6 wks to 2 yrs
2 yrs to 3 yrs
3 yrs to 6 yrs
We are committed to achieving excellence in every area of our service. We believe deeply in the power of learning as the ignition switch to building a culture that lives and breathes this mission. Learning transforms not only the individual but also those around, igniting a spirit of change. A partnership between what we once knew and what we now know begins to influence the way we move forward. It is said that “learning is a consequence of thinking” and as such we cultivate a rich climate of reflective practice and forward thinking.
By creating a diverse environment for children, families and community we strengthen the spirit of dialogue and collaboration. Learning is a cycle of inquiry that is driven by a curiosity and desire. It involves questioning, investigating, researching, evaluating and building on what we already know or do. Learning takes time, patience, persistence and willingness. We strive to inspire the positive foundations and mindset of a life-long learner within every child.
We endeavour to empower our children, our families, our teams and our community in ways that motivate and inspire excellence in early childhood education and care.
- Bluebird Early Education Waterford Team
The centre has a range of spacious studios that have been created to provide an holistic educational environment that caters to the developmental needs of each stage. These purpose-built studios are designed to stimulate creativity and align to the Early Learning Years Framework.
Working hand-in-hand with the curriculum, the indoor and outdoor spaces inspire curiosity and natural inquiry. With permanent learning areas, interactive technology and specialised discovery zones, there is an educational experience around every corner.
The curriculum includes dedicated teaching times for uninterrupted, play-based learning.
At Bluebird Early Education Waterford, the educators understand that good nutrition and a positive relationship with food is vital. The educators work within the framework provided by Nutrition Australia to ensure the menus are perfectly suited to the children’s needs, and offer a progressive meal time to allow children to eat when they are ready.
The centre chef prepares all meals and snacks on site using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and the children take part in cooking demonstrations to learn about where their food comes from. Educators offer a home-like environment where children are encouraged to play an active role in the meal. This includes helping to set the table, serve themselves and others, and assist with cleaning up afterwards. The parents can enjoy a coffee on arrival in the mornings, along with a freshly baked treat from the centre chef.
Morning
Henry is ten months old and loves to start his morning outside in the sandpit. Today he is building sandcastles with the help of his educator. His favourite part of this activity is knocking the sandcastle over and starting again.
Lunch
After lunch the children enjoy some fresh air with a walk in the pram to the local park. Henry likes to wave at the locals on the walk and squeals with delight while his educator pushes him on the swing.
Afternoon
The educators are singing some songs to the nursery children. Henry loves listening and clapping along to the music.
Morning
Eddy is two years old and enjoys helping the educators water the veggie garden. He fills his watering can and carefully waters the beans and tomatoes. He likes to point out the red cherry tomatoes and even picks a few to hand to his educator.
Lunch
Eddy and his friends are engaged in some fun with the play dough. Today they’re pretending to make donuts and cupcakes.
Afternoon
Eddy and the children head outside to enjoy some dancing with their educators. They play his favourite songs and he happily dances and claps his hands to the beat.
Morning
Francesca is four years old and today she and her friends are having some fun racing one another in the outdoor area. They do some running races and then try skipping and even walking backwards.
Lunch
Francesca sets up at an art easel to do some painting. She decides to paint a picture of her new baby brother.
Afternoon
The children love their weekly Forest School outings, and Francesca is busily occupied with a ladybug that she found climbing up a tree. She calls her friends over to see what she has found and they decide to go searching for more ladybugs together.
Care for children under school age, on premises especially built or adapted for early childhood education and care services. Private operators, local councils, community organisations, employers and non-profit organisations may run long day care centres.
Occasional, Casual or Flexible CareOccasional, Flexible or Casual Care Services provide short periods of care for children under school age. Families can access Occasional, Flexible or Casual Care on either a regular or casual basis a variety of reasons including, shift or part-time work, respite care, crisis and emergency care, shopping or attending appointments.
Pre-school / Kindergarten / PrepPre-school is a planned educational program for children in the years before a child commences school. Children are usually aged between 3 and 5 years of age. Pre-school may take place in a range of settings including a purpose built building, in a community setting, a school, as part of a long day care centre or a mobile or visiting service.
In January 2012 the National Quality Framework (NQF) came into effect across Australia.
The purpose of the NQF is to improve and standardise the quality of child care through a
range of measures including better staff to child ratios, higher staff qualifications
and an assessment and rating system designed to promote continuous improvement.
Under the NQF child care services are assessed and rated against the National Quality Standards (NQS).
The NQS measures the quality of early childhood education and care in Australia. It will cover
most long day care, family day care, preschool/kindergarten and outside school hours care services.
Under these standards child care services will be assessed and rated against the
seven quality areas, 18 standards and 58 elements that make up the NQS.