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Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre

Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre

32 Dolphin Avenue, Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218 view map
Verified
5.0
(07) 3186 0505

Care Type:

Long Day Care

Hours:

6.30am to 6.30pm

Vacancies

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Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre.

Address:

32 Dolphin Avenue, Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218

5.0

Rating Score

Read our 19 Reviews

About Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre

Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre is a family owned and run long day care centre. As a family, we have over 30 years’ experience in the early years sector. The centre has been purpose built to provide an exciting environment for children to grow, learn and develop – no matter their needs or desires. We believe in a holistic approach when providing care.

As an inclusive centre, we work with families and communities to make sure all children and families feel safe, secure, and respected.

Our learning environments promote play as the basis for children's learning. Children are encouraged to explore, create and engage with their peers. With both indoor and outdoor facilities, children develop in all growth areas.

Our rooms are furnished with the latest equipment. Our kindergarten room utilizes the latest technologies to provide the 20th century learner with the tools they need to succeed. Our playground environment is state of the art, with equipment promoting physical play, but also quiet areas for rest. There is ample space for running ball games and group activities.

We look forward to sharing in your child’s journey and ensuring they are provided the best and most enjoyable learning experiences.

 

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Services Provided by Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre

State Government Approved Programs

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Get To Know Us

Centre philosophy

Centre philosophy

Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre Philosophy


At Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre, we believe every child is unique and deserves an environment where they feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore. Our philosophy centres on creating a nurturing space where children can grow and develop to their full potential through dynamic, inclusive programs.

We embrace the Reggio Emilia Approach and Constructivist Theory, valuing children as active learners who build knowledge through experiences and interactions. Our educators support each child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs, fostering growth with age-appropriate resources and engaging learning experiences. Language development is crucial in early years, and our Abecedarian Approach integrates conversation, storytelling, music, and drama to nurture this growth. We work in partnership with families, honouring their role as primary educators and providing a caring community where children can thrive.

Our programs align with the National Quality Standards and Early Years Learning Framework, celebrating Australia’s multicultural society and acknowledging the cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre, our vision is to offer a place where children’s learning and development are our top priorities, supported by a community-focused and inclusive approach.

“It is through our connections to others; we develop into ourselves.” – Vygotsky

Safety

Safety

Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre is committed to fostering a culture that creates and maintains a safe online environment with support and collaboration from staff, families and community. As a child safe organisation, our Service embeds the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and (Queensland’s Child Safe Standards, Phase 2 Starting January 1, 2026) and continuously addresses risks to ensure children are safe in physical and online environments. Digital technologies have become an integral part of many children’s daily lives. For this reason, it is important that our educators are not only familiar with the use of digital technologies, but are able to guide children’s understanding of, and ability to interact, engage, access and use a range of digital technology in a child safe environment.

Meet the team

Meet the team

Owner and Director Vanessa has operated within childcare for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise into Dolphin Ave. Alongside her is her family in John, Louis, Claudia, and Rebecca who combine to create a strong foundation of consistency, experience, and familiarity. Building on this Dolphin Ave is extremely fortunate to have the experience of Miss Leigh taking care of our administration and we boast an incredible team of educators who work tirelessly for your children. 

Kindergarten/Preschool Programs

Kindergarten/Preschool Programs

Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre offers the QLD Government-approved “Free Kindy” program for 4-year-olds, providing 15 hours per week of funded Kindergarten for 40 weeks per year. This program supports your child’s growth, learning, and well-being, preparing them for school.

Our Enhanced Learning Program for Kindergarten children focuses on:

  • Numeracy & Literacy: Developing key skills for lifelong learning.
  • Self-Regulation: Fostering emotional control and resilience.
  • Social & Emotional Development: Supporting independence and building healthy relationships.
  • Creativity & Problem-Solving: Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.

With extended hours and a year-round program (excluding public holidays), our Kindergarten program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers committed to supporting your child’s individual development.

Additional Benefits Include:

  • Personalised Learning Plans: Tailored to your child’s unique needs.
  • Music & Dance Program: Boosting cognitive, physical, emotional and social skills.
  • Sports Program: Improving coordination,balance, healthy bone and muscle development, enhanced concentration and skills such as team work, discipline and resilence.
  • School Readiness: Preparing your child for a smooth transition to school.

We colaborate with local schools, providing transition statements, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared for the next steps in their education journey. Families are kept up to date with their child’s progress via our Xplor platform, which offers daily updates on their learning and development as well as events throughout the day.

Fees & Vacancies

Infant

0-1 years

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$158-$160 /day

Toddler

1-2 years

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Pre-Kindy

2-3 years

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Kindy

3-5 years

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$153 /day

Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre.

Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre Reviews (19)

5.0

Rating Score

Simone Ronnfeldt image

Simone Ronnfeldt

Feb, 2026

A lovely, family owned and run daycare. It is clean and well looked after, the staff have all been there very long term and my children are always happy to go (and then don't want to leave). I would highly recommend.

Amber Scherrenberg image

Amber Scherrenberg

Feb, 2026

This is such an incredible family run daycare center, the owners truly love what they do and it filters through. My daughter loved every minute of her time at Dolphin Ave Early Learning Center, she formed beautiful bonds with multiple teachers. I never questioned if she was safe or looked after, communication was incredible and the team would always did what they could to make sure she was supported.

Response from the owner 03 Feb 2026

Thank you so much for this beautiful review, Amber. We’re incredibly grateful for your kind words and for trusting us with your daughter’s care. It means so much to hear that she felt safe, supported, and formed such special bonds with our educators. Our team truly loves what they do, and knowing that this came through in your experience is very rewarding. We feel privileged to have been part of your family’s journey at Dolphin Ave Early Learning Center

Gemma G image

Gemma G

Feb, 2026

Fantastic daycare with a family feel. Vanessa and the team make everyone feel welcome, safe and cared for. Child safety and wellbeing are their top priority. Also great catering for allergies and medical assistance. Highly recommend

Response from the owner 03 Feb 2026

Thanks Gemma, it has been great to be able to welcome you and your family into our centre. Caring for your child has been a wonderful experience and although we will miss them, we believe they will have a great time at big school.

How Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre Compares

with Mermaid Beach, 4218

Reviews

Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre

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5/5

Suburb Average

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5/5

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Price

Above average

Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre

$156

Suburb Average

$148

NQS

The National Quality Standard is an industry benchmark defined by the government.

Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre

Meeting

Suburb Average

Meeting

NQS Rating Breakdown

Overall

Meeting

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Educational Program and Practice Meeting
Children's Health and Safety Meeting
Physical environment Meeting
Staffing Arrangements Meeting
Relationships with children Meeting
Collaborative partnerships with families and communities Meeting
Governance and leadership Meeting

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Dolphin Ave Early Learning Centre