Kindalin Early Childhood Learning Centre - Cherrybrook

Over the past 3 years Kindalin has helped us to raise confident, healthy children who know they are loved and how they fit into the world around them. This is not only through the programs, but also through the Educators who are all amazing women to have as role models.

Anine - Parent

At Kindalin, children are cared for in an environment that is both stimulating and challenging. The seven core beliefs of the centre’s philosophy are: 

Partnerships between the children, families and educators.

Environments should be both positive and nurturing, seeing children as individuals who are competent and capable learners.

Active Learning is encouraged as children explore their surroundings and interact with others. 

Family support is offered where parents take an active role in their child’s programming. All cultures are celebrated and valued.

Community involvement is encouraged, visiting and engaging with other groups and spaces within the local area. 

Team Culture where educators are respected individually as well as working within a professional group that encourages development and reflection. 

Sustainability as part of the culture and curriculum, to teach children to learn and respect the environment.

Offering care for just 39 children, this centre’s smaller size allows the educators to differentiate their program based on the children’s abilities rather than just their age. The educators provide activities to suit different ranges of abilities, meaning that younger children can take part in the school readiness program, when the educators see that they are ready.

• The Music Man – Greg the Music Man has been visiting Kindalin for over 10 years and shares his beautiful melodies, singing all-time classic songs and nursery rhymes with the children.
• Soccer Pat  - Pat visits Kindalin on a monthly basis to continue his soccer skills activities with the children, providing them with the opportunity to engage in gross motor skill activities.
• Art with Miss Maree - Maree Sproats from Dural Art Studio runs her art classes with the Wonderful Wombats at Kindalin each Term. Children learn about interpretations, textures and visual arts in the most interesting ways!
• Laurel the Librarian - Miss Laurel visits Kindalin to read a selection of stories to the Wonderful Wombats as part of the Kindalin Reading Challenge.
• Jingle Jam - Jingle Jam is a specialist music program. Vanessa from Jingle Jam provides musical experiences which are educational and foster a love for music and movement.
• Community Worker visits – During Community Worker focuses throughout the year, community members and parents of different professions chat with the children about their job in the community, including firefighters, nurses, policemen and more. 
• Educational programs - Throughout the year, children have educational experiences with Government programs and other companies, inlcuding Binwise recycling program, SmartDental dental hygiene presentation and more.

Working together as a team with the children, families and educators and facilitating conversation, I am learning every day.

Meena Sadozai, Centre Director, Kindalin Cherrybrook

I love working for Kindalin because there are always opportunities to grow, and I have a great support system. Every day is an adventure and I cherish my learning moments with the children.

Naomi - Educator

All meals and snacks are provided and prepared in-house at Kindalin Cherrybrook. The menu was designed in collaboration with dietitian Fiona Kupresanin, and offers a nutritious selection of food.

The centre uses low fat and reduced salt ingredients, wholemeal and wholegrain foods, a range of vegetables and plenty of low-GI foods.

All dietary needs are catered for, including vegetarian options, and alternatives for children who are gluten-intolerant or have allergies.

The educators at Kindalin Cherrybrook use meal and snack time as another educational opportunity for the children. Educators promote self-help skills as the children serve their own fruit and veggies from the platters, and make decisions for themselves as to what they would like to eat.

It is also a great time to discuss healthy eating and trying new foods. For the younger children, educators promote sensory exploration as they taste and touch their food.

Throughout the year the children learn about healthy eating, such as what are 'always' and 'sometimes' foods. This occurs as part of the curriculum, including projects, food and cooking demonstrations, visitors to the centre and presentations from external organisations.

The centre uses a free communication tool for parents. The Kindalin app provides real-time updates for parents across key areas, including information about their children’s:

• Eating
• Sleeping
• Nappy changes
• Daily activities
• Meal and snack menu
• Photos from the day