Early Learning Centre

The Early Learning Centre is licensed by the Department of Community Services and accredited by the National Childcare Accreditation Council. The centre caters for 46 children aged 0 to 5 years. We offer 3 rooms at the centre:

Babies Room                   0 to 2 years                         12 places
Preschool Room              2 to 5 years                         25 places
Discover & Learn             2 to 5 years                         9 places

The centre operates from within St Anthony’s main building located at Croydon, which offers safe expansive areas, car parking and established gardens. The children are offered two playgrounds, both with large sandpits, modern new play equipment and shade cover.

Staff at the centre include Early Childhood Teachers, Diploma and Certificate level qualified staff and untrained childcare workers. In addition, the centre employs a Special Needs teacher and an Occupational therapist to assist children who may be experiencing difficulties in certain areas.

Indoor and outdoor programs are developed for each group that focus on offering open-ended and child-initiated experiences to children, enabling them to choose from a range of options in line with their own interests.  Planning for the programs is based on observations, individual information, the needs, abilities and interests of the children and staff knowledge of child development.

Activities are based on curriculum areas including:

• Art and craft
• Science and maths
• Music, movement/drama
• Language, social science, social skills
• Gross motor, fine motor and manipulation

A school preparation program is also offered to children who are in their final year prior to commencing Kindergarten. The program operates daily and offers older children the opportunity to further extend their school readiness skills in an environment that is class-like.

The centre hours of operation are 7.30am to 6.00pm. The centre opens 49 weeks of the year.
No charge applies to public holidays.

The centre provides morning tea, hot lunch, afternoon tea and fruit. Nappies are also provided to children in the baby’s room.

Eligible families may access Child Care Benefit (CCB) to subsidies fees.

Fees for 2011 are:

Babies room                                   $86.00
Preschool room                              $76.00
Discover & Learn Program           $90.00
Peers & Play                                   $90.00

Please click here to download a copy of our Waiting list form.

For more information call Teresa Petrone, Authorised Supervisor on 9747 5782.