Starting Kindergarten or Preschool is a big milestone not just for your child, but for your whole family. Especially if it is your first time sending your child to an early education centre. Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or just want to learn more about what to expect, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions from parents to help you feel confident and prepared.

What age does my child need to be to start Kindergarten or Preschool?

In Queensland, your child must turn 4 by June 30th in the year they attend an approved Kindergarten program. Kindergarten is typically a one-year program that runs the year before Prep.

In Victoria, both 3-Year-Old and 4-Year-Old Kindergarten programs are on offer. The Victorian Government provides two years of funded Kindergarten for children to maximise the benefits of early childhood education, which has been shown to improve a child’s learning, development, health, andGrow Early Education wellbeing. This investment aims to give children a strong foundation for future learning and life success. For 3-year-old Kinder, children are eligible if they are attending the program the year they turn 3. In the 4-year-old Kinder, children must turn 4 before April 30th that year to participate in the approved Kindergarten Program.

In New South Wales, Preschool Programs are offered to children who are turning 4 years old before July 31st and attending an approved Preschool Program.

What does a typical Kindergarten or Preschool day look like at Grow Early Education?

Each day is thoughtfully structured to support your child’s development. A Kindergarten or Preschool day usually includes:

These routines help children feel secure and give them a sense of belonging in the classroom.

Is the Kindergarten or Preschool Program play-based at Grow Early Education?

Yes! Our Kindergarten and Preschool Programs are proudly play-based. Our Teachers adopt a stimulating play-based approach to their curriculum delivery, as well as tailoring the program to each child’s individual development needs.

Learning through play is one of the most important ways children learn and develop. You may have realised that as a parent, you don’t generally have to make children play or provide incentives to play. This is because children have a natural urge to play and playing brings a level of pleasure and interest which means it can be maintained without external rewards.

We also believe children learn best through hands-on, meaningful experiences. Through play, children build essential skills in:

We follow the Early Years Learning Framework and guidance from the Abecedarian Approach Australia (3a), which supports school readiness through fun, rich, and engaging learning. We also focus on providing a variety of extra-curriculars, incursions and excursions to ensure your child has a well-rounded early childhood education with us.

Will my child be ready for traditional schooling after Kindergarten or Preschool at Grow Early Education?

Yes! Our program is designed to prepare children for a smooth and confident transition to school. We focus on developing:

Our Kindergarten or Preschool Teacher will also coordinate several visits to local schools across the year as part of your child’s transition to school process. By the end of their Kindergarten or Preschool year, children are well equipped to take on the routines and expectations of traditional schooling.

Do you provide a Transition Statement?

Yes! A formal discussion towards the end of the Kindergarten Year is scheduled to share information with parents and Teachers and support each child’s transition to school. This discussion provides an opportunity for parents and other partners to collaboratively create a summary of a child’s learning in the form of a Transition Statement.

This is a helpful summary of your child’s learning progress, strengths, and interests and it is shared with your child’s future school to help their new teachers support them from day one.

Do you offer Free Kindergarten or Preschool Fee Relief?

Yes, we do! Our established early education centres provide Government-approved Kindergarten or Preschool Programs, which means that families may be eligible for Free Kindergarten or Preschool Fee Relief (depending on your location and circumstances).

In Queensland, the state Government offers ‘Free Kindy’ for eligible children attending a Government-approved Kindergarten Program for up to 15 hours per week, 40 hours per year. For more information and eligibility criteria, head to the Queensland Government website.

In New South Wales, all our centres currently participate in the NSW Government’s ‘Start Strong’ program by providing a Government-approved Preschool Program. This means families may be eligible for Fee Relief, which provides up to $2,110 per year in fee subsidies for children enrolled in eligible community or long daycare settings. For more information and eligibility criteria, head to the New South Wales Government website.

In Victoria, the Victorian Government offers two years of ‘Free Kinder’ for eligible families who attend an approved 3-year-old and 4-year-old Kindergarten Programs. Funding will save Victorian families up to $2,627 per year per child. For more information and eligibility criteria, head to the Victorian Government website.

What does my child need to bring?

Our all-inclusive daily fee offers families a stress-free experience by providing children with all hats, sunscreen, meals, and snacks. This means all you need to pack is your child’s water bottle and hat (which we provide you as part of our ‘Enrolment Pack’) and a spare change of clothes!

Our Centre Chefs prepare nutritious meals and snacks fresh, daily in our in-house kitchen. Have peace of mind knowing your child is getting the nutrition they need to learn and grow with our seasonal menus providing over 50% of your child’s recommended daily nutritional intake.

Do you have qualified Teachers at your long daycare centres?

Yes! Our Teachers are University-qualified Teachers!

They have achieved a Bachelor of Early Childhood or equivalent qualification as approved by ACECQA (or are actively working towards their Bachelor qualification). In addition to being degree qualified, they must also have:

Why Choose Grow Early Education's Kindergarten or Preschool Program?

At Grow Early Education, our Kindergarten or Preschool Programs offer more to families than just preparation for school. It offers a nurturing, play-based environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. With qualified Early Childhood Teachers; a variety of rich learning opportunities and experiences; nutritious chef-prepared meals; convenient long daycare hours; and our evidence-based Abecedarian Approach Australia (3a) approach to teaching, your child will thrive in every way.

How and when can we enrol for 2026?

Enrolments for our 2026 Kindergarten and Preschool Programs are opening very soon! To get a head start to securing your child’s place for next year, you can Register Your Interest now and Book a Tour of our inspiring centres today!

Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with our Grow Early Education Kindergarten and Preschool Programs in action;

At Grow Early Education, teaching hygiene and self-care skills is an essential part of our early childhood education program. These everyday routines may seem simple, but they play a big role in supporting children’s health, independence, and confidence.

Children aged 0–6 are still developing their immune systems and are more vulnerable to germs and illnesses. Teaching hygiene for children in these early years not only helps prevent the spread of disease, but also lays the foundation for lifelong habits.

In group settings such as childcare centres, hygiene practices like handwashing for children become even more important. With shared toys, meals, and learning spaces, it’s vital that children understand when and how to clean their hands and care for their bodies.

Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. At Grow Early Education, we make handwashing fun and easy to understand for children through songs, stories, and visual cues.

Grow Early Education Tarneit children washing their hands and keeping up with good hygiene skills

We teach children to:

Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet, after outdoor play, and any time they sneeze or cough. By turning handwashing into a routine part of their day, children quickly build healthy hygiene habits.

Download our handwashing poster to help your children nail their handwashing technique

Beyond hygiene, general self-care skills are an important part of every child’s development. These include:

Another important part of our daily routine is teaching children to be SunSmart. At Grow Early Education, children are encouraged to apply their own sunscreen each morning and before going outside to play. We set up Sun Safety Stations across our childcare centres to make this easy, fun, and accessible. Educators supervise and guide the process, helping children learn how to protect their skin while developing a sense of responsibility.

Children at Grow Early Education putting on their sunscreen before playing outside each day

We also introduce the children to self-care in the form of regular check-ups for healthy teeth and eyes. That’s why we’re proud to host regular Dental and Optics visits, offering families convenient access to professional dental and eye screenings at the centres.

By introducing children to dental and vision checks in a familiar environment, we reduce anxiety and normalise these important health habits from a young age. It’s just one more way we help support every aspect of your child’s wellbeing.

Grow Early Education Gunnedah getting their 6-monthly dental checkup

These everyday moments support independence, fine motor skills, and healthy habits that will last a lifetime. At Grow Early Education, Educators support children through gentle guidance, role-modelling, and age-appropriate encouragement. We provide opportunities throughout the day for children to practise and master these self-help skills at their own pace.

Teaching children to care for themselves helps them develop independence and confidence, build fine motor and cognitive skills, understand routines and responsibility, and feel a sense of pride in their achievements.

When children are empowered to take care of themselves, they begin to feel more in control of their world, a key part of emotional development in early childhood education.

At Grow Early Education, our goal is to create a safe, nurturing environment where children thrive. By embedding hygiene routines and self-care practices into our daily program, we support children in becoming capable, confident, and healthy individuals.

We partner with families to ensure these habits are reinforced at home, creating consistency and routine between the childcare centre and home life.

Follow us on Facebook to see how our Grow Early Education centres incorporate self-care and hygiene to their daily curriculums.

NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It’s also an opportunity to educate future generations about the importance of cultural respect and reconciliation. At Grow Early Education, NAIDOC Week holds special significance as we strive to embed cultural understanding into our programs and daily practices.

This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy", inspired meaningful experiences across our centres that honoured traditions, promoted learning, and connected children to the stories and practices of First Nations People.

Connecting to Culture and Country

At Grow Early Education Toowoomba, children participated in a range of experiences that celebrated the rich history and traditions of First Nations Peoples. Activities included collaborative art inspired by Indigenous artists, Dreamtime storytelling sessions, and music and movement with traditional instruments and songs. Educators also supported discussions about the deep connection between people and Country, helping children understand the importance of caring for the land they live on.

Traditional Face Painting

Grow Early Education Bundaberg North explored culture with the children through face painting using markings created with traditional dots and colours. This activity sparked conversations about the meaning behind these markings and their cultural significance, providing children with a hands-on learning experience.

Natural Ochre Painting

At Grow Early Education Darling Heights, children and Educators engaged in a variety of NAIDOC-themed activities such as puzzles and hand flag painting. A highlight of the week was creating natural paint using ochre, a type of rock traditionally crushed into powder and mixed with water to form a vibrant natural pigment. This hands-on process gave children a tactile understanding of traditional art-making techniques and the cultural importance of natural resources.

Exploring Indigenous Symbols 

Grow Early Education Heathmont focused on teaching children about Indigenous symbols and their meanings. Using flashcards for reference, children practised replicating these symbols through mark-making activities, supporting both fine motor skill development and cultural learning.

Community Showcase and Bush Tucker 

To close out NAIDOC Week, Grow Early Education Hervey Bay hosted a showcase event for families. This celebration featured a display of NAIDOC-themed artwork created throughout the week and included an array of Aboriginal-inspired food incorporating traditional flavours such as native berries and lemon myrtle. It was a wonderful way to bring families together to reflect on culture, history, and the children’s learning.

Collaborative Aboriginal Flag 

At Grow Early Education Kelso, children worked together to create a large-scale Aboriginal flag using cut pieces of red, black, and yellow paper. This collaborative project not only celebrated NAIDOC Week but also promoted teamwork and pride in cultural expression.

We are proud to create an environment that encourages and nurtures the next generation to be culturally aware, respectful, and inclusive. Celebrating NAIDOC Week is one of the many ways we strengthen these values in our programs and ensure children grow up with an appreciation for the rich history and ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples.

At Grow Early Education, cultural learning is embedded into everyday practice, not just during NAIDOC Week. We believe that education plays a powerful role in reconciliation and building a brighter, more inclusive future.

Find out more about our approach to early childhood education and book a tour at your nearest centre here.

Stay up to date with our centres to see how they celebrate and acknowledge Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander cultures throughout the year.

Your go to guide for making care more affordable this financial year.

Starting childcare is exciting, but navigating fees and government subsidies can feel overwhelming and confusing. To make your transition to childcare as easy and stress-free as possible, we’ve updated our popular CCS cheat sheet with all the key information that will apply from 7 July 2025 through 30 June 2026.

What is CCS?

The Child Care Subsidy is a payment the Australian Government sends straight to your childcare provider. It reduces your out of pocket fees so quality early education is within reach for every family.

Who can get it?

You or your partner must:

Your child must:

How much CCS will I receive?

The amount of CCS you are entitled to is based on a few key areas, such as your combined household income and the results of the CCS Activity Test.

  1. Family Income

Services Australia determines a family’s CCS percentage based on their estimated family income.

A family’s CCS subsidy rate is the percentage of the hourly rate that the government will subsidise. It will apply to the hourly fee or the relevant hourly rate cap, whichever is lower.

Standard subsidy rates for the first child, 0-5 years of age.

Number of Children in Care

Families with more than one child aged 5 or under in care may receive a higher subsidy for their second child and younger children. Siblings do not need to attend the same service to get a higher subsidy.

The rates for each child are worked out using two separate income tests.

Higher subsidy rates for second and younger siblings

  1. Activity Test

The hours of subsidised care a family can get each fortnight depends on their activity level. The higher the level of activity, the more hours of subsidised care families can get.

Services Australia looks at both parents’ activity levels. They use the parent with the lower activity level to determine a family’s hours of subsidised care.

Families need to do a recognised activity to get CCS. Exemptions apply for parents who cannot meet activity test requirements.

Activity hours according to the Services Australia website for the 2025-2026 financial year

There are certain circumstances that you may meet, where you will be exempt from the activity test, and be eligible for 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. These include: if you have a disability or impairment or if you are a grandparent who is the principal carer for your grandchild, and you do not receive income support payments (see our section on Additional Child Care Subsidy if you do). There are many other reasons you may be exempt.

Visit the Services Australia website to find out if you are within the guidelines for an exemption.

What’s changes are coming in 2026?

The Government’s proposed 3 day guarantee would give every CCS eligible child 72 hours (~3 days) per fortnight, and 100 hours for First Nations children, regardless of activity.

Legislation is before parliament, watch this space for a 2026 start date.

Payments, withholding & reconciliation

Your CCS is paid directly to your childcare provider. This means you’ll only ever pay your childcare provider the difference between your subsidy amount and the full fee.

That’s why it’s essential to apply for the Child Care Subsidy well before your child begins care. We recommend submitting your application at least two months in advance to allow time for approval and ensure your subsidy is in place from day one.

While your child can start care before your CCS is approved, please note that you will be responsible for paying full fees during this time. If you’re a new applicant, CCS can only be backdated up to 28 days from the date your application is submitted, and any back payments will be reimbursed to you directly, not to the centre.

The Australian Government will withhold 5% of your CCS entitlement before it is paid to your childcare provider. This is to reduce the likelihood of you incurring a debt by being overpaid your CCS entitlement.

Absences

You can claim CCS for up to 42 paid absence days per child, per financial year (public holidays, sickness, family reasons). Additional absences may be covered in special circumstances and require further evidence. Find out more on absences here.

Additional absence days can be paid by Centrelink, provided the circumstances meet those defined by the Family Assistance Law. Some of these include if the service is closed due to an emergency.

Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS)

ACCS tops up CCS for families:

Find the full list of circumstances for eligible ACCS here.

New to CCS?  Here's a final checklist for you:

✔ Apply at least two months before the start date
✔ Update MyGov quickly if your income or activity changes
✔ Keep immunisations current and up to date

Need a hand?

Our Grow Early Education Enrolments Team is here to guide you through the CCS maze. Book a centre tour or call us anytime. Let’s make quality early education affordable for your family in 2025-2026!

Please note, this is only a simplified guide to CCS. For a more detailed overview and more information, head to the Australian Government Services Australia website at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy

Find a Grow Early Education centre near you and book a tour to discover the Grow difference!

At Grow Early Education, we love sparking creativity in every season, and winter is no exception! With the cold weather well and truly upon us, it’s the perfect excuse to rug up indoors and enjoy some cosy craft time with your little ones. Arts and crafts support fine motor development, creativity, and imagination, and best of all, they’re loads of fun!

In this week's blog, we have compiled some of our favourite winter-themed craft ideas to try at home with your child.

Winter Sensory Snowflakes

Use cotton balls, wool, or tissue paper to create soft and textured snowflakes. Cut or outline snowflake shapes using cardboard or thick paper and let your child glue soft materials onto them for a sensory experience. This activity encourages sensory development and fine motor skills.

Puffy Paint Snow Scenes

Mix equal parts shaving cream and white glue to create your very own puffy paint. Use it to design a wintery scene, think snow-covered trees, mountains, or imaginary snow creatures! This is a great activity to develop creative expression and cause-and-effect learning.

DIY Pine Cone Creatures

During your next nature walk, collect pine cones and other natural elements to turn into little creatures! You can add googly eyes, felt, or even pipe cleaners to bring imaginations to life.  This activity supports nature exploration and imaginative play.

Snowy Tree Collage

Create a winter tree by gluing twigs or tree cutouts to a sheet of paper, using cotton balls, white paint, or glitter, simulate how the snow would fall. You could also use a sponge to dab on “snowflakes.” Participating in this activity can foster skills around creativity and storytelling.

Arts and crafts are so much more than just fun for little ones, they’re a vital part of early childhood development. Craft activities help children build fine motor skills, develop hand-eye coordination, and express their emotions in a creative and meaningful way. Through simple materials and open-ended exploration, children learn to problem-solve, experiment, and share their ideas with confidence. Whether at home or in our centres, craft time is a wonderful way to nurture imagination, connection, and learning!

Stay up to date with our Grow Early Education centres and see how we incorporate art into our everyday curriculum.

As the school holidays roll around and the winter chill sets in, many families find themselves wondering how to keep their school-aged children happy, active, and engaged. That’s where Grow Early Education's Winter Vacation Care Program comes in!

Our Vacation Care Programs are available at select Grow Early Education centres across Australia, offering a warm and welcoming space where children can enjoy fun-filled experiences, socialise with peers, and take part in exciting, educational activities.

Whether you’re a working parent looking for full holiday care or just want your child to enjoy a few days of adventure, our long daycare centre's Vacation Care options are here to support you and your family.

Winter Vacation Care at Grow Early Education is a school holiday program designed for primary school children aged 5 to 12 years. Run by qualified and caring Educators, the program features a thoughtfully curated schedule of seasonal fun; think winter crafts, themed dress-up days, sports, science experiments, cooking, and more!

Our programs are held at our purpose-built, long daycare centres, giving families the flexibility of longer opening hours, nutritious meals provided, and a safe environment that feels like a home away from home.

Why Choose Grow Early Education's Vacation Care?

✅ Flexible hours: Our centres are open extended hours to suit working families (most centres are open 6:30am to 6:30pm)
✅ All meals included: Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks prepared fresh daily by our in-house chef
✅ Engaging activities: From winter STEM experiments to games, cooking, and art
✅ Experienced Educators: Children are supported by trained and caring professionals
✅ Safe, inclusive spaces: Designed to make every child feel welcome and valued
✅ Casual bookings available: You don't need to be enrolled in our centre prior to enjoy our Vacation Care Program

Participating Centres and What’s On These Holidays

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting programs on offer at our participating centres this winter:

Grow Early Education Toowoomba:

Grow Early Education Toowoomba are offering children a variety of age-appropriate adventures, including Teddy Bear Picnics, Superhero Dress-Up Days, and Scavenger Hunts. The Program is designed to spark imagination, encourage social play, and keep children active and engaged throughout the whole school holidays. Find the whole list of adventures planned here! 

Grow Early Education Heathmont in Melbourne:

At Grow Early Education Heathmont, children are stepping into the world of science with a range of exciting STEM-based activities during these school holidays. From kitchen science to explosive experiments, little learners will explore messy, sensory-rich, and thought-provoking experiences that ignite curiosity and creativity. Find the full list of vacation care activities for Heathmont here!

Grow Early Education Tarneit in Melbourne:

Grow Early Education Tarneit are turning up the energy this winter with a special visit from Little Sports Heroes! The team are gearing up for fun sports and active play days designed to keep children staying warm and cozy through the chilly winter. Check out the full list of children's activities here! 

Grow Early Education Narre Warren North in Melbourne:

Step into a magical Winter Wonderland at Narre Warren North as the centre celebrates Christmas in July! Children will be busy crafting festive decorations by building snowmen, creating snowflakes, and making their very own cheeky elf. It’s a joyful, creative experience that captures the magic of the season and keeps little hands busy with holiday cheer. See the full list of Winter cheer here!

Our Vacation Care Programs are built around fun, safety, and nurturing relationships between Educators and fellow peers. Whether your child loves getting messy with arts and crafts or playing together in team games, our upcoming winter vacation care program has something for every child!

Give our Enrolments Team a call today on 1300 934 769 to secure your child's place. Casual bookings and full-time bookings are now available.

Learn more about our Vacation Care Program here.

Choosing the right Kindergarten or Preschool Program for your child is an important decision, especially when balancing work; family life; and preparing your child for formalised schooling; all need to be considered. That’s why our Kindergarten and Preschool Programs are thoughtfully designed and led by Bachelor degree-qualified Teachers, to deliver educational excellence and a school readiness program - all with the convenience of long day care hours.

Led by university-qualified Early Childhood Teachers and guided by the approved Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), our programs provide children with strong foundations for school and lifelong learning, all within a nurturing early education environment.

Why Choose Grow Early Education's Kindergarten or Preschool Program?

At Grow Early Education, our Kindergarten and Preschool Programs are designed to support busy families while still delivering a high-quality, government-approved early learning curriculum.

Here’s how Grow Early Education's Kindergarten or Preschool Program can be the perfect fit for your family:

 

 

 

 

 

Planning ahead? We are now taking enquiries for our 2026 Kindergarten or Preschool Program. Register your interest today to secure your child’s place and give them a strong educational foundation.

Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date!

Whether it be muddy, gloopy, or messy, we LOVE sensory play at our long daycare centres.

Sensory play is a fundamental part of early childhood development and at our childcare centres, we embrace the mess and magic of sensory trays to create hands-on, engaging experiences for children of all ages.

From the squish of jelly to the crunch of leaves, sensory trays offer children the opportunity to explore textures, sounds, smells, and even tastes in a safe and fun environment.

In this week's blog, we are showcasing how these engaging provocations can support brain development, fine motor skills, and creativity in young children while encouraging holistic development.

The Benefits of Sensory Trays:

At our Grow Early Education centres, our Educators use sensory trays to reflect seasonal themes, cultural learning, and educational topics. Here are just a few we’ve loved recently:

Grow Early Education Dalby:

The children at Grow Early Education Dalby recently enjoyed a bright and colourful Easter-themed “scoop and pour” tray. This tray was part of the centre’s Easter celebrations and provided a fantastic opportunity for children to practice pouring, sorting, and scooping.

Grow Early Education Darling Heights:

The Toddler Classroom were further introduced to literacy concepts as Educators set up an ocean-themed alphabet sensory tray. Children were able to create sandcastle letters as they explored a number of colours and textures, and ocean animals.

Grow Early Education Narre Warren North:

Educators were observing children's play habits within their child-initiated classroom time and discovered that the children were spending a lot of time in the home corner. To further extend on their interests, Educators set up a baking-themed sensory tray that allowed the children to experience utensils and ingredients through their senses.

Grow Early Education Bushland Beach:

As part of the Grow Early Education curriculum exploring dinosaurs, our Educators created an exciting, age-appropriate sensory experience for the Tiny Tots Classroom. The children used paintbrushes to gently dust away sand and uncover hidden dinosaur fossils, just like real palaeontologists! This hands-on activity sparked curiosity, encouraged fine motor skills, and brought the prehistoric world to life.

Grow Early Education Gunnedah:

At Grow Early Education Gunnedah, our Educators thoughtfully build sensory-themed trays based on the children’s interests. Recently, they created a vibrant, ocean-themed sensory tray filled with a variety of textures and shades of blue. This immersive experience allowed the children to explore and learn about the fascinating underwater world through sensory play that stimulates curiosity and imagination.

Sensory play isn’t just fun, it’s foundational. Our Educators love designing trays that are not only exciting for children, but meaningful too. Whether it's a celebration of culture, a holiday event, or an everyday exploration of science and nature, there’s always something new to discover with a sensory tray.

Interested in trying your own tray setup at home? Here are some simple sensory tray ideas to try:

Stay up to date with our centres on Facebook to see what sensory play trays they create next!

 

At Grow Early Education, each day is a journey of discovery, growth, and fun. Our centres are thoughtfully designed to provide a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.

In today's blog, we are unpacking the routines at Grow Early Education, including child-initiated play, curriculum-led activities, and mealtimes.

Mealtime

At Grow Early Education, we offer fresh, healthy meals and snacks as part of our all-inclusive fee structure. Mealtimes are a valuable part of our educational program, and all meals are prepared fresh daily by our in-house chefs, with seasonal menus designed to provide over 50% of each child’s recommended daily intake of essential nutrients.

As children grow, they are encouraged to practice self-help skills, including serving themselves and cleaning up afterwards, building confidence, fine motor skills, and independence in a supportive environment.

For our youngest children in the nursery, we follow their home feeding routines as closely as possible. This helps create consistency between home and care, supporting both the child’s wellbeing and family routines.

Mealtimes at Grow Early Education are calm, social experiences where children learn about food, practice manners, and connect with others—all while enjoying healthy, delicious meals made with love.

Child-Initiated Play & Exploration

Children choose from a variety of inviting learning experiences, both indoors and outdoors. This time supports independence, creativity, and social interaction. Our environments are thoughtfully curated with open-ended materials that encourage exploration.

Group Time and Curriculum-Led Learning

Educators introduce intentional, curriculum-led experiences based on children’s interests and developmental needs. This might include:

Children collaborate with their peers and continue working on their learning experiences based on the Early Years Learning Framework and curriculum. Educators use a play-based approach and exploration through art and creativity, STEM provocations, and social-emotional group discussions.

Extra-curricular Programs

We offer extra-curricular activities included in our daily fee. This could include specialist sessions such as music and movement, children’s yoga, physical activity and sports, language lessons, cooking classes, or gardening lessons. Each of these lessons sparks the children’s curiosities in a new and exciting way and allows them to further explore new experiences and work to complement our curriculum and support the development of young learners, whether it be intellectually, emotionally, physically, or socially.

Outdoor Discovery & Free Play

Outdoor play is a vital part of our day at Grow Early Education. Our large, spacious yards are the ideal environment for children to collaborate and explore open-ended play. Whether they are building in the sandpits, exploring the vegetable patch, playing games with peers or practising risk-play, children are constantly learning through movement and discovery.

We also embrace nature-based learning as part of our core philosophy where children engage in their natural surroundings through activities such as gardening, water play, or scavenger hunts. Some of our centres also include Bush Kindy as an extra-curricular whereby the children explore nature outside of the centre. These moments foster a deep sense of wonder and appreciation for their surroundings.

Sleep and Rest

At our centres, we recognise the importance of rest in a child’s development. While our Younger children transition into a restful nap in calm, cozy sleep spaces, the older children who don’t sleep are offered quiet activities such as puzzles, books, or mindfulness moments to relax. These experiences help children to reset, process their learning, and develop emotional regulation.

By respecting each child’s individual needs, we are ensuring that each and every child is feeling refreshed, supported, and ready for the afternoon ahead.

For our youngest children in the nursery, we follow their home sleeping routines as closely as possible. This helps create consistency between home and care, supporting both the child’s wellbeing and family routines.

Once the day begins to slow down with indoor play, quiet reading, and reflective conversations. Educators support conversations on the children’s days by encouraging reflection on what they learned or accomplished, helping to build a sense of pride and self-awareness.

 

At Grow Early Education, every moment is filled with purpose, whether it’s guided by our educational program or led by the child’s natural curiosity. Each moment at our centre is a chance to learn, connect, and develop.

Each of our Grow Early Education centres routines vary across age groups, locations, and days. Give our Enrolments Team a call today on 1300 934 769 to book a tour of your local Grow Early Education centre to learn more about their individual daily routines.

Find a Grow Early Education centre near you!

Find your

Centre Location

All Content Copyright © 2026 Grow Early Education. | Website Design Gold Coast by Shared Marketing