Kindalin Early Childhood Learning Centre - Cherrybrook Village

At Kindalin, children are cared for in an environment that is both stimulating and challenging. The seven core beliefs of the centre’s philosophy are: 

• The Music Man – Greg the Music Man has been visiting Kindalin for over 10 years and shares his beautiful melodies, singing all-time classic songs and nursery rhymes with the children.

• Soccer Pat  - Pat visits Kindalin on a monthly basis to continue his soccer skills activities with the children, providing them with the opportunity to engage in gross motor skill activities.

• Art with Miss Maree - Maree Sproats from Dural Art Studio runs her art classes with the Wonderful Wombats at Kindalin each Term. Children learn about interpretations, textures and visual arts in the most interesting ways!

• Laurel the Librarian - Miss Laurel visits Kindalin to read a selection of stories to the Wonderful Wombats as part of the Kindalin Reading Challenge.

• Jingle Jam - Jingle Jam is a specialist music program. Vanessa from Jingle Jam provides musical experiences which are educational and foster a love for music and movement.

• Community Worker visits – During Community Worker focuses throughout the year, community members and parents of different professions chat with the children about their job in the community, including firefighters, nurses, policemen and more. 

• Educational programs - Throughout the year, children have educational experiences with Government programs and other companies, including Binwise recycling program, SmartDental dental hygiene presentation and more.

Supporting children to grow and learn and assist them to reach new milestones is the most rewarding part of my job!

Michelle Oake, Centre Director, Kindalin Cherrybrook Shops

All meals and snacks are provided and prepared in-house at Kindalin Cherrybrook Shops. The menu was designed in collaboration with dietitian Fiona Kupresanin, and offers a nutritious selection of food.

The centre uses low fat and reduced salt ingredients, wholemeal and wholegrain foods, a range of vegetables and plenty of low-GI foods.

All dietary needs are catered for, including vegetarian options, and alternatives for children who are gluten-intolerant or have allergies.

The educators at Kindalin Cherrybrook Shops use meal and snack time as another educational opportunity for the children. Educators promote self-help skills as the children serve their own fruit and veggies from the platters, and make decisions for themselves as to what they would like to eat.

It is also a great time to discuss healthy eating and trying new foods. For the younger children, educators promote sensory exploration as they taste and touch their food.

Throughout the year the children learn about healthy eating, such as what are 'always' and 'sometimes' foods. This occurs as part of the curriculum, including projects, food and cooking demonstrations, visitors to the centre and presentations from external organisations.

The centre uses a free communication tool for parents. The Kindalin app provides real-time updates for parents across key areas, including information about their children’s:

• Eating
• Sleeping
• Nappy changes
• Daily activities
• Meal and snack menu
• Photos from the day