Goodstart Early Learning Labrador - Gordon Street
Goodstart Early Learning Labrador - Gordon Street Centre overview
Goodstart Early Learning Labrador - Gordon Street Centre highlights
- Quality curriculum, including a comprehensive Kindergarten program.
- Strong focus on play-based learning, tailored with family input.
- Stimulating outdoor play areas designed for adventure and imaginative play.
Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre Labrador Gordon Street is a welcoming, intimate centre with three rooms, providing a warm, safe environment for children, families, and educators. We work closely with families, valuing parents as the first educators in a child's life, and fostering open communication and respect.
Our programs, based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Kindergarten Program, are tailored to children's interests, ideas, and family priorities. We support play-based learning to nurture development, focusing on hands-on activities that inspire a love of learning and prepare children for school life and the wider community.
Parent participation is encouraged through regular feedback, events, and Storypark updates. We invite you to visit and experience our centre.
Fees & Vacancies
Goodstart Early Learning Labrador - Gordon Street Service features
See more (9)Goodstart Early Learning Labrador - Gordon Street 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.
Caroline Mcfarlane
Hi, my name is Caroline Macfarlane and I’m the new Centre Director here at Goodstart Labrador – Gordon Street and I have been here since January 2024.
I hold my Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services, I am an Abecedarian Practitioner and I also hold my Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management.
I have been in the Early Childhood industry for over 26 years and 15 of those years being a Centre Director. I have worked in a range of services both private and non for profit and have worked with children ranging from birth to 12 years old.
My Early Learning values:
The first 5 years of learning is the most important time in every child’s life as it builds a foundation and love for learning. To create curious and engaged learners, ensure children will be set up for a great future. We are privileged to be able to contribute to that for the children that come into our care.
I strongly believe all relationships should be built on respect. With us respecting the children, families, communities, environments and cultures and in return this being reciprocated.
What I love about our community:
The people! We have a Community Pantry outside our service and it warms my heart watching people contribute to this, whether they be a 12 year old girl or an 85 year old man, talking to them and realising that everyone is one big community makes me so happy.
A little more about me:
When I’m not in the centre, you’ll find me at the swimming pool, the beach, the Netball courts or the Oztag fields ensuring my daughter is at the sport she is doing that day. I absolutely love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Why your child should spend the day with me (and the amazing team at Goodstart Labrador – Gordon Street):
At Goodstart Labrador Gordon Street, we are small 3 room service catering for children from 15 months old. We pride ourselves in creating a safe and peaceful environment for children to grow and learn. We are providing lots of learning opportunities for the children including excursions to Labrador State School which provides the children with an easy transition to school when it is their turn, and to the local park for our Bush Kindy excursions.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family to our beautiful service.
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55 Gordon StreetLabrador, QLD, 4215
Centre Reviews
Professional educators and heart-wise director. Goodstart Labrador provides a great child care experience, successful and smooth transition with care and true interest. The... Professional educators and heart-wise director. Goodstart Labrador provides a great child care experience, successful and smooth transition with care and true interest. The needs of each child are respected, the child is not rushed. Multi educational development programs are conducted in a safe, home-like peaceful environment. This is a place where curious and creative children thrive! Thank you for a life changing, wonderful kindy experience! Warm greetings, Strautins family Read more
Fabulous experienced educator. It is place where my 2 years old son feels safe, has made beautiful bond with his educators And all... Fabulous experienced educator. It is place where my 2 years old son feels safe, has made beautiful bond with his educators And all staff members .The centre director and all staff members are very friendly. Highly recommend this centre. Read more
Thank you for the 5 stars and recommendation Rittu, we love having you as part of our family at Goodstart Labrador - Gordon Street.
Abdul had a great time at kindergarten He has started speaking in English He has learned so many new activities in his kindy and all... Abdul had a great time at kindergarten He has started speaking in English He has learned so many new activities in his kindy and all the staff are amazing, supportive in every way possible and communication I highly recommend every parents to a have a look GOOD START EARLY LEARNING Thank you 😊 Read more
Thank you for the wonderful feedback and recommendation Arshee, it's great to know Abdul is thriving in our Kindy room. We love having you as part of our family at Goodstart Labrador - Gordon Street.