At Foundations for Life Early Learning, we know that children develop most rapidly between the age of birth to five years. We view our children as competent citizens of our community, and believe children need a healthy sense of self, confidence and resilience in order to thrive in our ever-changing world.

Our Early Learning Centre has been operating in Darwin, for 43 years. Previously The Lutheran Childcare Centre. We are a non-for-profit organisation, any profit made is used to improve our environment, purchase new equipment and professional development for our Educators.

We pride ourselves on our inclusive and homley environment, which respects diversty and families cultures and the cultures of our Educators. 

Our Centre has 45 children per day.

• 8 Babies
• 15 Toddlers
• 22 Preschool Children 

Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 6.30am to 6pm

Our service is closed on public holidays and for a week over the Christmas period. Fees are payable during absent days and public holidays.

• What’s on the menu? Our service provides children’s meals, which are made from fresh ingredients daily in our kitchen. We offer a varied and nutritious menu in a three-weekly rotation. Children with dietary intolerances and food preferences will be catered for by our chef Miss Rita.

• Getting to know each other is important to us, ensuring you and your child are familiar with our educators and environment prior to their first day with us. We insist you and your child to come in and spend some time with our educators before starting at our centre.These days are flexible allowing you to come any time prior to commencement.

• A second home. Whilst your child is at our service, we want them to feel as comfortable and confident as possible! We ask that you bring any comfort items your child may need during the day such as a teddy or blanket, nappies, milk/ formula changes of clothes, a water bottle and a wide brimmed hat. If you could please label these items to assist educators. We will provide sunscreen twice daily for our children and avoid sun exposure between 11-3pm from August to May

Weekly fees – 5 days per week

• Full time position $480 under 3 years old ($96 per day)
• Full time position $465 over 3 years old ($93 per day)

Daily/ Casual fees

• $108 per day under 3 years old
• $103 per day over 3 years old

Child Care Subsidy

Child Care Subsidy is available to all families who are Australian Residents if the child meets immunisation requirements and parents meet eligibility requirements. Entitlement is determined by an activity test which determines the number of hours of subsidised care to which families are entitled.

Families are entitled to receive Child Care Subsidy for up to 42 days where their child is absent, for example due to illness, public holidays and parental leave. Evidence to support these absences is not required. Additional absence days may be available if they meet the situations outlined in the Family Assistance Law and there is evidence to support these.