(07) 3063 6000
(07) 3063 6000Address:
32 Dolphin Avenue, Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218
Care Type:
Long Day Care
Hours:
6.30am to 6.30pm
Vacancies
Check by age group
Infant
0-1 years
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
$160 /day
Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre.
Address:
32 Dolphin Avenue, Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218
Rating Score
Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre is a family owned and run long day care centre. As a family, we have over 30 years’ experience in the early years sector. The centre has been purpose built to provide an exciting environment for children to grow, learn and develop – no matter their needs or desires. We believe in a holistic approach when providing care.
As an inclusive centre, we work with families and communities to make sure all children and families feel safe, secure, and respected.
Our learning environments promote play as the basis for children's learning. Children are encouraged to explore, create and engage with their peers. With both indoor and outdoor facilities, children develop in all growth areas.
Our rooms are furnished with the latest equipment. Our kindergarten room utilizes the latest technologies to provide the 20th century learner with the tools they need to succeed. Our playground environment is state of the art, with equipment promoting physical play, but also quiet areas for rest. There is ample space for running ball games and group activities.
We look forward to sharing in your child’s journey and ensuring they are provided the best and most enjoyable learning experiences.
Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre is a family owned and run long day care centre. As a family, we have over 30 years’ experience in the early years sector. The centre has been purpose built to provide an exciting environment for children to grow, learn and develop – no matter their needs or desires. We believe in a holistic approach when providing care.
As an inclusive centre, we work with families and communities to make sure all children and families feel safe, secure, and respected.
Our learning environments promote play as the basis for children's learning. Children are encouraged to explore, create and engage with their peers. With both indoor and outdoor facilities, children develop in all growth areas.
Our rooms are furnished with the latest equipment. Our kindergarten room utilizes the latest technologies to provide the 20th century learner with the tools they need to succeed. Our playground environment is state of the art, with equipment promoting physical play, but also quiet areas for rest. There is ample space for running ball games and group activities.
We look forward to sharing in your child’s journey and ensuring they are provided the best and most enjoyable learning experiences.
State Government Approved Programs
Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre Philosophy
At Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre, we believe every child is unique and deserves an environment where they feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore. Our philosophy centres on creating a nurturing space where children can grow and develop to their full potential through dynamic, inclusive programs.
We embrace the Reggio Emilia Approach and Constructivist Theory, valuing children as active learners who build knowledge through experiences and interactions. Our educators support each child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs, fostering growth with age-appropriate resources and engaging learning experiences. Language development is crucial in early years, and our Abecedarian Approach integrates conversation, storytelling, music, and drama to nurture this growth. We work in partnership with families, honouring their role as primary educators and providing a caring community where children can thrive.
Our programs align with the National Quality Standards and Early Years Learning Framework, celebrating Australia’s multicultural society and acknowledging the cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre, our vision is to offer a place where children’s learning and development are our top priorities, supported by a community-focused and inclusive approach.
“It is through our connections to others; we develop into ourselves.” – Vygotsky
Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre is committed to fostering a culture that creates and maintains a safe online environment with support and collaboration from staff, families and community. As a child safe organisation, our Service embeds the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and (Queensland’s Child Safe Standards, Phase 2 Starting January 1, 2026) and continuously addresses risks to ensure children are safe in physical and online environments. Digital technologies have become an integral part of many children’s daily lives. For this reason, it is important that our educators are not only familiar with the use of digital technologies, but are able to guide children’s understanding of, and ability to interact, engage, access and use a range of digital technology in a child safe environment.
Use of Personal Devices:
Educators are strictly prohibited from using personal electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, smart watches, tablets) to take photos, record audio, or capture videos of children.
Personal devices cannot be used to access social media while working directly with children.
Service-Issued Devices:
Educators must use only Service-issued and registered devices for taking images, videos, or accessing digital technology.
Service-issued devices must remain on the premises unless exemptions are granted for operational activities (e.g., excursions).
Privacy and Security:
Educators must keep passwords confidential and log out of devices and software programs after use.
They must not share children’s personal information (e.g., name, address, date of birth) online.
Transferring images or videos from Service-issued devices to personal devices is strictly prohibited.
Supervision and Safety:
Educators must actively supervise children when using digital devices or accessing online environments.
Devices are only permitted in open areas where educators can monitor children’s use.
Screen Time Guidelines:
Screen time is not used as a reward or to manage challenging behaviors.
Educators adhere to Australia's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines:
Children under 1 year: No screen time.
Children aged 2-5 years: Less than 1 hour per day.
Children aged 5-12 years: No more than 2 hours per day for entertainment.
Educational Use:
Educators introduce age-appropriate concepts about online safety and guide children in recognising safe and unsafe online behaviors.
Programs and apps used are secure, regularly updated, and password-protected.
Training and Compliance:
Educators participate in training related to digital safety, privacy protection, and responsible use of technology.
They adhere to the Safe Use of Digital Technologies and Online Environments Policy and associated procedures.
Storage:
Photos/videos are securely stored on password-protected Service-issued devices.
Monthly backups are performed; data is held for 3 years post-enrolment and destroyed per the Record Keeping Policy.
Sharing:
Photos/videos are shared with families via secure platforms.
No uploads to public platforms without written parental consent.
Unauthorised transfers to personal devices are prohibited.
Authorisation:
Written parental consent is required for taking, using, storing, or destroying images/videos.
A record of children not to be photographed is maintained and shared with staff.
Privacy & Security:
Images/videos must be appropriate and respect children’s privacy.
Purpose:
CCTV is used for monitoring the physical environment, enhancing safety, addressing complaints, and supporting investigations.
Operation:
The system includes 13 fixed cameras, 4 monitors, and a digital hard drive recorder.
Cameras operate continuously (24/7) and are located in public areas (e.g., car park, reception, play areas).
Cameras are not installed in private areas like bathrooms.
Footage Storage:
Footage is stored securely in a password-protected system for up to 90 days.
Old recordings are overwritten after 90 days.
Access to Footage:
Access is strictly controlled and limited to authorised personnel.
Footage may only be disclosed to:
The Ombudsman for child protection investigations.
Law enforcement agencies (e.g., Police).
The approved provider or nominated supervisor for internal investigations.
Note: Unauthorised access or sharing of footage is prohibited and governed by privacy laws.
Owner and Director Vanessa has operated within childcare for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise into Dolphin Ave. Alongside her is her family in John, Louis, Claudia, and Rebecca who combine to create a strong foundation of consistency, experience, and familiarity. Building on this Dolphin Ave is extremely fortunate to have the experience of Miss Leigh taking care of our administration and we boast an incredible team of educators who work tirelessly for your children.
Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre offers the QLD Government-approved “Free Kindy” program for 4-year-olds, providing 15 hours per week of funded Kindergarten for 40 weeks per year. This program supports your child’s growth, learning, and well-being, preparing them for school.
Our Enhanced Learning Program for Kindergarten children focuses on:
With extended hours and a year-round program (excluding public holidays), our Kindergarten program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers committed to supporting your child’s individual development.
Additional Benefits Include:
We colaborate with local schools, providing transition statements, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared for the next steps in their education journey. Families are kept up to date with their child’s progress via our Xplor platform, which offers daily updates on their learning and development as well as events throughout the day.
Infant
0-1 years
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Toddler
1-2 years
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Pre-Kindy
2-3 years
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Kindy
3-5 years
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre.
Rating Score
Katie O'Brien
I have had my son at a few daycares on the Gold Coast and this is by far the best. The staff are all so lovely and must love working there as I don't see a different educator every drop off. The owners go above and beyond to cater for my ott mothering 😂 Highly recommend
Silvia Liertz
Amazing care and family vibe. Thanks for enriching our children's lives and showing them how much fun learning is!
Jenna Wilson
We’re so incredibly grateful to have found this daycare. The team are not only professional but genuinely caring and personal in their approach. The low staff turnover says everything about the way this centre is run, it’s clear it’s a well-managed, family-oriented business. We've often walked past the daycare on a Saturday or Sunday to find the directors at the centre cleaning and doing maintenance in their own time. Our children absolutely love being there, and it gives us so much peace of mind knowing they’re in such loving and capable hands each day. Thank you for all the hard work and heart you put in, it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Thank you, Jenna, for such kind words. We care deeply about what we do, and it’s made even more worthwhile caring for families like yours. Knowing your children enjoy being here brings us so much satisfaction and joy. Happy children and happy families are the reason we do what we do, and it means the world to know it’s appreciated! Thank you again for your kind words!
with Mermaid Beach, 4218
Above average
Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre
$156
Suburb Average
$140
Above average
The National Quality Standard is an industry benchmark defined by the government.
Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre
Meeting
Suburb Average
Meeting
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