Hi, my name is Samantha, and I am the Centre Manager here at Kindy Patch Largs. As educators, we are children’s biggest supporters, creating a positive and enjoyable early learning experience that becomes a fond memory for them as they grow.

I have been working in early childhood education since 2007 and hold a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. I have always had a passion for teaching, and I was drawn to the 0–5 age group because of how much children develop during these early years. Seeing that growth and understanding how play supports learning have inspired me to pursue this career and continue to motivate me every day.

Throughout my career, I have learned so much from children, especially the way they enjoy life and stay present in the moment. I love watching them achieve new skills and exploring different strategies with them, seeing their minds at work. This has strengthened my passion for play-based learning and small world play, where children can explore, imagine, and learn in meaningful ways. I believe in always being on the child’s side. As educators, we are their biggest supporters, creating a positive and enjoyable early learning experience that becomes a fond memory for them as they grow.

I believe early childhood education offers opportunities that complement what children learn at home. Through experiences such as messy play, arts and crafts, and social interactions, children build important life skills and learn to navigate relationships, routines, and change. Our Kindy Patch Largs team is a wonderful mix of long-standing educators and new team members, bringing both experience and fresh ideas. Together, we create a supportive and engaging environment for children and families.

We focus on building positive relationships with families from the very beginning. From the first tour, through stay and play visits, enrolment, and all the way to graduation, we are here to support both children and their families every step of the way.

“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 by experimenting. On any given day you can see the nursery children engaging in all types of play, water 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 and reading experiences.

On any given day the Toddler children 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 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 encourages active engagement in learning and supports a range of positive developmental outcomes including resilience, independence, critical thinking and creativity.

The oral language supports literacy learning. 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 development by engaging in rich discussions, introducing new vocabulary as part of everyday conversations, as well as singing, playing games, and reading with the children daily.

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, is supported through group learning environments. 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. Lastly, ensuring that all children are ready for the ‘big school’ by preparing them for all that ‘big school’ has to offer.

Our centre offers the NSW Government-approved "Start Strong" Preschool Program , providing access of 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.

Our centre chef prepares and cooks healthy and 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.

Our centre offers children nutrient-rich, unprocessed, and seasonal whole foods – created to delight the fussiest eaters.