Hi, my name is Krystal, the Centre Manager of Journey Early Learning Lara.

After completing my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, I was lucky enough to have been offered a scholarship for my Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management. I successfully completed this in 2021.

I have had many roles in my career from Centre Cook, Room Assistant, Room Leader, Educational Leader, 3IC, Assistant Manager, and now, Centre Manager. Each role has helped me grow into the educator I am today.

The early years of a child’s life are incredibly important, and this is what has driven my passion in the Early Childhood sector.

I’m passionate about providing our families with high-quality care and I can’t wait to build beautiful relationships with you all. I believe it’s important to provide an environment where children can grow, explore and investigate and where our families see our service as their second home.

Family is important to me, I have been blessed with three beautiful children. There is nothing better than spending time with the ones you love and creating memories. 

Our Vision is what guides us everyday! 

As a parent, you naturally want to give your child the best start in life.

At Journey, we know that kindergarten is an essential building block for your child’s education. That is why we pride ourselves on delivering high quality early learning and rewarding programs for your child.

What is a funded kindergarten?

The funded kindergarten program is designed to help more children enrol in early education by providing a contribution towards the cost of the program. Created and delivered by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher, the program aims to support each child’s learning and development in line with the government’s early years learning and development framework.

School Readiness

Readiness encompasses the factors that help children achieve success in school. It’s not a single moment in time but rather a unique journey that each child progresses through at their own pace.

The benefits of attending a pre-kinder and kinder room extend far beyond a child’s school years. Starting a quality program at an earlier age has a hugely positive impact on their development, helping them to develop key life skills.

Research has shown that children in Year 3 who attended kindergarten were up to 20 weeks ahead of those who did not. Equally, by the age of 16, students who attended three years of kindergarten were more likely to achieve higher scores in their Maths and English exams.

Play-based Learning

Children learn best when their bodies and minds are stimulated, and being active allows them to do just that. Play-based learning gives each child a chance to explore the world around them through play, letting their imagination come alive. This helps them listen, learn and engage with others.

A play-based learning kindergarten can also encourage children to be more curious while boosting their confidence in the process. 

Come in and ask our Bachelor qualified ECT any questions you may have! 

Fresh, seasonal ingredients

Here at Future Foodies, we’re passionate about fresh, seasonal ingredients. Fresh produce is way healthier and provides superior nutrition for growing children. Fresh produce also tastes yummier, as well as being better for the environment and our local communities. You just can’t beat it!

Nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s development and instilling healthy eating habits at a young age can have lifelong benefits. But food is about so much more than just nutrition. That’s why we have created Future Foodies: A holistic food programme at the heart of every Journey Early Learning Centre.

Future Foodies at a glance:

• Menus specially developed by our experienced nutritionist

• Fresh, seasonal and wholesome produce

• Expanding children’s paletes with herbs and spices

• Feedback from children and chefs is actively incorporated into menus

• Custom menus adapted to individual needs (allergies, intolerances)

• Holistic approach to food

• Food is part of the curriculum and integrated into play based learning

Future Foodies Philosophy

Here at Future Foodies we’re on a mission to get children excited about food. Educating them about the entire food process, from planting through to composting. Encouraging them to be adventurous with exciting new flavours and textures. Reminding them that occasional treats are to be enjoyed. It’s not all broccoli birthday cakes. Bringing them together to share not only meals, but also jokes, stories and tall tales. Demonstrating that food is a wonderful gift to savour, enjoy and celebrate. From the very first bite to seconds (and thirds), our role is to instil a passion for food that will last a lifetime. In so doing we’re helping create the next generation of Future Foodies.

Chief Foodie Officer (CFO)

Future Foodies is headed up by Teri Lichtenstein, an accredited nutritionist and dietician with over 25 years experience. Teri is a member of Dieticians Australia, Sports Dieticians Australia, and was a Board Director of Nutrition Australia from 2017 to 2021. As a mother of two children, she understands that it’s vital to develop good eating habits from a young age. For Teri, it’s about keeping it real and focusing on not only nutrition, but also taste, novelty and inclusion. 

Come into the centre and see our menu today!