Our centre offers the QLD Government-approved ‘Free Kindy’ Program.

At Bundaberg Early, your child will benefit from the QLD 'Free Kindy' Government-approved program as part of our enhanced learning program. Our Kindergarten program will support your child's learning, development, and well- being for now, at school and beyond. 

We tailor our Kindergarten program across:
• Numeracy
• Literacy
• Emotional and Social Development
• Self regulation
• Healthy minds and bodies

The added benefits of our Kindergarten program include:
• QLD 'Free Kindy' Government-approved program
• Extended opening hours
• Open all year round (excl public holidays)
• Programs developed and delivered by our Early Childhood Teachers
• Exclusive music and movement program for self-regulation Read Less

“Let the child be the scriptwriter, director and the actor in their own play” - Magda Gerber

Nursery Space: 6 weeks – 2 years

Learning starts from before birth, and our Educators have created a welcoming and nurturing nursery environment where each baby feels safe to explore and discover new things - through their senses, their communication and cues (body language, facial expression and sounds) and through experimentation. On any given day you can see the nursery children engaging in all types of play including sensory play, music time, story time and more. Every day provides a brand new, exciting adventure for our babies to support their development, learning and wellbeing.

Toddler Space: 2 - 3 years

Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development. This happens through carefully planned music, dance, games, role playing and reading experiences.

On any given day the Toddlers can be seen developing their numeracy by building a tower, sorting objects, pointing and identifying shapes and patterns and participating in counting songs and games.

Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn-taking, developing self-confidence and emotional self-regulation. Our skilled team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling.

Kindergarten Space: 3 – 6 years

Kindergarten is a unique time for learning with peers and developing skills for later learning including confidence and curiosity, important skills for starting school. Our play-based program has school readiness at its core, encouraging active engagement in learning and supporting a range of positive developmental outcomes including resilience, independence, critical thinking and creativity.

The oral language supports literacy learning and a child’s oral language ability is the best predictor for later success in learning to read and write. Hearing the sounds within a language is the first critical step for all literacy learning. Our team supports our Kindergarten children's literacy development by engaging in rich discussions, reading, storytelling, dramatic play and experimentation all of which introduce new vocabulary as part of everyday conversations.

Throughout the Kindergarten year, children use their language to share ideas, ask questions, express themselves, and connect with peers and adults in social settings.

Social-emotional skills, including the ability to self-regulate emotions, are supported through group learning experiences. Our team supports each child’s social and emotional development by labelling and talking about emotions and supporting appropriate responses as together, they engage in new and challenging situations. Our goal in the Kindergarten year is to prepare children and families for a smooth transition to primary school.

Our centre chef prepares and cooks nutritious meals daily, catering to the unique dietary requirements of every child. We believe that by encouraging active participation (such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, preparing, and finally cooking!) children learn to appreciate and understand the importance of healthy eating across a wide variety of food.

Our centre offers seasonal whole food-based menus – created to delight the fussiest eaters.

Hi, my name is Nicole, and I am the Centre Manager here at Bundaberg Early Learning Centre.

I have worked in early childhood education since 2000 and have been part of Bundaberg Early Learning Centre since 2013. I bring more than 25 years of experience working with children, families and educators. What I have always loved about early education is seeing children grow in confidence and independence. Being there for the small milestones, whether it is trying something new, building a friendship or becoming more capable in their everyday routines, is still one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

Over the years, I’ve learnt that children develop in different ways and at different paces. I take the time to listen, understand what interests each child and give them space to explore and have a go, while being there when they need reassurance or guidance.

Early learning works alongside what children are already learning at home. At the centre, children have opportunities to play with others, develop communication and social skills, build independence and take part in experiences planned around their interests and development. I’m very fortunate to work with a supportive team who communicate well, share ideas and bring different strengths to the centre. Working together helps us provide consistency for children and respond to what each child and family needs.

Having been at Bundaberg Early Learning Centre since 2013, I’ve had the opportunity to build long-term relationships with many families. I aim to be approachable and available, keep families informed about their child’s day and celebrate their achievements with them. I want families to feel comfortable talking with me and confident in the people caring for their child.

I look forward to welcoming you to our early education centre in Bundaberg.