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Goodstart Early Learning Lara

Goodstart Early Learning Lara

20 Clover Street, Lara, VIC, 3212 view map
Verified
5.0
Top Rated

Top Rated Centre

(03) 5292 0407

Care Type:

Long Day Care, Before School Care, Vacation Care

Hours:

6:30am to 6:30pm

Vacancies

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Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Goodstart Early Learning Lara.

Address:

20 Clover Street, Lara, VIC, 3212

5.0

Rating Score

Read our 15 Reviews

About Goodstart Early Learning Lara

Established in 1994, Goodstart Lara offers enriching care and play-based learning for children from 6 weeks to 6 years, including a fun and challenging kindergarten transition program. Proudly part of the close-knit Lara community, educators foster clear communication with families, ensuring all children feel welcome, valued and accepted.

The centre is designed to meet the Early Years Learning Framework, with sensory, play-based spaces that are light, airy and engaging. Children can choose from a rich array of toys and games, while sofas add a homely feel for story time. Educators foster creativity and cognitive skills, with stimulating activities including art, music and maths.

The spacious and inviting outdoor area is made for exploration and discovery, with bike paths and a fun range of climbing equipment. Children also enjoy learning about nature and sustainability with the mud and bark areas, worm farms and veggie gardens. Educators encourage children to feed the pet turtle, fostering responsibility and care.

With a car park and central location close to public transport, drop off and pick up is stress-free. Why not book a tour of this warm and welcoming centre today?

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Services Provided by Goodstart Early Learning Lara

State Government Approved Programs

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Get To Know Us

Kindergarten/Preschool Programs

Kindergarten/Preschool Programs

Our high-quality, play based preschool curriculum is delivered by Bachelor qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Our teachers tailor their programs to ensure all children develop the confidence and social and emotional skills needed for a smooth transition to school. Through play, our Early Childhood Teachers facilitate children’s learning of important language, literacy, numeracy and creative skills.

Benefits of Goodstart Kindergarten/Preschool programs:

  • Our programs are planned and led by qualified and experienced Early Childhood Teachers, in accordance with the Early Years Learning Framework
  • Our programs have the tick of approval, meaning they meet (and exceed) Government guidelines around learning in the year before school
  • Strong connections with local schools support our extensive transition to school programs
  • We offer greater flexibility and convenience for busy families with longer opening hours, five days a week, 52 weeks of the year.
  • We offer 9-hour, 10-hour and all-day sessions.
  • Nutritious meals are provided throughout the day, so there’s no need to pack lunch boxes.
Curriculum and programs

Curriculum and programs

The educators at Goodstart Early Learning follow an evidence-based curriculum that aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework. Informed by world-leading research, practices and techniques, the curriculum encourages the children’s natural curiosity and engages them in their learning journey.

As the children move through the different rooms in the centre, the curriculum evolves with them. The educators set goals for the children and celebrate as they reach their milestones. At every stage, the educators are tailoring the curriculum and goals to each child’s individual needs.

The curriculum involves different types of learning experiences and styles. From child-led learning to sessions guided by educators, the children participate in small and large group sessions as well as individual play. Most importantly, the children learn through play, developing social skills, confidence and independence in addition to more formal academic skills.

Parent communication and involvement

Parent communication and involvement

Goodstart Early Learning uses the StoryPark app to connect with parents throughout the day. The educators upload photos and stories to the secure app, which parents can access anytime and anywhere to track their child’s progress. 

The approach at the centre is very much based around partnership between families and educators. The educators work with the parents and carers to build strong relationships. They develop trust so the children can feel safe and secure while at the centre. Parents are also encouraged to share their insights and feedback with educators to add depth to the relationship.

The educators observe the children every day and tailor the program around their observations. They share these with parents, so they can feel connected to their child’s progress and also provide feedback that will further enhance their child’s learning experience. 

Meet the team

Meet the team

Goodstart Early Learning employs qualified and skilled educators who are dedicated to making a difference to the children in their care. The centre employs people who are empathetic and compassionate, with a nurturing disposition and a passion for care. Working collaboratively as a team, the educators display qualities such as positivity, kindness and, most importantly, a desire to help every child thrive.

The educators hold relevant qualifications, including the Kindergarten and Preschool Program teachers who are university qualified. The educators are lifelong learners, participating in regular and ongoing professional development to enhance their skills. They are encouraged to upskill, learning about the latest research and thinking in the sector. They can then bring this knowledge back to the centre to share with their colleagues for the benefit of the children.

In Person Tour

Want to see the centre first hand? Book a tour with Goodstart Early Learning Lara below.

Fees & Vacancies

Infant

0-1 years

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Friday

$158.5 /day

Toddler

1-2 years

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Friday

Pre-Kindy

2-3 years

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Friday

$147.5 /day

Kindy

3-5 years

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Friday

$147.5 /day

Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Goodstart Early Learning Lara.

Goodstart Early Learning Lara Reviews (15)

5.0

Rating Score

Serena McDonald image

Serena McDonald

Oct, 2025

My daughter was previously at a different centre in Lara and she also attended orientations at two other centres so we have spoken to a number of educators and management team. Goodstart is definitely the best day care in Lara in every way. The staff are so caring and genuine so that I don’t need to worry about how my daughter is going while I’m at work. She loves going to day care now and when I mention her educator’s name at home she smiles!

Jenna Kerr image

Jenna Kerr

May, 2025

We moved our children from another centre in Lara at the start of the year after hearing great things about Goodstart. Honestly best decision ever, the staff are wonderful, they get to know the children individually and tailor learning for their interests, they are friendly, great at communicating and honestly we just wish we made the move sooner. Highly recommended!

Response from the owner 07 May 2025

Thank you for your lovely review, Jenna. We’re so glad to hear the move to Goodstart has been such a positive experience for your family. It’s wonderful to know our team’s personalised approach and strong communication have made a difference. We truly appreciate your recommendation and kind words!

Jai Milsome image

Jai Milsome

Dec, 2024

We have moved our 2 children to this centre from another goodstart after hearing about it from a friend and have to say we are so impressed with the change we have seen in the kids since doing so! We have honestly seen better communication skills, fewer tantrums, and a rapid increase in their cognitive skills! Very, very impressed with the educators and the obvious care that they have for the children! If I could give more stars, I would.

How Goodstart Early Learning Lara Compares

with Lara, 3212

Reviews

Above average

Goodstart Early Learning Lara

Gold starGold starGold starGold starGold star

5/5

Suburb Average

Gold starGold starGold starGold starGold star

4.3/5

View Reviews

Price

Goodstart Early Learning Lara

$153

Suburb Average

$154

NQS

The National Quality Standard is an industry benchmark defined by the government.

Goodstart Early Learning Lara

Exceeding

Suburb Average

Meeting

NQS Rating Breakdown

Overall

Exceeding

nqs logo
Educational Program and Practice Exceeding
Children's Health and Safety Exceeding
Physical environment Exceeding
Staffing Arrangements Exceeding
Relationships with children Exceeding
Collaborative partnerships with families and communities Exceeding
Governance and leadership Exceeding

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