Now accepting enrolments for 2026 — including our Kindergarten and Preschool Programs!

At Grow Early Education, we believe every child deserves the best start in life. Our purpose-built centres have been thoughtfully designed to create nurturing, inspiring, and engaging environments where children can grow, explore, and thrive.

From our youngest Nursery learners to our Kindergarten and Preschool children preparing for school, every child benefits from a holistic early education program that blends play, discovery, and meaningful learning experiences.

Why Families Choose Grow Early Education

Child Safety & Security You Can Trust
At Grow Early Education, your child’s safety and wellbeing are our highest priority. Our centres feature comprehensive CCTV surveillance, with cameras operating throughout the centre to help ensure a secure and transparent environment. In addition to advanced security systems, our strict sign-in procedures, secure entry points, and vigilant supervision policies mean families can feel confident their children are safe, supported, and cared for at all times.

A Transformative Educational Approach Thanks to The Abecedarian Approach Australia (3a)
We are proud to deliver a transformative early childhood education experience through The Abecedarian Approach Australia (3a). This evidence-based teaching method focuses on rich, meaningful interactions between Educators and children, supporting language development, emotional wellbeing, and lifelong learning skills. Through daily practices such as conversational reading, learning games, and intentional one-on-one time, our Educators nurture every child’s curiosity and confidence — helping them thrive both now and into the future.

A Home-Like, Nurturing Environment
Each Grow Early Education centre is designed and purpose-built to feel like a warm and welcoming home-away-from-home, helping children feel comfortable and confident as they learn. Our Educators focus on building strong, trusting relationships that support every child’s individual journey.

Educational Programs for Every Age
We offer enriching programs for children from 6 weeks to school age, including our Government-approved Kindergarten and Preschool Program, led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Through play-based learning, children build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development, preparing them for a confident transition to traditional schooling.

Purpose-Built Centres with Large, Modern Spaces
Designed with early learning in mind, our centres feature spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, dedicated learning zones, and natural resources that encourage creativity, curiosity, and active exploration.

All-Inclusive Childcare Fees
At Grow Early Education, families enjoy peace of mind knowing that everything their child needs throughout the day is included, from nutritious meals and nappies to extracurricular activities and educational incursion programs.

Plan ahead for 2026 and Take advantage of the Government’s 3-Day Guarantee

From 5 January 2026 the Australian Government will introduce a 3-Day Guarantee that changes how the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is applied, guaranteeing eligible families at least three days a week (72 hours per fortnight) of subsidised early childhood education and care. This reform replaces the previous activity-test approach and is designed to make childcare more accessible and affordable for families.

4 Weeks Free Offer

We’re currently offering 4 Weeks Free* at a select number of our Grow Early Education centres across the country. This promotion is a great opportunity for families looking to join our Grow family. Ask our friendly team if your local centre is part of this special offer!

Contact your nearest Grow Early Education centre today to book a tour and begin your 2026 enrolment journey.

Early Childhood Education plays a vital role in a child’s development, yet many myths and misconceptions still surround it. From doubts about play-based learning to misunderstandings about structured programs, these myths can make it difficult for families to feel confident about choosing the right childcare or early learning environment. In this weeks blog, we are exploring some of the most common childcare and early childhood education misconceptions and the unpacking the truth behind them.

Myth 1: “Play isn’t real learning”

Many people think that when children play, they’re just having fun. In reality, play is a powerful learning tool. Through play, children develop critical social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Activities such as building with blocks, exploring sensory materials, or engaging in imaginative play help children learn problem-solving, communication, and cooperation, all while having fun.

Myth 2: “Children are too young to benefit from structured programs”

Some parents worry that structured learning isn’t appropriate for young children. Modern early childhood programs, however, balance gentle structure with flexibility. Teaching and learning strategies such as the Abecedarian Approach Australia (3a) introduce learning through meaningful interactions and responsive routines, giving children the building blocks for literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills, all in ways that feel natural and engaging for their age.

Myth 3: “‘Child-led learning’ means children do whatever they want”

Child-led learning is often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean children have no guidance. Instead, it’s about following the child’s interests while providing supportive frameworks and rich learning opportunities. Educators observe, scaffold, and introduce new ideas, helping children explore and develop skills at their own pace while maintaining clear learning goals.

Myth 4: “Early Childhood Education is just babysitting”

High-quality childcare is so much more than supervision. It’s about creating an environment where children feel safe, nurtured, and stimulated. Through intentional teaching strategies, rich play experiences, and strong relationships, Early Childhood Educators actively foster a child’s curiosity, independence, and lifelong love of learning.

Myth 5: “Children don’t need social skills yet”

Social development starts early. Interacting with peers and adults in a supportive environment helps children learn empathy, turn-taking, conflict resolution, and self-regulation. Early Education settings provide guided social experiences that children can’t easily get on their own at home.

Modern Early Childhood Education is research-backed, intentional, and designed to support every child’s growth. Approaches such as the Abecedarian Approach and play-based learning ensure children are developing academically, socially, and emotionally, all in ways that feel natural, enjoyable, and meaningful.

Across our Grow Early Education centres, we see these principles in action every day. Children serve their own snacks and lunches, help tidy up educational resources, and even prepare their beds for rest time, fostering independence, confidence, and responsibility all while learning through play.

If you’ve ever wondered about the value of Early Education, we invite you to explore our classrooms and see firsthand how children learn, grow, and thrive in a nurturing environment.

Discover how Early Childhood Education could be a great fit for your family by booking a tour of your nearest Grow Early Education centre:

 

It is never too early to introduce and encourage independence. When children are given small responsibilities, they not only learn essential life skills but also build confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and a feeling of being capable. Age-appropriate chores are a fantastic way to introduce responsibility and independence in a fun and supportive way.

Chores aren’t just about keeping your home tidy, they’re opportunities for learning. By participating in everyday tasks, children:

Even simple tasks can make a big difference. When children are trusted with responsibilities, they feel valued and empowered.

Here are some ways you can match chores to your child’s developmental stage:

Toddlers (2–3 years)

Preschoolers (4–5 years)

Early school age (6–7 years)

  1. Keep it simple; choose tasks your child can realistically do while making it fun by turning chores into games or challenges. Children thrive within routine, by making sure you remain consistent in the chores helps children to understand the expectations and feel secure.
  2. Handling Resistance; It’s normal for children to resist chores at first. Offer choices (“Do you want to put the toys away before or after you snack?”) and keep a calm, encouraging tone. Avoid turning chores into power struggles, consistency and gentle guidance work better than pressure.
  3. Making Chores Enjoyable; Make it a family routine, children often engage more when they see adults participating alongside them. Use songs, timers, or small challenges to turn chores into fun activities.
  4. Celebrating Progress; Encourage intrinsic motivation by focussing on how proud they feel rather than just rewards. Consider a “chore chart” for older children to visualise their achievements.
  5. Teaching Problem-Solving; If a child struggles with a task, guide them to figure it out rather than doing it for them. Ask questions such as, “what’s the first thing we need to do to clean up this space?”
  6. Balancing Expectations; Remember: independence grows gradually, some tasks will be messy or incomplete at first, but that’s part of the learning.

Even small accomplishments deserve recognition! A high-five, sticker, or verbal praise reinforces positive behaviour and encourages children to keep trying. Over time, these small responsibilities grow into lifelong skills and a strong sense of independence.

At our Grow Early Education centres, we see this in action every day when children serve their own lunch and snacks, tidy up after meal times, help prepare their beds for naps, and pack away the educational resources they use throughout the day. These daily routines not only support independence but also foster confidence, responsibility, and pride in their abilities.

Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with each of our Grow Early Education centres:

This week across our Grow Early Education centres, children have been reaching for the stars as we celebrate Space Week 2025. Our Educators have been sparking curiosity about the wonders of the universe through play, creativity, and exploration.

From glowing stars and swirling planets to astronauts floating in zero gravity, space is a topic that instantly excites children, there’s something truly magical about exploring what lies beyond our planet and for young children, learning about space isn’t just about facts and science, it’s about nurturing wonder, discovery, and a love for learning.

While Space Week is a wonderful opportunity to focus on the cosmos, our Educators and Curriculum Teams work together to find ways to nurture curiosity about science and discovery all year round.

Introducing early concepts of space in early education helps children:
Develop curiosity and questioning skills, “What’s out there?” “Why do stars twinkle?”
Explore STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math) concepts in playful ways such as counting planets, building rockets, or comparing sizes and shapes.
Engage their creative thinking through imaginative play by pretending to be astronauts, aliens, or scientists.
Strengthen language and literacy learning new words such as “orbit,” “gravity,” or “galaxy.”

When space is introduced through hands-on, age-appropriate experiences, it becomes a gateway for big thinking and helps children connect what they know about their world to what exists beyond it.

Across our Grow Early Education centres, Educators bring the theme of space to life through creative, sensory, and play-based learning experiences.

Here are just a few of the ways children explore the cosmos at Grow Early Education:

One of the children’s favourite experiences is creating paper mâché planets. Using balloons, newspaper, and paint, children can design their own colourful versions of the solar system. This activity offers so much more than just art, it becomes a rich opportunity for learning and skill development.

As children shape and paint their planets, they also develop fine motor skills through tearing, gluing, and brushing, express their creativity by choosing colours and textures, and strengthen their scientific thinking as Educators guide conversations around the planets’ sizes, orbits, and characteristics.

Another engaging experience is exploring space-themed sensory trays, filled with foil, natural materials such as wood, cotton, and rocks, and cut-outs of moons, rockets, and friendly aliens. This inviting setup encourages children to explore different textures, materials, and imaginative ideas as they play.

As children scoop, sort, and create stories within the tray, they develop their sensory awareness, fine motor coordination, and language skills, while also building an understanding of how materials and environments can represent the world — and universe — around them.

Painting planets is another classic Space themed activity where children add colour and texture to paper cut-outs representing the planets of our solar system. Using brushes, cotton buds, or fingers, children experiment with mixing and applying paint, creating unique patterns and designs.

This creative experience supports the development of fine motor skills as children hold and control tools, express their creativity through colour and pattern choices, and build early scientific understanding as educators talk about the planets, their colours, and positions in the solar system. It’s a hands-on way to make the universe feel close, exciting, and full of possibilities.

Each of these experiences encourages children to think like little explorers, asking questions, making predictions, and sharing their discoveries with peers.

Exploring space connects seamlessly to many areas of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), including:

Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners — as they experiment, investigate, and problem-solve through play.

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators — as they express ideas, share knowledge, and engage in rich conversations about what they discover.

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world — as they begin to understand their place in the wider universe.

Through these experiences, children not only learn about space, they learn about possibility. They dream, imagine, and explore the idea that there’s so much more to discover.
By turning space into a hands-on, sensory-rich experience, our Educators are building a foundation for lifelong curiosity and learning.

Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with each of our Grow Early Education centres and explore how they celebrate Space:

At Grow Early Education, we understand that every child is unique, and their dietary requirements, food preferences, and allergy needs are no exception. Ensuring mealtimes are safe, enjoyable, and nutritious is one of our highest priorities - that’s why our centres go above and beyond to provide fresh, chef-prepared meals that cater to children’s allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences, and individual needs.

From Halal-friendly and vegetarian options to managing allergies and intolerances, our dedicated team works closely with families to make sure every child feels included and cared for at the table.

Food plays such an important role in children’s growth and development, and we believe every child deserves the same positive mealtime experience. Our approach includes:

To keep meals fresh, balanced, and enjoyable, our chefs work on seasonal menus that run on a 4-week cycle. Seasonal menus mean children benefit from:

Menus are carefully reviewed each season to ensure they meet nutritional standards and provide the variety children need for growth and wellbeing.

At Grow Early Education, our menus are developed in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and each state government’s nutrition guidelines for early childhood education and care. This ensures that every meal not only meets children’s individual dietary needs but also supports their long-term health, development, and wellbeing. Families can feel confident knowing that our chef-prepared meals reflect the latest best-practice recommendations in children’s nutrition.

Meet Georgie Manzelmann – Our Chef Support Manager

We’re proud to have an expert leading our food and nutrition program across all Grow Early Education centres: Chef Support Manager, Georgie Manzelmann.

Georgie is a fully qualified chef with over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry before transitioning to childcare. Georgie supports centre chefs with training, menu planning, and mealtime procedures. She personally reviews every seasonal menu before it is introduced, ensuring all meals are balanced, safe, and inclusive.

“Our chefs do a wonderful job of catering to each child’s needs. Whether it’s creating Halal-friendly meals, vegetarian alternatives, or managing allergies, I’m always here as a support person to help with ideas and adjustments,” Georgie explains.

Her dedication ensures Grow Early Education continues to provide the nutritious, chef-prepared meals that the children deserve while easing parents’ peace of mind when it comes to dietary requirements.

Mealtimes at Grow Early Education are more than just eating, they’re opportunities for children to fuel their growing bodies, connect with peers, and develop important independence skills. From self-serving their meals to learning how to clean up after themselves, children build confidence and responsibility in a joyful, supportive environment. With allergy-safe practices, inclusive menu planning, and guidance from our passionate chefs, families can feel confident that their child’s needs are always a priority.

Because every child deserves to enjoy healthy, delicious meals that nurture their growth, respect their background, and support their wellbeing.

Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with each of our Grow Early Education centres:

From 5 January 2026, big changes are coming to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). The government has confirmed the introduction of the long-discussed “3-Day Guarantee”, along with updates to how the CCS Activity Test works.

In this week’s blog, we are helping parents better understand the new changes with an easy-to-follow breakdown of what this change means for families, and how you can prepare.

Eligible families for the CCS will now have access to at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, that’s the equivalent of 3 days a week for most families.

This change gives families more certainty. Even if your recognised activity hours (such as work, study, or volunteering) are low, you’ll still receive a baseline level of subsidised care.

While the 3-Day Guarantee provides a strong foundation, many families will still be able to access up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. This applies if:

In addition, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will automatically be eligible for the full 100 hours of subsidised care, regardless of activity levels.

Recognised Activity – What Counts?

The activity test is still an important part of determining your CCS hours. Recognised activities include things like:

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, you can check the full list on the Services Australia website here.

It’s important to remember that the CCS doesn’t always cover the full cost of childcare. Families will still be responsible for gap fees or out-of-pocket expenses charged by their provider.

The good news? With more subsidised hours guaranteed, many families are likely to see significant savings compared to previous arrangements.

What Does This Means for Families?

Parents with lower activity hours: You’ll still receive 72 hours of subsidised care each fortnight, giving you more flexibility for work, study, or family needs.

Families with higher activity levels: You can continue to access the full 100 hours.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families: Automatically receive the maximum 100 hours.

Families with exemptions: You’ll also be eligible for the full 100 hours.

How to Prepare for the Changes

With changes coming into effect from early 2026, now is a great time to prepare yourself for the changes to ensure your family doesn’t miss out. You can do this by:

The introduction of the 3-Day Guarantee is a major win for families, helping to ensure that all children can access quality early education and care, regardless of their parents’ activity levels.

By locking in a minimum of 72 hours and keeping pathways to 100 hours of subsidised care, these changes aim to support families, strengthen workforce participation, and give every child the best possible start.

Looking for more information on the 2026 CCS changes? Read our blog deep-diving the changes here or head to the Services Australia website.

Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with our Grow Early Education Childcare centres.

At Grow Early Education, we believe that reading with children is one of the richest learning experiences you can have. It’s because of this that the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s National Book Week is one of our favourite weeks on the calendar.

This year, Book Week is celebrating 80 years with the theme “Book an Adventure.” To honour the occasion, we’re discussing the importance of reading for children aged 0-5 and sharing some of the ways you can turn your bedtime routine into a rich learning and story-led adventure.

From birth to five years, reading with children is an important part of their developmental journey, helping to foster language skills and cognitive abilities while building a life-long love of reading and learning. Reading with children also encourages language development, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and boosts children’s imaginations.

Research has found that the disparity between children’s vocabularies could be upwards of 1.4 million words, depending on how frequently they are read to. It is estimated that children who:

For children under five, every rhyme, story, or picture book adds up, helping your little one build a richer, stronger vocabulary that they can carry through school and life.

One of the easiest ways you can introduce regular reading to your child’s day is through bedtime routines, but a bedtime story doesn’t have to be all about “winding down”. Reading to children creates magical moments where imagination and language thrive. Here are some ways you can turn bedtime routine into story-led learning adventure.

Just as stories can spark adventure at bedtime, Book Week allows children to bring these adventures to life across our childcare centres.

One of the most exciting parts of Book Week at our centres is seeing the children bring their favourite characters to life! From pirates and princesses to astronauts and dragons, dressing up gives children a chance to step into the world of their story and make the adventure their own. It’s a joyful, imaginative way to connect with books and characters while building confidence, creativity, and a love of storytelling. At Grow Early Education, our Educators love to join in the fun too! Dressing up alongside the children allows us to celebrate stories together and model creativity and imagination. Whether it’s becoming a fairy, a brave knight, or a quirky storybook character, our Educators help turn Book Week into a shared adventure, showing that reading and play can be magical at any age.

Book Week is a special time for children and families to celebrate the magic of reading. At Grow Early Education, we love creating adventures through stories, dress-ups, and imaginative play, helping every child discover the joy of reading and the worlds that await in every book.

Follow us on Facebook to see how our Grow Early Education centres are embracing this year's Book Week theme, “Book an Adventure”!

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!

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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.

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.

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