At Story House McDowall Village, we offer a wide variety of activities and resources to support your child’s development.

• Incursions: Exciting weekly programs such as STEM and music are designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
• Excursions: Real world life-experiences such as trips to local grocery store for cooking ingredients, and visits to the post office to send letters home.
• Cooking Experiences: Children participate in regular cooking activities led by our in-house chef, sparking their curiosity and provide hands-on learning opportunities about food and nutrition.
• Gardening: Our newly revamped vegetable garden offers children the chance to discover where food comes from as they actively participate in planting, growing, harvesting, and enjoying fresh produce. Plus, our new gardening with grandparents’ program!
• Outdoor Play: A spacious outdoor area featuring a chicken coop, large sandpit, zipline, hammock, swings, and separate gated yards for toddlers and nursery children.
• Indoor Learning Spaces: Our spacious and well-organised rooms encourage play, creativity, and learning. Our team resets and cleans each space after every activity, ensuring a calm, welcoming atmosphere.
• School Readiness Program: Regular visits to local schools and tailored activities prepare children for a successful transition to prep.
• Dynamic Outdoor Programs: Daily outdoor activities including games, arts, and crafts, ensure every afternoon is filled with fun and learning.

Respect, collaboration, and positivity are at the heart of everything we do. Families regularly share glowing feedback, and we proudly display their kind words in our staff room as a reminder of the love and care we pour into every child’s journey.

Two of our incredible team members include Miss Holly, our 2024 Early Childhood Teacher of the Year, a superstar Kinder teacher who builds strong, meaningful connections with children, and Miss Camila, our other bachelor-qualified ECT, who enriches learning by weaving her native Spanish into engaging lessons.

We keep you connected and engaged in your child’s journey through the StoryPark platform, sharing vibrant photos and stories so you never miss a moment of their day.

Our in-house Chef Alyssa pours creativity and care into every meal, preparing fresh, wholesome dishes that keep little tummies happy and energised. She’s known for her famous Fish Pie and the much-loved Hulk Pasta - a vibrant green creation named by the children themselves!

Each day, the delicious aroma of home-cooked meals fills the centre, sparking excitement for mealtimes. Chef Alyssa doesn’t just cook - she brings food to life through hands-on cooking experiences, teaching children about ingredients, nutrition, and the joy of creating their own meals. With a menu designed to support growing minds and bodies, every bite is a step towards a lifelong love of healthy eating!

Pathway to School

Our 3-year-old Long day care and 4-year-old Kindergarten programs nurture young learners as they gain confidence, make decisions, and develop emotional strength and social connections. Children learn to collaborate, problem-solve, and express themselves while building key skills in literacy, numeracy, and communication. They also explore healthy choices, personal responsibility, and creative thinking in an engaging and supportive environment.

We provide inquiry-based curriculum through play - across exciting learning areas, including:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)
• Language and Literacy
• Active and Involved Citizens
• Nature Play and Sustainability
• The Arts
• Health and Wellbeing

With a balance of small and whole-group experiences, both indoors and outdoors, children are encouraged to wonder, discover, and grow - preparing them for a bright future ahead!

STRONG Beginnings Curriculum

We believe every child’s learning journey is unique. That is why our highly qualified teaching teams customise Story House’s STRONG Beginnings Curriculum to each individual child’s learning and development needs. Our learning approach is based on educational research where every day your child can develop 21st-century skills being prepared for school and life. 

This tailored approach nurtures children’s learning and growth as they develop skills such as socialisation, emotional regulation, building resilience, and understanding the importance of caring for their body and brain through our mindfulness and nutrition programs.

At Story House McDowall Village, we believe that children learn best in an environment where they feel loved, valued, and empowered. Our philosophy is built on the foundation of strong relationships, recognising that meaningful connections with educators, peers, and families create a sense of security and belonging. We see children as capable, curious learners, encouraging them to explore the world with confidence, creativity, and joy.

We embrace a child-led, play-based approach that nurtures curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Every child’s journey is unique, and we celebrate their individuality by supporting their strengths, interests, and ideas. Through collaborative experiences and a deep respect for each child's voice, we strive to create an environment where they can thrive - not just academically, but socially and emotionally, preparing them for both school and life.