At Grow Early Education, we believe in giving every child the best start to their educational journey. One of the most powerful tools we use in our long day care and kindergarten/Preschool programs is phonics. Phonics is a foundational skill that plays a key role in developing early reading, language, and communication abilities and supports confidence in early childhood.
In this week’s blog, we’re exploring the importance of phonetic sounds and how they help shape confident, capable learners—setting children up for success not only in school but in life.
What is Phonics?
Phonics is the method of teaching children the relationship between sounds and the letters or groups of letters that represent those sounds. Rather than memorising whole words by sight, phonics helps children decode words by sounding them out.
For example:

Understanding these sounds gives children the tools they need to decode unfamiliar words, improve their spelling, and become confident readers and communicators.
Research shows that phonics instruction significantly improves children’s reading and writing skills. At Grow Early Education, we understand how critical this stage is in a child’s development. That’s why our qualified Educators and Early Childhood Teachers incorporate phonics and phonemic awareness into our daily routines.
Phonics helps children:

Our curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which emphasises communication, literacy, and language development as key learning outcomes. Phonetic learning aligns beautifully with the EYLF’s vision for children to become confident and effective communicators.
Through play-based learning experiences that are both meaningful and engaging, we provide opportunities for children to explore sounds, language, and storytelling in ways that feel natural and fun.
At Grow Early Education, we also follow the Abecedarian Approach – a research-based teaching method that supports language development through intentional, high-quality interactions. This includes strategies such as:
These strategies complement phonetic learning, helping children not only understand sounds but also use language to express ideas, ask questions, and build relationships.
Families play an important role in supporting their child’s early literacy journey. Here are a few simple ways you can reinforce phonics at home:
We are passionate about creating a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. By integrating phonics into our early education program, we empower children to build strong literacy foundations, setting them up for success as they move through kindergarten and beyond.
Discover how we bring the Early Years Learning Framework and the Abecedarian Approach Australia (3a) to life with phonics and more —follow us on Facebook to see meaningful learning in action.
In recent years, the educational landscape has witnessed a significant shift towards play-based learning curricula, particularly in early childhood education. This approach recognises the inherent value of play as a fundamental aspect of how children learn and develop. In this blog, we will explore play-based learning, its key principles, and its numerous benefits to young learners.
What is Play-Based Learning?
Play-based learning is an educational philosophy that emphasises the importance of play as a primary mode of learning for children. Unlike traditional, teacher-directed instruction, play-based learning encourages children to engage in hands-on, experiential activities that stimulate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. This curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing children to explore their interests and learn at their own pace.

Key Principles of Play-Based Learning
Benefits of Play-Based Learning

How do we Implement Play-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education?
To effectively implement a play-based learning curriculum, Educators can:
Play-based learning is more than just fun; it is a powerful educational approach that supports holistic development in children. By embracing play as a fundamental part of the learning process, educators can create enriching experiences that foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. As we continue to recognize the significance of play in education, we pave the way for a generation of curious, confident, and capable learners ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Stay up to date with our Grow Early Education centres on Facebook to see what amazing play-based activities Educators incorporate into their daily curricula.
Embarking on the journey of childcare can be both exciting and daunting for parents. As you prepare to transition your child into a childcare setting, it’s important to understand what to expect, how to choose the right service, and the myriad benefits that childcare offers for your child's development. This guide aims to simplify the process and provide essential insights.
What to Expect When Starting Childcare:

How to Choose the Right Childcare Service:

Benefits of Childcare for Children:
Starting childcare can be a significant step for both parents and children. By understanding what to expect, carefully choosing the right service, and recognising the benefits of childcare, you can ensure a positive experience for your child. This journey not only supports their development but also enriches their lives with valuable skills and connections that will serve them well in the future. Embracing this transition with an open mind and heart can lead to a rewarding experience for your entire family.
At Grow Early Education, we embrace Australia’s rich multicultural heritage and believe in fostering a sense of belonging, respect, and inclusivity within our long daycare centres. Harmony Week, celebrated from March 17th to 23rd, is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about acceptance, respect, and unity while celebrating the diverse backgrounds that make up our communities.
This nationwide celebration highlights the importance of inclusiveness and cultural respect for all Australians, regardless of their background. The signature orange colour of Harmony Week represents meaningful conversations, communication, and mutual understanding—values we strive to instil in the children every day.
Throughout Harmony Week, our Grow Early Education centres across Australia will engage in various fun and educational activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Here’s how we have been getting involved so far:



At Grow Early Education, we understand that early childhood is a critical time to instil values of respect, understanding, and inclusivity. By celebrating Harmony Week, we provide children with meaningful experiences that help them appreciate and embrace the differences that make each person unique. These celebrations encourage lifelong respect for diversity, fostering a future generation that values unity and kindness.
Let’s celebrate Harmony Week together and continue to nurture a world where everyone belongs!
Stay up to date with your nearest Grow Early Education centres Harmony Week celebrations on Facebook.
As Cyclone Alfred approaches the SE QLD and NE NSW coasts, staying indoors is the safest option for families. At Grow Early Education, we understand that keeping little ones entertained while at home can be a challenge, so we’ve put together a list of fun and educational activities for children aged 0-6 to enjoy while staying safe indoors.
While the weather may be wild outside, your home can be filled with warmth, laughter, and learning. Stay safe and have fun with your little ones during this time!
Stay safe and happy playing!
Please note, the following centres are currently closed today due to Cyclone Alfred:
The Australian Government is making significant changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to provide more support for families and move towards a universal early education and care system. Announced on 11 December 2024, these changes will take effect from 5 January 2026, ensuring that more families receive subsidised childcare hours.
Key Changes to the CCS in 2026
The new subsidy rules will make childcare more accessible by adjusting how subsidised hours are calculated. Here’s what will change:
Minimum of 3 Days of Subsidised Care per Week for All Families
Increased Support for First Nations Families
Additional Support for Working, Training, and Volunteering Families
Families will continue to receive 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight per child if they:

How CCS Eligibility is Determined
While the changes expand access to subsidised care, the actual subsidy percentage families receive will still depend on:
What’s Next?
The Australian Government is working with Services Australia to ensure childcare providers and families are prepared for the transition in January 2026. More details and guidance will be provided in the coming months to help families understand how these changes will affect them.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 CCS changes represent a significant step towards making early childhood education more accessible for Australian families. By ensuring that all CCS-eligible families receive at least three days of subsidised care and increasing support for First Nations children, these reforms will ease financial pressures and improve early learning opportunities.
As we approach the rollout, families are encouraged to stay informed and check their eligibility to make the most of these new benefits. Stay tuned for further updates as the government finalises the implementation process!
Stay up to date with our Grow Early Education centres on Facebook!
The holiday season is a magical time for children, filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and of course, Christmas crafts! At Grow Early Education, we believe that engaging in hands-on creative activities enhances a child’s holiday experience and offers numerous developmental benefits. From fine motor skills to emotional expression, Christmas crafts provide a fun, meaningful way for children to connect with the season while building important skills.
Why Christmas Crafts Are So Beneficial for Children
A Fun Christmas Craft to Try at Home: DIY Snowflake Ornaments
One easy and festive craft that families can enjoy together at home is making DIY snowflake ornaments. Not only are these ornaments beautiful, but they also provide a chance for children to practice their fine motor skills and creative thinking.

This simple activity helps children develop their hand-eye coordination while exploring different textures and materials. Plus, it’s a lovely way to add personalised touches to your holiday décor.

This holiday season, we’ve been embracing the Christmas spirit across several of our Grow Early Education centres. From crafting festive Santa hats at Grow Early Education Riverton to using hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to draw Christmas drawings at Grow Early Education Toowoomba, and even creating their reindeer food to take home and gift to Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve, we’ve loved seeing the imaginative and thoughtful setups created by our incredible Educators. Their creativity truly brings the holiday magic to life for our children!
Stay up to date with our Grow Early Education centres on Facebook to see what amazing Christmas crafts and sensory activities they get up to in the lead-up to Christmas day!
In an exciting initiative aimed at supporting families, Grow Early Education has partnered with ‘Brisbane Paediatric Nurse’ to offer free expert advice to parents and caregivers.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of children, providing families with the resources they need to navigate the often-overwhelming world of parenting.

About Brisbane Paediatric Nurse
Both Rebekah and Jodie are registered nurses and worked with Queensland Health before setting up their own practice to concentrate on supporting new parents. Their journey started 5 years ago when they began helping parents with newborns across the many areas to navigate as a new parent. Now they provide much needed support around sleeping, nursing, toilet training and child health to parents. Together they bring over 35 years of paediatric nursing experience to the partnership with Grow Early Education centres.
What is the Difference Between a Midwife & Paediatric Nurse?
Many people wonder what the difference between a Midwife and a Paediatric Nurse is? Midwives focus on providing healthcare services to mothers, babies and families throughout pregnancy, labour and the initial postnatal period. Paediatric Nurses are licensed registered nurses with a focus on treating children from infancy to puberty.
The Need for Expert Advice
Parenting can be both rewarding and challenging, with many questions arising about child development, health, and safety. From sleep patterns and nutrition to managing common illnesses, families often seek guidance to ensure they are making informed decisions. Recognising this need, Grow Early Education and Brisbane Paediatric Nurse have come together to provide a valuable and free resource for families.

What the Partnership Offers
The collaboration will include a series of free informational sessions and workshops led by qualified Paediatric Nurses, which will concentrate on key areas to help parents with infants.
Online Information Sessions
The first two dates for these free information sessions have just been released!
Baby Sleep Information Session
Wednesday 6th November, 9:30am
Google Meeting Link: https://meet.google.com/xsx-zbki-tdf
Covering the following topics:
Baby Feeding & Nutrition Information Session
Wednesday 20th November, 9:30am
Google Meeting Link: https://meet.google.com/ajc-wepa-fmn
Covering the following topics:
Workshops & Private Consultations
This initiative not only provides practical information but also fosters a sense of community among parents. It encourages open conversations about parenting challenges and helps reduce the stigma around seeking help. By bringing together experienced professionals and local families, and Brisbane Paediatric Nurse are creating a supportive environment where parents can feel empowered and informed.
Grow Early Education is dedicated to not just caring for children but also supporting the entire family unit. By collaborating with Brisbane Paediatric Nurse, they are reinforcing their mission to create a holistic approach to child development and wellbeing. This partnership also highlights the importance of community involvement in childcare, where parents, caregivers, and professionals can work together for the benefit of children.
Join Us
Families are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Whether you’re a new parent seeking advice or a seasoned caregiver looking for tips on specific issues, the free online information sessions will provide invaluable insights.
Stay tuned for upcoming dates and details about the sessions, and don’t miss the chance to connect with experts who are dedicated to making a positive impact on your family’s life.
The partnership between Grow Early Education and Brisbane Paediatric Nurse is a remarkable step toward empowering families with knowledge and resources. By offering free expert advice, they are not only addressing immediate concerns but also laying the foundation for healthier, happier futures for children in the community. Embrace this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together—because every family deserves the best support on their parenting journey.
If you are looking for quality early education and childcare in 2025, our long daycare centres are currently accepting enrolments. Secure your child's place now for 2025!
We have childcare centres in Bridgeman Downs, Bundaberg, Bushland Beach, Dalby, Darling Heights, Hervey Bay, Maroochydore, Park Ridge, Riverton, Toowoomba, Rochedale Central (Rochedale South), Gunnedah, Kelso, Nowra, Frankston, Heathmont, Narre Warren North and Tarneit.

Play dough has been a staple in an early childhood setting for decades and there is a good reason why! Play dough is a great tactile resource, holding a number of benefits including encouraging creativity in Kindergarten, boosting fine motor skills in Junior Kindy, and discovering new senses with Toddlers.
As an incredibly loved resource for both children and Educators, play dough is often used for free play time and scheduled learning activities. During this blog, we will be sharing the many ways we find joy in using play dough across our Grow Early Education centres and share some insight on how you can replicate our play dough recipe and learnings in a home setting.
How to make your own home-made playdough!
What is needed:
Measuring cup
Mixing spoon
Tbsp
Mixing bowl
1/2 cup table salt
1 tbsp of oil
Food colouring
1 cup of flour
2 Tbsp cream of tartar
1 cup of water
Instructions:
Using this recipe as your play dough base, you can get creative and add your own variations to build on the sensory elements. Try adding a few drops of essential oils to discover new smells or add herbs to further develop the sensory aspect of texture and touch.
Across our Grow Early Education centres, there are a number of ways that our Educators incorporate play dough into our educational programs.
The Kindergarten children at our Grow Early Education Darling Heights centre used play dough as the base to their pattern making as a part of their introduction to pattern recognition. Pattern recognition in early childhood education refers to the ability young children have in identifying, understanding, and predicting sequences in their environment. It is a fundamental skill that lays the ground work for more complex problem-solving and mathematical solutions.
By adding the element of play dough and beads to this task, they are working on their fine motor skills, pincer grip skills, and hand-eye coordination.

2. Indigenous Culture
The Toddler children at our Grow Early Education Riverton centre learnt about the temporary shelters traditionally used by Australian Indigenous Peoples as a part of the Toddlers introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
This by utilising play dough in this activity, it allowed the children to learn in a more hands-on way, while also encouraging further development of their comprehension, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills

Our Educators often use play dough as a learning resource on significant and special days happening across the country.
Grow Early Education Bundaberg created their own versions of poppies as a part of the ANZAC Day learning, this is a great way to encourage inquisitive thinking as the children ask questions about the significance of the flower.
Grow Early Education Park Ridge used their own play dough recipe to create heart-shaped decorations as a part of their Valentines Day celebrations.
Grow Early Education Darling Heights used orange play dough to create different shapes as they celebrated Harmony Day across their centre.

4. Educational Programming
Grow Early Education Bundaberg used play dough to create blue birds nests as a part of their discussions on the Bowerbird Blues book that was this year's pick for National Simultaneous Storytime.
This activity allowed the children to discuss certain parts of the book they enjoyed with their peers, while also talking about what they know about birds and their nests.

By making your own play dough, you provide a wonderful sensory experience for children and also create lasting memories through shared activities. We hope this guide inspires you to experiment with different textures and colours, and most importantly, to have fun. Stay tuned for more exciting tips and ideas to enhance your playtime adventures.
Find your own printable version of our home-made play dough here!
We would love to see your at home play dough creations, tag us in your creativity on Instagram @grow_early_education or on Facebook @growearlyeducation
As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to take a moment and reflect on the journey we've collectively experienced over the past 12 months.
From opening eight new Grow Early Education centres, to triumphs in professional development for our team members, this year has been progressive with lots of lessons and growth.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Grow families for choosing us for your child’s care and allowing us to celebrate educational and development milestones with your family throughout the year.
Join us now for the highlights and milestones that made this year truly progressive for our Grow family.
Our Growth
As we continue to support families across Australia, we are proud to say we opened eight new long day care centres this year and expanded our footprint in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
We take enormous pride in delivering communities with a personalised approach to childcare through our local Early Childhood Teams, establishing community connections and empowering our centre management teams to raise the bar in early education.
Our new childcare centres and the local communities we are now part of include:
We are also pleased to reveal that Grow Early Education Park Ridge will be opening early 2024!
Our Team
Passionate and caring, our Educators are the heart and soul of our childcare centres. They are dedicated to supporting every child on their individual learning journey, and ensuring their time in our care is a rewarding one.
In 2023, we employed 346 passionate early childhood professionals to nurture, educate and support the children in their care.
To ensure our Educators keep abreast with current developments and research in the area of early childhood education, Grow Early Education runs ongoing training and professional development programs across the year.
In 2023, we ran a robust training program which saw an incredible 351 courses delivered so our Educators have the most up-to-date knowledge and certifications.
Our Service
For the convenience and peace of mind of parents, we operate all-inclusive fee childcare centres. This means we have thought of everything children will need to thrive at our centres and included it in our daily fee, including nappies, wipes, sunscreen, meals and more!
In 2023, we supplied the following as part of our service offering:
Another one of the amazing benefits we provide as part of our daily fee are extracurricular activities. In 2023, we organised 1,040 extra-curricular classes, with popular activities at our centres being multi-sport classes, music and movement, Japanese lessons, children’s yoga, cooking and gardening lessons.
Whilst we’re here to nurture the children in our care, our free barista coffee was there to care for our parents! Drumroll please… in 2023 we made over 38,254 barista coffees for our Grow parents to enjoy!
Our Families
We view parents and families as invaluable collaborators in a child’s educational journey. Open, transparent, and collaborative communication is fundamental to creating a supportive and enriching experience for every child.
A strong partnership establishes a crucial bridge between home and early education, fosters holistic development and also contributes to a child's sense of belonging and security. In 2023 we were fortunate to partner with 1,356 amazing families and inspire 1,665 little ones to learn and grow!
Again, we would like to thank our Grow families for entrusting us with your child’s education and care. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to sharing this wonderful learning journey again with you all in 2024.
