Welcome to our Early Learning Centres
Not-for-profit, community-focused Early Learning Centres in Shellharbour and expanding to Campbelltown in 2026
At CatholicCare Early Learning Centres, we are committed to delivering high-quality early education that puts children and families first.
As a not-for-profit and child-safe organisation, our mission is to create a learning environment where children feel secure, supported and inspired every day. Our fees go directly back into enhancing programs, educator training, and resources that support your child’s growth.
Our purpose-built centres welcome children aged 2 - 5 into a nurturing space designed for exploration, play and growth. With qualified, experienced and deeply passionate educators, we work together with families to support each child's physical, emotional and social well-being.
Our services are open to all local families, providing accessible, inclusive and values-driven early education.
We are currently located in Shellharbour beside Nazareth Catholic Primary School and proud to be expanding our service, with a new Campbelltown centre opening in 2026.
Backed by over 40 years of trusted community care
CatholicCare Early Learning Centres are part of CatholicCare, a not-for-profit, community-focused and child-safe organisation that has supported local families across the Illawarra and Macarthur regions for more than 40 years.
We are locally operated and deeply connected to our communities. Families can feel confident knowing their children are in capable, caring and qualified hands.
Every decision we make is guided by what's best for children and families, not profit. Our fees are reinvested directly into educator training, enhanced learning programs and quality resources that support each child's growth and wellbeing.
Our Education Philosophy
At CatholicCare Early Learning Centres, we believe every child is capable, curious and full of potential. Guided by our values of Dignity, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence and Solidarity, we create spaces where children feel safe, respected and excited to learn.
We know the early years shape a child's lifelong journey. That's why our educators focus on the whole child, nurturing social, emotional, physical, cognitive, cultural and spiritual growth through play-based, child-led learning.
Our programs are built on the nationally approved learning framework - Belonging, Being & Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework (v2.0), ensuring every child experiences learning that is engaging, inclusive and meaningful.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Your child’s safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. CatholicCare is a proud Child Safe Organisation, guided by the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Every educator completes regular safeguarding training and Working With Children Checks.
More importantly, we create a culture where children feel seen, heard, and respected — where they know they belong, and their voices matter. Families are our partners in this commitment, helping us build a safe and supportive environment where every child can thrive.
Read moreKey Questions Parents Ask
Our Early Learning Centre is proudly operated by CatholicCare Wollongong, the official social services agency of the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong. As a not-for-profit organisation, CatholicCare has been supporting families across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Macarthur and Southern Highlands for decades, with a strong reputation for compassionate, inclusive, and high-quality care. Our fees go directly back into enhancing programs, educator training, and resources that support your child’s growth.
As a Child Safe Organisation, CatholicCare is committed to creating environments where children are empowered, respected, and protected. We have a zero tolerance for harm, and our child safeguarding policies are embedded at every level of our organisation. You can read more about our child safety commitment here
We know that consistency in staffing is vital for children to feel safe and secure. We have an 87% staff retention rate for part-time and full-time educators. CatholicCare invests heavily in staff wellbeing, professional development, and a positive team culture. Many of our educators have long-standing relationships with the organisation, and we work hard to ensure your child is cared for by familiar, trusted faces. Our goal is to build lasting connections with families and provide a stable, nurturing environment where children thrive.
We strictly follow the NSW Department of Education’s regulatory minimums for educator-to-child ratios, ensuring every child receives attentive care and supervision:
- 2–3 years: 1 educator for every 5 children
- 3–5 years: 1 educator for every 10 children
These ratios allow our educators to build strong relationships with each child, support their learning, and ensure their safety at all times.
Our educators are highly qualified professionals who hold recognised early childhood education credentials, including Certificate III, Diploma, and Bachelor degrees. All staff meet the standards set by ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority), and many are actively pursuing further qualifications.
CatholicCare also provides ongoing child safeguarding training to ensure all staff are equipped to identify and respond to risks, uphold child safety standards, and foster a culture of protection and care.
Every staff member at our centre holds a valid paid Working With Children Check (WWCC) and a National Criminal History Check. These checks are verified and updated as required. CatholicCare’s Employment Screening Policy ensures that only suitable, qualified individuals are entrusted with the care of children. We take our legal and ethical responsibilities seriously and work closely with government authorities to uphold child protection standards.
Our centre operates under a comprehensive framework of policies that reflect our commitment to safety, respect, and quality care. These include:
- A Code of Conduct based on Early Childhood Australia’s Code of Ethics
- A Child Safe Environment Policy
- Health and Hygiene Procedures
- A Behaviour Guidance Policy
- A Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
These policies are reviewed regularly and are available to families upon request. CatholicCare’s child safeguarding framework also includes risk management tools and training to ensure all staff understand their responsibilities and act in the best interests of children at all times.
Our centre is assessed under the National Quality Framework (NQF) by ACECQA and the NSW Department of Education.
As a new centre, we are given a rating of ‘Provisional - Not yet assessed under the National Quality Framework’ until we have our first formal assessment.
CatholicCare services consistently strive for excellence and continuous improvement, and we welcome family feedback as part of our quality journey.
If you ever feel that something isn’t right, whether it’s a concern about your child’s wellbeing, a staff interaction, or anything that makes you feel uneasy, we want you to know that your voice matters and we’re here to listen.
At CatholicCare Early Learning Centres, we take all concerns seriously and handle them with care, confidentiality, and professionalism. We encourage families to speak directly with their Centre Director or Coordinator as a first step. You can also contact our Education and Care Manager or reach out via our website’s Contact Us page.
We are a Child Safe Organisation, which means we are committed to creating environments where children are protected, respected, and heard. Our staff are trained to identify and respond to risks, and we follow strict procedures to ensure any concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately. You can read more about our child safety commitment here.
We understand that raising a concern can feel difficult, but please know that we welcome your feedback and are here to support you. Together, we can ensure our centre remains a safe, nurturing place for every child.
