Goodstart Early Learning Payneham

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.

Jessica Vatsilas

Hello, my name is Jessica Vatsilas and I am the Centre Director at Goodstart Payneham.

Working at Goodstart Payneham has been the most rewarding and successful journey! I have been part of the Payneham family for 17 years - 5 years as Centre Director. I believe that creating a nurturing, aesthetically pleasing and safe environment, filled with developmentally appropriate curriculums and programs, will shape the first 5 years of a child’s life.

I am a passionate and dedicated leader who will always mentor and support my team to be the best that they can be.

At Goodstart Payneham we thrive to build trusting reciprocal relationships with both children and their families through Key Educator Relationships, which helps develop their sense of belonging in a new learning environment. I believe that children have the right to learn, play and build skills at their own pace and follow their own interests through making their own decisions.

Maintaining positive interactions builds a foundation for children to be nurtured, having a sense of agency and building a sense of security.

At Goodstart Payneham we might not be shiny brand new, but we are REAL, we have Heart and Soul!

We look forward to meeting you and your family. Come in and say hi!

Call us on 8365 0105, or click the 'Book a tour' button above to arrange a personalised tour. If you’d like a tour outside of the offered tour times please contact me so that we can organise this for you.