Southport Child Care Centre

Southport Child Care Centre sees the environment as the third educator, and understands that a quality environment responds to the many ways in which children learn, grow and develop. 

The warm and inviting environment of the centre lets children and families know that they are welcome, with an aesthetically pleasing, ordered, peaceful space designed to support children’s play and stimulate dynamic teaching. 

There is plenty of space for children to run, jump, be loud, enjoy hands-on experiences; as well as spaces of beauty, and quiet areas to unwind and rest.

• Sustainability: this is at the heart of the centre, and research has shown that the earlier children are given opportunities to connect with nature, learn about the environment and their impact upon it, the more likely they will be environmentally responsible as adults. The centre is governed by a sustainability policy with embedded practices demonstrating their respect for nature.
• Language program: the children enjoy weekly Japanese Lessons with Ms Masako through the Hello Tomodachi Japanese language program. The children are engaged with cultural activities, music, games, stories, singing as well as learning basic Japanese terminology (including counting, body parts, colours, etc). 
• Fitness program: the children enjoy taking part in the Happy Feet Fitness program. These classes focus on movement and dance, the creativity of music, and the joy of active play. Each week the children engage in a new and exciting interactive themed adventure and all of the classes are specially designed to encourage participation, expression and social interaction.Happy Feet classes create a non-competitive, safe, happy environment for all children to learn, laugh and grow.
• Sports program: the centre offers the Ginger Sports soccer program, where the children gain self-confidence and learn about teamwork in a fun and welcoming  space.
• Regular excursions and incursions: these experiences engage the children with the local community, and give them a sense of belonging.

Southport Child Care Centre is focused on providing children the space to learn through play.  Through active engagement in free play and structured activity, children employ a range of complex networks of abilities, interests and spoken languages. Engagement in diverse forms of play fosters the development of a spirit of curiosity, experimentation and discovery with children being supported to develop their thinking and understandings, fine and gross motor skills, language, personal and social awareness, emotional well-being and creativity.

The curriculum is underpinned by the Early Years Learning Framework, which ranges from the routines of the day such as rest time and mealtimes through to the experiences and events all of which may be planned or spontaneous. 

To develop an effective curriculum for children, the centre is involved in an ongoing cycle of observation, planning, documenting and reviewing of teachings and practice.  All of their planning starts with observing children to understand and give consideration to their individual and group interests, development and learning preferences.

The educators believe that quality interactions with educators and peers will facilitate experiences that empower children to develop strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning as they grow to become confident and competent learners. 

The centre’s aim is to encourage children to promote a positive and proactive approach towards the environment and a sustainable future. With a vision of providing only the best in education and care, the centre offers a high-quality educational program and educational environment, based on a policy of child-centred learning. 

Educators are inspired to collaborate with families, colleagues, company, and community to create villages whose strength lies in unlocking the unlimited potential of each child. 

Inclusion and diversity is something that the centre is proud of and celebrates. They enjoy experiencing and learning from their team and families' multinational origins. Working with families and community partners, the educators co-design strategies and approaches to remove barriers and enhance the experience for all children.

I started my career as an Early Childhood Educator in 2003 here at the Centre. This Centre holds a special place in my heart and each day I strive to continue to build relationships with the families, guide my experienced team of Educators and provide high quality care for each child. 

Our reputation remains high within the community thanks to our long standing team of Educators, spacious learning environments and building the relationships with our families.

Rebecca Rogers, Centre Manager, Southport Child Care Centre.

At Southport Child Care Centre, the children enjoy three nutritious meals daily. The fully qualified centre cook provides wholesome home made meals using in season fruits and vegetables. 

Catering for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, the menus are on a 4-week rotation and reflect the seasons. Endorsed by Nutrition Australia, the menus are reviewed regularly and updated. 

As all meals are prepared fresh and onsite, the centre can cater for dietary requirements, food allergies, intolerances and cultural requirements.