Goodstart Early Learning Lavington
Goodstart Early Learning Lavington Centre overview
Goodstart Early Learning Lavington Centre highlights
- Long-standing community ties with local schools and businesses
- Spacious outdoor area with sandpits, climbing equipment, and vegie patch
- Play-based curriculum fostering independence and growth
Goodstart Early Learning Lavington Central is set in the scenic Albury Wodonga area and has proudly been part of the local community for over 15 years. We offer quality care and education for children aged six weeks to six years. Our team of highly qualified educators, some of whom have been with us for up to 20 years, bring a wealth of knowledge and cultural diversity to the centre.
Our play-based curriculum is developed in line with the Early Years Learning Framework, ensuring children engage in sensory-rich and stimulating environments that foster growth and development. We believe in flexibility and independence, offering a variety of activities to enhance cognitive, physical, and social skills.
We value open communication and maintain strong family connections through Storypark, regular events, and emails. Our centre also enjoys close ties with local community organisations such as Holy Spirit School and Lavington Library.
Our outdoor area features sandpits, climbing equipment, and a veggie patch, allowing for year-round outdoor play. We welcome family input and work collaboratively on excursions, fundraising, and supporting local charities.
Fees & Vacancies
Goodstart Early Learning Lavington Service features
See more (9)Goodstart Early Learning Lavington service include:
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Kindergarten/Preschool Programs
Kindergarten/Preschool Programs
Our high-quality, play based preschool curriculum is delivered by Bachelor qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Our teachers tailor their programs to ensure all children develop the confidence and social and emotional skills needed for a smooth transition to school. Through play, our Early Childhood Teachers facilitate children’s learning of important language, literacy, numeracy and creative skills.
Benefits of Goodstart Kindergarten/Preschool programs:
- Our programs are planned and led by qualified and experienced Early Childhood Teachers, in accordance with the Early Years Learning Framework
- Our programs have the tick of approval, meaning they meet (and exceed) Government guidelines around learning in the year before school
- Strong connections with local schools support our extensive transition to school programs
- We offer greater flexibility and convenience for busy families with longer opening hours, five days a week, 52 weeks of the year.
- We offer 9-hour, 10-hour and all-day sessions.
- Nutritious meals are provided throughout the day, so there’s no need to pack lunch boxes.
Curriculum and programs
Curriculum and programs
The educators at Goodstart Early Learning follow an evidence-based curriculum that aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework. Informed by world-leading research, practices and techniques, the curriculum encourages the children’s natural curiosity and engages them in their learning journey.
As the children move through the different rooms in the centre, the curriculum evolves with them. The educators set goals for the children and celebrate as they reach their milestones. At every stage, the educators are tailoring the curriculum and goals to each child’s individual needs.
The curriculum involves different types of learning experiences and styles. From child-led learning to sessions guided by educators, the children participate in small and large group sessions as well as individual play. Most importantly, the children learn through play, developing social skills, confidence and independence in addition to more formal academic skills.
Play is the order of the day of Goodstart Early Learning and the programs at the centre are grounded in a play-based approach. The educators embed teaching and learning into play experiences, helping the children to make sense of the world around them. This is how the children learn about how things work and develop important foundational relationships and skills.
The primarily child-directed, play-based curriculum ensures that the children are engaged in their learning. They are encouraged to take the lead, developing their negotiation, risk taking, problem solving and social skills. The educators observe the children and help to challenge them by extending their learning and interests.
The educators recognise that every child is unique and that they bring their own needs, interests and strengths with them each day. The program is designed to be flexible to cater to these differing needs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive at Goodstart.
Parent communication and involvement
Parent communication and involvement
Goodstart Early Learning uses the StoryPark app to connect with parents throughout the day. The educators upload photos and stories to the secure app, which parents can access anytime and anywhere to track their child’s progress.
The approach at the centre is very much based around partnership between families and educators. The educators work with the parents and carers to build strong relationships. They develop trust so the children can feel safe and secure while at the centre. Parents are also encouraged to share their insights and feedback with educators to add depth to the relationship.
The educators observe the children every day and tailor the program around their observations. They share these with parents, so they can feel connected to their child’s progress and also provide feedback that will further enhance their child’s learning experience.
Meet the team
Meet the team
Goodstart Early Learning employs qualified and skilled educators who are dedicated to making a difference to the children in their care. The centre employs people who are empathetic and compassionate, with a nurturing disposition and a passion for care. Working collaboratively as a team, the educators display qualities such as positivity, kindness and, most importantly, a desire to help every child thrive.
The educators hold relevant qualifications, including the Kindergarten and Preschool Program teachers who are university qualified. The educators are lifelong learners, participating in regular and ongoing professional development to enhance their skills. They are encouraged to upskill, learning about the latest research and thinking in the sector. They can then bring this knowledge back to the centre to share with their colleagues for the benefit of the children.
Karina Hartwig
Hi there, my name is Karina and I am the Centre Director of Goodstart Early Learning Lavington.
I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 12years) with Charles Sturt University in 2005, working as a teacher since 2006 and joining the Lavington team in 2017 as the Preschool teacher. In 2021 I became the Assistant Director and the Centre Director in 2022.
I am passionate about providing high quality education and care to children, that supports their rights and needs. I believe in providing natural and aesthetically please learning environments that encourage engagement and learning. Working with parents and families, keeping clear and open lines of communication assists us to be able to provide children with the highest quality early learning experiences and opportunities.
I am fortunate to work with a highly qualified and experienced team, whose passion for the sector and their roles therein is matched by a commitment to giving the children the highest quality learning experiences.
It would be my pleasure to welcome you to our centre, to show you around and explore the opportunities available to give your child the best start as a lifelong learner.
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490 Mutsch StreetLavington, NSW, 2641
Centre Reviews
My son started at Goodstart in 2019. The care and education he has received over the last 4 years has been amazing! The... My son started at Goodstart in 2019. The care and education he has received over the last 4 years has been amazing! The staff and educators are all wonderful people, who continue to do an outstanding job. Any issues we have had, have been dealt with thoroughly and in a timely manner. Our son loves going to Goodstart Lavington and is sad to have to leave for school next year. Our daughter has started there this year, and she adores her fantastic educators too! Thank you so much GS Lavington for your amazing staff and centre! Read more
I'm fuming, my daughter no longer goes to this centre yet they have just withdrawn $180 from my bank account without permission. Be... I'm fuming, my daughter no longer goes to this centre yet they have just withdrawn $180 from my bank account without permission. Be cautious when taking your child out of this centre that they don't steal from you. Read more
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