Goodstart Early Learning Lara
Goodstart Early Learning Lara Centre overview
Established in 1994, Goodstart Lara offers enriching care and play-based learning for children from 6 weeks to 6 years, including a fun and challenging kindergarten transition program. Proudly part of the close-knit Lara community, educators foster clear communication with families, ensuring all children feel welcome, valued and accepted.
The centre is designed to meet the Early Years Learning Framework, with sensory, play-based spaces that are light, airy and engaging. Children can choose from a rich array of toys and games, while sofas add a homely feel for story time. Educators foster creativity and cognitive skills, with stimulating activities including art, music and maths.
The spacious and inviting outdoor area is made for exploration and discovery, with bike paths and a fun range of climbing equipment. Children also enjoy learning about nature and sustainability with the mud and bark areas, worm farms and veggie gardens. Educators encourage children to feed the pet turtle, fostering responsibility and care.
With a car park and central location close to public transport, drop off and pick up is stress-free. Why not book a tour of this warm and welcoming centre today?
Fees & Vacancies
Goodstart Early Learning Lara Service features
See more (9)Goodstart Early Learning Lara service include:
Get to know us
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.
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20 Clover StreetLara, VIC, 3212
Centre Reviews
Can not fault this centre, my son loves coming to care every day and being greeted by all the educators, you can truely... Can not fault this centre, my son loves coming to care every day and being greeted by all the educators, you can truely see the passion and commitment coming from the new management with all there new and exciting changes involving more family days and community involvement! The educators there are so supportive, friendly and welcoming and they are talked about daily in our household by my son! Keep up the amazing work! Read more
All 3 of my children have been here, with My youngest currently attending. The centre director is so lovely and approachable and... All 3 of my children have been here, with My youngest currently attending. The centre director is so lovely and approachable and has always addressed any concerns I have come to her with. My daughter absolutely adores her educators in the kookaburra room, they are all so lovely which makes leaving her with them so much easier! Overall all the educators throughout the whole centre are friendly and so lovely. Read more
Excellent experience and fantastic Centre Director Miranda and recommendable teacher Samantha and Mike who recently moved to Lara Goodstart! Highly recommend. Excellent experience and fantastic Centre Director Miranda and recommendable teacher Samantha and Mike who recently moved to Lara Goodstart! Highly recommend.