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.

Halloween is the perfect time for little hands to get creative! Beyond the costumes and treats, craft time can be a wonderful opportunity for children to learn, explore, and strengthen important developmental skills, especially their fine motor skills.

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers, which children use for everyday tasks such as holding pencils, using scissors, and gluing. By incorporating themed crafts into play, we can make skill-building fun and meaningful.

To celebrate the spooky season, we have compiled some of our favourite Halloween-inspired and age-appropriate crafts for you and your little ones to try at home.

For Babies (0–2 Years): Sensory Play and Early Exploration

1. Pumpkin Sensory Bags
Fill a zip-lock bag with orange hair gel, googly eyes, and small Halloween-themed confetti or pom-poms. Tape it to the floor or a highchair tray and let your baby squish, poke, and press.

Learning focus: Hand-eye coordination, sensory exploration, and cause-and-effect thinking.

2. Ghost Footprint Art
Dip your baby’s foot in white paint and stamp it onto black paper. Add eyes and a mouth to create a ghostly footprint!

Learning focus: Early sensory awareness and recognition of body parts through play.

For Toddlers (2–3 Years): Tactile Play and Coordination

3. Cotton Ball Spiders
Give Toddlers black paper, glue, and cotton balls or pom poms. Help them pull apart and stretch the cotton to form a “spider body,” then stick on googly eyes and draw or paste pipe cleaner legs.


Learning focus: Strengthening finger muscles, hand–eye coordination, and creativity.

4. Sticker Pumpkins
Provide orange cut-out pumpkins or mini carving pumpkins and a sheet of Halloween stickers. Encourage your child to decorate however they like for a mess free and safe pumpkin decorating experience.


Learning focus: Fine motor control through peeling and sticking, as well as fostering independence and decision-making.

For Preschoolers and Kindergarteners (3–5 Years): Creativity and Control

5. Paper Plate Jack-O’-Lanterns
Using orange paint, black paper triangles, and glue, children can design their own jack-o’-lantern faces on paper plates. Let them cut out shapes (with safety scissors) for added practice.

Learning focus: Scissor control, bilateral coordination, and early geometry.

6. Yarn-Wrapped Mummies
Cut out simple mummy shapes from cardboard, draw on eyes, and give children white yarn or ribbon to wrap around their mummy.

Learning focus: Strength and coordination as they wrap.

7. Magic Wand Craft
Provide sticks, ribbons, and paper stars for children to decorate. They can use paint, stickers, or glitter glue to make their wands magical!


Learning focus: Strengthening fine motor precision, encouraging imaginative play, and boosting self-expression.

Why Craft Matters

Every time children paint, glue, or thread, they’re developing the skills needed for future learning success. These activities:

So this Halloween, grab the glue sticks and glitter — and let learning come to life through play!

Follow us on Facebook to see what spooky crafts children across our centres get up to:

 

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:

 

We’re proud to share that Grow Early Education Dalby has been nominated for Excellence in Education, Employment, and Training at this year's Dalby Business Excellence Awards.

This nomination is a wonderful recognition of the passion, dedication, and teamwork that our team of Educators at Grow Dalby demonstrate each and every day. At Grow Early Education, we believe that providing exceptional early learning experiences begins with investing in our people, from our Educators and Trainees to the future leaders of early childhood education.

Our Grow Dalby centre has become a vibrant part of the local community, nurturing children through high-quality programs that focus on learning through play, curiosity, and meaningful connections. Every experience at Grow Early Education is guided by our belief that the early years are the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

We’re honoured to see this commitment reflected through our nomination, which acknowledges our focus on professional development, quality education, and creating an environment where both children and Educators can thrive.

As a proud local employer, Grow Early Education Dalby is committed to fostering career pathways within the early childhood sector. We provide ongoing training opportunities, mentorship, and support for Educators at every stage of their journey, from Trainees to Lead Educators and beyond.

This nomination recognises the role we play not only in early education, but in building strong, skilled teams that make a lasting impact on the Dalby community.

The winners will be announced at the Dalby Business Excellence awards night on Saturday, 18 October 2025. No matter the outcome, we are incredibly proud of our Educators and the work they do every day to make a difference in children’s lives.

Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees, and thank you to the Dalby Chamber of Commerce for recognising local businesses who go above and beyond for their community. We’re so proud of our team and honoured to be nominated for Excellence in Education, Employment, and Training, a true reflection of the Grow Early Education Dalby spirit.

Stay up to date with Grow Early Education and the result of the 2025 Dalby Chamber of Commerce Awards of our Facebook page here.

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:

We are beyond proud to share that Grow Early Education Kelso has been recognised in an extraordinary way at the 2025 Central West Early Childhood Awards. Our centre has received multiple nominations across a wide range of categories, a true reflection of the dedication, talent, and heart our Educators bring to Early Childhood Education every single day.

The Central West Early Childhood Awards celebrate excellence in our profession, recognising centres, leaders, and Educators who go above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences, nurture young minds, and build strong connections with families and communities. To see so many of our own nominated is both humbling and inspiring.

Our Nominations

We are proud to congratulate the following team members for their outstanding achievements:

In addition to recognising the achievements of our individual Educators, we are thrilled that Grow Early Education Kelso has also been nominated for two centre-level awards: Excellence in Pedagogy and Practice and Excellence in Community. These nominations celebrate the collective efforts of our whole team in creating a high-quality learning environment, delivering innovative and engaging early learning experiences, and building strong connections with families and the wider Bathurst community. Being acknowledged in these categories is a testament to our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our centre’s work and the nurturing culture we cultivate every day.

Why This Recognition Matters

These nominations highlight the depth of expertise, passion, and commitment within our centre. They show families and our wider community that when you choose Grow Early Education Kelso, you’re choosing a team dedicated to providing the very best start for every child.

Being recognised across so many categories also reflects the diversity of strengths within our team — from leadership and teaching excellence to innovation, care, and mentorship.

The winners will be announced at the Central West Early Childhood Awards Night on Saturday, 1 November 2025 at Panthers Bathurst. No matter the outcome, we are incredibly proud of our Educators and the work they do every day to make a difference in children’s lives.

Congratulations to our entire Grow Early Education Kelso family. This recognition belongs to all of you.

Stay up to date with Grow Early Education and the result of the 2025 Early Childhood Education Awards of our Facebook page here.

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere, from smartphones and tablets to TVs and even smart toys. While technology can be a helpful tool, especially for learning and entertainment, it’s important for young children to have boundaries around screen time. For children aged 0–5, establishing these boundaries early helps them develop healthy habits, encourages social interaction, and supports cognitive and physical development.

Research shows that excessive screen time for Toddlers and young children can impact attention spans, sleep quality, and social development. Young children learn best through hands-on exploration, imaginative play, and face-to-face interactions. Setting boundaries ensures that technology complements, rather than replaces, these essential experiences.

Practical Tips for Setting Tech Boundaries at Home

  1. Start with Clear Rules: Decide on daily limits that suit your family’s routine. The Australian guidelines suggest minimal screen time for under 2s and no more than 1 hour per day for 2–5-year-olds. Communicate rules clearly to everyone in the household. For example: “Screens are only for 30 minutes after lunch.”

  2. Be a Role Model: Children imitate adult behaviours. Reduce your own screen use during family time and demonstrate mindful tech habits.

  3. Schedule Screen-Free Zones and Times: Make bedrooms, mealtimes, and outdoor playtimes screen-free zones. Consistent screen-free times encourage creativity, conversation, and family bonding.

  4. Choose Quality over Quantity: When screens are used, choose age-appropriate, educational content. Co-viewing and interacting with your child during screen time can make it more meaningful.

  5. Offer Engaging Alternatives: Encourage active play, arts and crafts, reading, and sensory activities. For example, create sensory trays, building blocks, or simple backyard games that captivate your child’s attention.

  6. Teach Digital Literacy Early: Even for young children, you can start introducing simple lessons about safe and balanced technology use, like asking permission before using devices and understanding that screens are just one form of entertainment.

  7. Gradually Adjust Boundaries: As children grow, their needs and understanding of technology change. Review and adjust limits to suit their developmental stage.

Creating tech boundaries isn’t about completely banning screens, it’s about balance. When children understand limits, they develop self-regulation, learn to enjoy offline activities, and build stronger connections with family and peers.

At home, consistency, patience, and open communication are key. Start small, celebrate successes, and remember that your guidance shapes lifelong habits.

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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.

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