Our centre offers the NSW Government-approved "Start Strong" Preschool Program, providing 600 hours of quality preschool education annually for children aged 3–5 years. This program includes fee relief funding to make early childhood education more affordable for families.

Our Enhanced Learning Program for Preschool children focuses on:

• Numeracy & Literacy: Developing key skills for lifelong learning.
• Self-Regulation: Fostering emotional control and resilience.
• Social & Emotional Development: Supporting independence and building healthy relationships.
• Creativity & Problem-Solving: Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.

With extended hours and a year-round program (excluding public holidays), our Preschool program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers committed to supporting your child’s individual development.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Government subsidy: Further reduces out-of-pocket Preschool fees in addition to your eligible Childcare Subsidy (CCS).
• Personalised Learning Plans: Tailored to your child’s unique needs.
• Rhythm and Resilience Program: Music and movement to improve emotional regulation.
• School Readiness: Preparing your child for a smooth transition to school.

We also engage with local schools and provide transition statements, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared for the next steps in their education journey. Stay connected with your child’s progress via our Xplor platform, which offers regular updates on their learning and development.

“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.

Preschool Space: 3 – 6 years

Preschool 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 Preschool 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 Preschool 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 Preschool 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.

My journey in early learning began in 2014, and in 2024, I had the privilege of joining the team at Creative Garden Heathcote, where I continue to nurture and guide young minds during their most formative years.

My passion for early education stems from a deep desire to guide children through the exciting and transformative early years of their development. I find immense joy in helping them explore the world around them and encouraging their natural curiosity. These formative years are when children begin to ask questions, make discoveries, and develop a sense of wonder about the world, and I feel privileged to be a part of that journey. I am currently studying my degree in psychology, which further strengthens my understanding of child development and learning processes.

Through my experience, I have learned so much about the incredible ways children learn and grow. One of the most profound lessons I’ve gained is how deeply children are influenced by the environments around them. Children thrive in environments that are rich in opportunities for exploration, creativity, and connection. When they are surrounded by materials that are thoughtfully arranged, spaces that invite curiosity, and a sense of safety and belonging, they feel empowered to take risks, ask questions, and engage deeply in the world around them. I strive to foster an environment that nurtures each child’s unique potential, providing them with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive. Ultimately, my passion lies in equipping children with the tools they need to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate individuals.

Explaining the benefits of attending a dedicated early childhood education and care (ECEC) centre compared to learning at home involves highlighting the unique advantages that structured environments provide, especially in terms of social, emotional, and cognitive development. At an early learning centre, children engage in a range of learning experiences that promote problem-solving, resilience, and collaboration. They have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with peers and educators, gain independence, and build a strong foundation for future learning. Our play-based curriculum ensures that learning is both engaging and developmentally appropriate, helping children develop critical skills in a nurturing and stimulating environment.

Our team at Creative Garden Heathcote is a vibrant blend of passion, experience, and a constant willingness to learn. We bring youthful energy and fresh ideas to everything we do, while also drawing on years of expertise to guide and inspire. We’re committed to fostering a supportive community where everyone can grow, collaborate, and thrive together. Our diverse strengths create an inspiring environment that drives us to deliver the best for every child and family we serve.

We show support to our families by maintaining open communication through daily updates, meetings, and regular check-ins, ensuring they’re always informed about their child’s progress. We offer personalised guidance, recognising each family’s unique needs and providing tailored advice and resources. We actively involve families in their child’s learning journey through events, activities, and celebrations of milestones. Our team creates a compassionate, non-judgmental space where families feel heard, valued, and supported. By fostering strong relationships and collaboration, we build a community where everyone works together to support each child’s growth and well-being.

I am incredibly excited to lead Creative Garden Heathcote early education centre and to work alongside such a passionate and dedicated team. Together, we strive to create an environment where children feel safe, inspired, and empowered to explore, learn, and grow. I look forwarding to welcoming your family.