us all feel extremely comfortable and welcome thank you MAD team for all the effort you put in for our kids.

Keanu - parent

Nathan has been at the centre for at least 12 months. We have had a very positive experience. It's a small family run Centre. The staff are great with the kids and the daily updates are detailed. Highly recommend to anyone considering childcare in Narraweena.

Joseph - parent

Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA Program): ELLA is a digital, play-based language learning program that the preschool children use daily. This Australian Government initiative inspires children by driving a genuine interest in a new language and culture. 

Community Engagement: designed to give children a sense of the local and larger world they belong to and a sense of identity. The children go on excursions large and small to connect with the world outside the gates. Recently they visited a farm to milk cows and meet some goats and chickens. The centre also enjoys community visitors, including the police and fire department. 

Bush Kindy: There is nothing better for children than a connection to nature and the grounding, calming energy of being in a natural space. The centre takes the children whenever possible out to local green space. This is an opportunity for exploration, learning about safety, unhurried time to talk, discover, and just be. 

Sports Program: the centre’s weekly sports incursions are focused on ball skills, agility, working as a team, improving gross motor skills, hand eye coordination and balance. Soccajoeys provide skill based coaching in a fun, play based program. 

Mindfulness and Body Movement: the children take time out of their busy playtime each week to re-centre and practice being calm. The benefits of this include body awareness, emotional regulation, improved concentration, positive self-image and connection to self. 

Environmental Awareness & Sustainable Practices: Environmental Sustainability is a strong focus within the centre. The educators believe it is essential learning for children to feel empowered to make a difference by recycling, reducing waste, and learning about conservation. 

Music Program: music is an essential part of children’s development, and they enjoy the interactive sessions that help develop confidence, memory, language and coordination skills. Music and rhythm classes for all ages are included in the daily program.

6 weeks - 18 months

The infants enjoy a loving, warm and stimulating environment that supports age appropriate exploration, engagement and discovery. Each child’s individual developmental milestones are the focus of this space, ensuring a tailored and unique approach to each child’s specific needs. The long term, qualified and skilled educators develop programs that foster children’s emotional wellbeing and comfort in order to see them flourish.

At Making A Difference, management understands that their team members are the most important part of the business. The highly skilled and driven educators are the key to each child’s successful journey through early childhood education.  

Many of the highly qualified team members have been with the centre for a number of years.  The focus of the educators is to provide individual care, to understand all they can about each of the children and their development. Educators will engage with parents to find new ways to solve problems, support growth, teach things specific to each child and ensure tailored programs meet the needs of parents.  

Centre Director Natalie has been with the centre for over 10 years. Other educators say that ‘Natalie is endlessly patient and kind, loves every child in the centre as her own, and supports her team day in day out to be the best they all can be.’

The team at Making A Difference understands that balanced, nutritious food is the key to healthy brain development, good attention spans and good moods for children. 

With a 5 star rated kitchen and menu developed in conjunction with stakeholders, reviewed, and approved as exceeding by the NSW Munch and Move Nutritionists, parents can be confident that their child is getting everything they need and more, and loving it. The centre chef cooks from scratch every day, and will happily share recipes for successful meal times at home.

The week rotating menus offer variety and balance, and are packed with children’s favourites. The children learn about food and healthy eating as the educators ensure meal times remain centred around discussions about our bodies and how to care for them. Meal times are a time to come together and practice self-help skills, conversation, and build a positive relationship with food.

The children love the (veggie packed) spaghetti with tomato sauce.

Dad drops Max off at 8am, he is 1 year old. Alex sits with his Educator for a little while by the sandpit. He soon feels confident to join in with castle building and sand pouring that are set up for him. Max is supported to buld a sandcastle and then has fun knocking it over and giggling with some other children. The children then go inside for a play on the mat and a story before having morning tea. 

After morning tea, Max has a sleep, as that’s his current routine. Some of the other children also nap in the morning, and those who don’t will do another planned activity while they rest. Today they are making playdough together. When Max wakes up, some of the other children have gone to bed, so he has a turn with the teachers and the playdough before having his favourite pasta and garlic bread fingers for lunch. 

After lunch, the children come back together for a group story, and sit on the mat and read their favourite book, 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar.' Then it is time to go outside again and enjoy the warm weather, taking their instruments out onto the grass for a music lesson before afternoon tea. 

The children spend the later part of the afternoon in the classroom, exploring the blocks, the animals, the book shelf and the other environments at their own pace. Max has another little afternoon hour nap around 2:30pm and Max’s mum comes to get him around 4pm. Another lovely day in the nursery.