Centenary Childcare & Early Education Centre

1. Sustainability program: teaches children about the environment and how we can affect and protect it.  Includes gardening, recycling, energy and water conservation and sustainability.
2. Life skills program: introduces life skills including self help, personal safety, sewing, nature play, cooking, wood work and gardening.
3. Mindfulness program: an holistic program that engages children in learning about inner wellness and wellbeing, which includes yoga and meditation.
4. School readiness program: includes visits to schools, lunch box use, numeracy, literacy and science, technology program, book library, and discussions of what to expect at school.
5. Pets and pet-care program: teaches the children about caring and enjoying pets, being a responsible pet owner, through a centre fish breeding program and animal incursions at the centre.
6. Sports and movement programs: includes swimming lessons for the 4-5 years olds, dance program with concerts for parents, sports skills to develop coordination, water and mud play areas, nature based play program, ball pool for a sensory experience, and even a jumping castle.
7. Incursions and excursions: based on children’s interests, with visitors to the centre such as an egg hatching program, science experiments and reptiles. Children head out the gate for their ‘bush kindy’ program, or to visit the local library, schools, shops, emergency services or the museum.

The educators are highly experienced, with 24 staff members having worked there for more than 10 years. Bilingual educators help children settle in by speaking their home language.

According to the centre manager:

‘Local schools tell us that they always know which children have been to this centre, because they stand out from other children in all positive educational attributes.’

Ongoing communication with families is of primary importance, and all staff are encouraged to regularly communicate with parents, and to give the parents maximum feedback.

Being a larger centre, there is ample availability for new parents, or for parents when they need to change days for their child. 

I have been at Centenary for the past 5 years, it was evident to me very quickly that this is more than just a workplace - we are a family.

Eloise, Preschool Teacher

I have worked at Centenary for the last 23 years; I love working at Centenary as I believe we are the best in the area.  Our workplace is fun, with our staff sharing ideas and supporting each other.

Donna, Lead Educator

The past 8 years of my career have been so very satisfying at Centenary Childcare & Early Education Centre.  Working here compares to working with family. This is easily the best Centre that I have ever worked in.

Monique, Early Childhood Teacher