Great Beginnings Kariong

Some of the programs on offer at Great Beginnings include: 

• Incursions: special guests come into the centre to share experiences with the children, such as librarians, reptile shows, or emergency service workers.
• Excursions: the children take outings to build their sense of community, to places such as local aged care facilities, local primary schools, parks and shops.
• Sports program: this program is designed to encourage activity and movement, while also building the children’s motor skills.
• Music and dance programs: designed to help develop fundamental skills, and to develop an understanding of music and rhythm. 
• Cooking classes: the educators enjoy teaching the children how to prepare age appropriate meals and snacks, which encourages little ones to try new things and develop a love of healthy food.
• Sustainability program: the educators teach the children about recycling, conserving water, growing food and looking after the planet.

Educators at Great Beginnings Kariong ensure that children feel safe, supported and challenged to learn new things and participate in new experiences. The dedicated, diverse group of educators seek to make sure that the environment is inviting, natural, stimulating and engaging, and that it reflects the children’s personalities and interests. Educators forge strong bonds and build relationships with the families at the centre, to ensure that the children feel right at home. Parents can access photos and updates about their child’s day through the centre’s free app.

Educators strive to create a calm, comfortable environment where each child feels safe. The highly trained team of educators are hand-picked to support the children and their learning. Educators value their centre’s connection to the local community, as they understand that sharing the history and culture of the area is a powerful way to give the children a sense of belonging and connection.

Educators want to give children the best possible start on their next steps at school, which is why they focus on the children's social development, confidence and independence at a young age. The high quality program helps children become active in their own learning and sees them evolve into confident, creative and successful learners.

The centre believes they can help to give children their best start in life by providing healthy, nutritious meals daily. Food is used as a way to teach the children about the benefits of healthy eating. All of the seasonal meals and snacks are provided for the children by the centre’s in-house chef, with all meals approved by government nutrition programs. The centre’s focus is on offering the children simple, nutrient-rich, unprocessed and seasonal whole foods - designed to tempt even fussy eaters.

Children who attend a full day at the centre will be offered at least 50 per cent of their recommended daily dietary intake.  Children are taught about the benefits of growing food by helping out with the centre’s own vegetable garden.

The children enjoy lunches such as chicken paella, lamb koftas, lasagne, or fish with veggies. For their snacks, there are fruit and veggie platters, crackers with vegetable packed dip, and plenty of homemade baked goods including scrolls, scones and banana bread.