Wallaby (3 to 4 years) is home to our three-year-old preschool program, and Kangaroo (4 to 5 years) gets children ready for school. Both rooms are led by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher, with small-group learning built on children's interests and early literacy, numeracy and problem-solving woven through play.

Bright Buds is an approved partner in the ACT Government's three-year-old preschool program. Eligible families can receive up to 300 hours of preschool a year, about 6 hours a week, and the ACT Government pays the gap fee for those hours after the Child Care Subsidy.

Going to public preschool too? Many Canberra four-year-olds attend preschool at an ACT public school for up to 15 hours a week. Talk to us about which days at Bright Buds fit around it.

The benefits of preschool at Bright Buds:

- Long day care hours, 7am to 6pm

- Open 51 weeks a year (closed on ACT public holidays and 25 December to 1 January)

- Programs planned and delivered by our early childhood teachers

- Meals, nappies, sunscreen and linen included in the daily fee

"Let the child be the scriptwriter, director, and actor in their own play." – Magda Gerber

From the very beginning, babies are naturally curious, eager to explore and learn. Our nurturing nursery environment provides a safe and welcoming space where infants can discover the world through their senses, communication, and play. Each day is filled with engaging activities—sensory play, water play, music, and storytelling—creating endless opportunities for learning, growth, and joyful discoveries.

Toddlers thrive in an environment rich with play, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Our carefully designed program supports their sensory-motor development through music, dance, games, and storytelling.

Through playful experiences, children begin developing numeracy skills by building towers, sorting objects, identifying shapes, and singing counting songs. Group play is an essential part of their day, fostering important social skills such as turn-taking, confidence, and emotional regulation. Our dedicated Educators guide toddlers through conversations, role modeling, and cooperative activities, laying a strong foundation for their continued learning journey.

Preschool is a time of excitement, exploration, and preparation for the future. Our play-based program encourages curiosity, confidence, and resilience—helping children build essential skills for lifelong learning.

Language and literacy development are key focuses, as strong oral language skills are fundamental to future reading and writing success. Through rich discussions, interactive storytelling, and engaging activities like singing and games, we foster strong communication skills in our preschoolers.

Social-emotional development is another core aspect of our program. Through collaborative play and guided interactions, children learn to express emotions, build relationships, and develop self-regulation skills. As they approach their transition to ‘big school,’ we ensure they are well-equipped with the confidence and independence needed for the next stage of their learning adventure.

🌱 Sustainability Program – Encourages children to develop eco-friendly habits through hands-on experiences with recycling, water conservation, and growing their own food.

🏡 Community Engagement Program – Connects children with their local community through visits from community helpers and outdoor excursions, fostering a sense of belonging and awareness.

🎶 Music & Movement Program – Enhances memory, self-regulation, and concentration while nurturing a love for rhythm, movement, and creative expression.

🔨 Real-Life Experiences – Inspires hands-on learning through activities like woodworking, gardening, caring for our worm farm, and exploring early cooking skills.

At Bright Buds Symonston, we believe every child’s journey should be filled with wonder, growth, and a deep love for learning. Our programs create a rich and engaging environment where young minds flourish and thrive.

Morning
At 11 months old, Tina loves exploring through sensory play. Outside in the sandpit, she enjoys scooping, digging, and moving the sand alongside her friends. With gentle guidance from her educator, she learns how to fill a bucket and discovers the exciting change in texture when she adds water—deepening her curiosity and understanding of the world around her.

Lunch & Nap Time
After finishing her lunch, Tina gets ready for her afternoon nap. Her educator provides a comforting routine by changing her nappy, preparing her bottle, and reading a soothing story—helping her settle into a peaceful sleep.

Afternoon
In the shaded garden, Tina and her nursery friends gather for storytime and songs. They read Peepo, Tina’s favorite book, as she listens intently and engages with the familiar, comforting words. The afternoon is filled with joy, laughter, and connection.

Our cook prepares morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack fresh on site every day, from a seasonal two-week rotating menu created with families and educators using Nutrition Australia's healthy eating guidelines. Children have milk at morning and afternoon tea and water all day. Children with medical, religious or cultural dietary needs receive a menu tailored to them.

We're an allergy-aware centre, so please don't bring food from home. Tell us about any allergy or dietary need when you enrol, and give us your child's medical management plan.