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:

 

The first five years of life are often described as the most important for a child’s growth, and for a good reason. During this time, children’s brains develop faster than at any other stage, creating the building blocks for lifelong learning, health, and wellbeing. From their very first smile to their first day of school, every milestone is a sign of progress in areas such as communication, movement, problem-solving, social skills, and emotional understanding.

At Grow Early Education, we see these milestones as moments to celebrate and opportunities to nurture. Our Educators are trained to recognise and support each stage of development, tailoring experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and encourage independence. Through play-based learning, sensory-rich environments, and warm, consistent relationships, we create a safe and stimulating space where children can thrive.

We also know that no two children develop at exactly the same pace. That’s why our approach is flexible, responsive, and centred around the needs of each individual child. Whether it’s building neck strength through tummy time in the Nursery, encouraging a Toddler’s first words through story time, or helping a Pre-Kindy child navigate friendships, we’re here to guide, support, and celebrate every step of the journey.

In this week’s blog, we are exploring the key milestones children typically reach from birth to age five, why they matter, and how families can support their child’s development every step of the way.

Birth to 6 Months: Building Bonds and Early Awareness

The first six months are all about bonding and sensory exploration. Babies are learning to trust the world around them through consistent care, cuddles, and communication.

Their brains are developing rapidly as they respond to your voice, facial expressions, and touch. During this time, babies begin to discover their bodies, their environment, and how to express their needs, usually through crying, cooing, and movement. These early months are foundational for emotional security and future learning.

Key Milestones:

How You Can Support Them:

Seek Advice if:

6 to 12 Months: Exploring and Engaging

From six months onward, babies become more physically active and socially curious. They begin to move with more control, rolling, sitting, and eventually crawling, allowing them to explore their world in new ways. Language development picks up speed as they babble and experiment with sounds.

This is also a stage where separation anxiety may emerge, showing that your baby has formed strong attachments. Their growing independence is a sign of healthy development, even as they still rely on your guidance and reassurance.

Key Milestones:

How You Can Support Them:

Seek Advice if:

12 to 18 Months: First Steps Toward Independence

Between 12 and 18 months, Toddlers begin to express their independence in exciting (and sometimes messy!) ways. This is a stage of rapid physical development, many children take their first steps around their first birthday, and their curiosity about the world increases as their mobility improves.

At the same time, their communication skills are emerging, with first words, gestures, and emotional expressions becoming more intentional. It’s a time of big emotions, trial and error, and learning through play, exploration, and connection.

Key Milestones:

How You Can Support Them:

Seek Advice if:

18 to 24 Months: Communication and Curiosity

Between 18 and 24 months, Toddlers begin to show more personality, independence, and determination. They’re learning that they are separate from others and may start testing boundaries, an important part of social-emotional development.

Language begins to develop rapidly during this time, with Toddlers going from using a handful of words to combining two or more into short phrases. Their curiosity is constant, and they learn best through hands-on play, repetition, and exploration of the world around them.

Key Milestones:

How You Can Support Them:

Seek Advice if:

2 to 3 Years: Confidence, Curiosity, and Communication

Between the ages of 2 and 3, Toddlers become more confident in their physical abilities, language, and self-expression. This stage is often called the “Toddler Explosion” because of the rapid growth in vocabulary and social understanding.

Children begin to speak in short sentences, engage more in imaginative play, and show a desire to do things on their own. While emotions can still run high, Toddlers are starting to understand basic rules, routines, and how to express themselves in more complex ways. This is also when many children begin showing interest in toilet learning and self-help skills.

Key Milestones:

How You Can Support Them:

Seek Advice if:

3 to 4 Years: Imagination, Social Skills, and Growing Confidence

The 3- and 4-year-olds are full of imagination, big ideas, and growing social awareness. Between ages 3 and 4, children begin to form stronger friendships, understand routines, and engage in more cooperative play. Their communication becomes clearer and more complex, allowing them to ask questions, tell stories, and express emotions in words.

At this stage, children often enjoy creative activities like drawing, painting, and role play, and they start to develop early numeracy and literacy skills through everyday experiences. This is also a key time for building emotional resilience, problem-solving, and a sense of self.

Key Milestones:

How You Can Support Them:

Seek Advice if:

4 to 5 Years: Confident Learners Preparing for School

Between the ages of 4 and 5, children step into a new level of confidence, curiosity, and capability. They’re developing stronger memory, problem-solving skills, and emotional awareness, and many begin showing an eagerness to learn about the world around them. Socially, they’re more cooperative, empathetic, and able to engage in group activities.

This stage often includes the transition into a more structured learning environment, such as a kindergarten program, where they build the foundational skills needed for a positive start to school. While they’re becoming more independent, they still rely on secure relationships and supportive routines to thrive.

Key Milestones:

How You Can Support Them:

Seek Advice if:

While all children develop at their own pace, milestones offer a helpful guide for what to expect and when. Tracking these developmental stages can help identify areas where your child may need extra support and celebrate the amazing progress they’re making.

In Australia, your child’s health and development are monitored through regular child health checks. You can use your child’s Personal Health Record to keep track of milestones and speak with your child health nurse or GP if you ever have concerns.

At Grow Early Education, we know the first five years are critical in laying the foundation for future learning and success. Our Early Childhood Educators are trained to support each child’s unique journey, with play-based learning, nurturing routines, and strong relationships at the heart of everything we do.

We’re here to support you, too. If you have questions about your child’s development, our team is always happy to help.

Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with our Grow Early Education centres and see how we support children's milestones in action:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you provide a Transition Statement?

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

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

Do you offer Free Kindergarten or Preschool Fee Relief?

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

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

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

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

What does my child need to bring?

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

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

Do you have qualified Teachers at your long daycare centres?

Yes! Our Teachers are University-qualified Teachers!

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

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

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

How and when can we enrol for 2026?

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

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

At Grow Early Education, 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.

Vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet, especially for young, growing children, but convincing little ones to eat them can be a daily challenge for many families. At Grow Early Education, we’re always looking for fun, creative ways to support healthy eating habits, and hidden vegetables are one of our favourites!

Children can be very selective eaters, especially when it comes to unfamiliar textures, colours, or flavours. By incorporating vegetables into meals in a sneaky yet nutritious way, children still receive the benefits of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, often without even realising they’re eating something “green.”

Hidden vegetables are also a great stepping stone towards helping fussy eaters become more familiar with the flavours of vegetables, while reducing the stress of mealtimes.

Moroccan Beef and rice with plenty of hidden nutrients at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

Moroccan Beef and rice with plenty of hidden nutrients at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

At Grow Early Education, our Centre Chefs and Educators know how to turn fussy mealtimes into vegetable victories. Here are some of our favourite ways we include hidden veggies in everyday meals:

Veggie-packed brownies – Grated carrot, zucchini, pumpkin, and even spinach are blended into brownie mixture.

Muffins with a twist – Carrot and zucchini muffins are a big hit with little tastebuds and a smart way to add extra fibre.

Homemade pizza with blended vegetable bases – We love using vegetable-rich tomato sauces on pizza. Children typically also have the option to add mushrooms, pineapple, capsicum, and other colourful fruits and vegetables to their toppings as well.

At Grow Early Education, our approach to healthy eating isn’t just about what's on the plate, it’s also about how children feel about food. We create a positive mealtime environment where children are encouraged to try new things without pressure. Through hands-on gardening activities, children plant seedlings, nurture them as they grow into herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and then help harvest and cook with them. When children are involved in the process from garden to plate, they feel proud of their contribution and are far more likely to taste and enjoy the final dish.

Moroccan Beef and rice with plenty of hidden nutrients at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

Children at Grow Early Education Tarneit making apple and cinnamon muffins for afternoon tea

We also use every opportunity to talk about food in fun and engaging ways such as discussing colours, shapes, and even where veggies come from. Through play-based learning, gardening activities, and sensory experiences, children build positive associations with healthy food.

Moroccan Beef and rice with plenty of hidden nutrients at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

Creating rainbow pizzas with a range of fruits and vegetables at Grow Early Education Frankston

Hidden vegetables are a great place to start, but the ultimate goal is helping children appreciate vegetables in all their crunchy, colourful glory. By combining creative cooking with positive food experiences, Grow Early Education supports children in building a healthy relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.

Follow us on Facebook to see other ways our Grow Early Education centres incorporate healthy eating habits into everyday curriculums.

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

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

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

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

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

Why Choose Grow Early Education's Vacation Care?

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

Participating Centres and What’s On These Holidays

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

Grow Early Education Toowoomba:

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

Grow Early Education Heathmont in Melbourne:

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

Grow Early Education Tarneit in Melbourne:

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

Grow Early Education Narre Warren North in Melbourne:

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

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

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

Learn more about our Vacation Care Program here.

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date!

At Grow Early Education, Reconciliation Week is a time to come together to listen, learn, and reflect. In 2025, we embraced the powerful theme, Bridging Now to Next, with meaningful learning experiences that honoured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. Across our centres, Educators thoughtfully created opportunities for children to explore, connect, and celebrate through art, music, storytelling, and sensory play.

Here’s a look at how our Grow Early Education centres brought Reconciliation Week to life:

Celebrating Culture and Community at Grow Early Education Hervey Bay

At Hervey Bay, children celebrated Reconciliation Week through a vibrant mix of storytelling, art, and music. They painted the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on their hands, created dot paintings, and watched videos of the didgeridoo to deepen their cultural understanding. These engaging experiences fostered a sense of community and connection to Country.

Sensory Play with Purpose at Grow Early Education Dalby

Children at Grow Early Education Dalby explored a unique sensory tray inspired by the Aboriginal flag. With colours and textures designed to spark curiosity, children squished and poked their way through the tray while being introduced to traditional Indigenous markings. Flashcards helped guide the children as they replicated the symbols, promoting conversation and cultural exploration through play.

Natural Connections with the Toddlers at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

In the Toddler Classroom at Grow Early Education Toowoomba, children engaged in hands-on learning experiences that celebrated Indigenous culture. They practised stamping the Aboriginal flag using their hands and explored colour, patterns, and meaning, while drawing traditional cultural symbols in the sand. These experiences sparked rich, age-appropriate conversations about Reconciliation Week, helping children begin to understand the importance of connection to land, culture, and people.

First Steps in Learning at Grow Early Education Toowoomba's Nursery Classroom

Even our littlest learners in the Nursery were invited to participate in age-appropriate ways. Educators introduced thoughtful books and resources to gently guide conversations around family, land, and connection to Country, laying the foundations for empathy and cultural awareness from the earliest years.

Reconciliation Week at Grow Early Education was a reminder that cultural understanding starts with open hearts and curious minds. Through age-appropriate and meaningful experiences, our Educators continue to embed First Nations perspectives into daily learning, ensuring every child grows up in an environment that values diversity, respect, and unity.

Together—now more than ever—we walk hand in hand toward a future built on truth, connection, and care for all cultures.

Follow us on Facebook to see how our Grow Early Education centres incorporate National Reconciliation Week into their curriculums.

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

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

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

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

The Benefits of Sensory Trays:

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

Grow Early Education Dalby:

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

Grow Early Education Darling Heights:

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

Grow Early Education Narre Warren North:

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

Grow Early Education Bushland Beach:

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

Grow Early Education Gunnedah:

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

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

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

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

 

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