Our brand new, purpose built centre offers a welcoming and nurturing environment with children’s learning and play at its core. Our staff are experienced, qualified and passionate educators who work collaboratively with families to support the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of the children. Conveniently located in the heart of Shellharbour next door to Nazareth Catholic Primary School, we offer a 59 place service that is open to all families in the local community. We accept children between the ages of 2-5.
About Us
Children’s learning experiences come from their interaction and engagement with their environment and the people around them. A rich and varied environment supports children’s learning and development as it gives them the confidence to explore and learn in a secure and safe indoor and outdoor space.
Our environment provides children with:
- A sense of belonging
- Emotional security
- Space
- Safe risk-taking opportunities
- Challenge
- Nature
- Stimulating resources and materials (inclusive of all children’s needs)
- Experiences based on children’s interests and abilities
- Displays (that are meaningful to the children)
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Version 2.0
Under the National Law, our centre delivers an educational program to all children being educated and cared for that is:
- based on an approved learning framework
- delivered in accordance with that approved learning framework
- based on the developmental needs, interests and experiences of each child
- designed to take into account the individual differences of each child
For more information please refer to the new EYLF accessible here.
| What We Provide | What You Need to Bring |
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Our menu was developed in collaboration with the Department of Health through their Munch and Move program. As a part of participating in the Munch and Move program, our centre has gained:
- High quality professional development training.
- Resources to support active play and healthy eating – resource manuals, music CD, movement DVD, lanyards, family fact sheets and more.
- Support to develop and implement policies and practices that promote physical activity and healthy eating for children within our centre.
- Family-focused support materials that provide simple, practical tips and ideas to engage children in active play and healthy eating.
- Contact with local health professionals to provide ongoing additional advice and support.
We also collaborated with families, children, educators and nutritionists to ensure that our menu provided variety that catered to the needs of children. All dietary and cultural requirements are respected at our centre. Children can feel involved in the creation of meals by helping to pick herbs from our garden to use in the kitchen, or by helping to complete small tasks in meal preparation.
We have an active collaboration with our state primary schools as well as both our local Catholic Schools which are Nazareth Catholic Primary School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School. As a result of these strong relationships, we host Parent Information Nights, conduct in-centre visits from the local kindergarten teachers and principals from Stella Maris and Nazareth, and have fortnightly excursions to Nazareth (during school term). This engagement helps provide a comprehensive and smooth transition to school program to ensure children feel confident when moving onto their next stage in their learning and development.
In collaboration with Shellharbour City Council, we conduct visits to the local library, museum and local playgrounds including Yirran Muru and Collins Reserve.
We have established relationships with Paint Shellharbour REaD which encourages all areas of the community to read, talk, sing and rhyme with children so they will be ready for reading and writing at school.
Additionally, we have established relationships through Illawarra and Shellharbour's Child & Family Service Interagency Meetings which encourages agencies to share and exchange information so we can provide the best support our children and families.
We provide an inclusive environment that acknowledges, respects and celebrates diversity through culture and ability. We are committed to offering the right support for children and families with diverse needs. We work collaboratively with families by actively providing referral pathways for extra social and emotional wellbeing support when required. We also collaborate with professionals both within CatholicCare and our local community (including speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other health care professionals), to ensure that every child has the support they need.
