Centre Based Care
Our centre based care educational programs
Programs for every age
Possum (Birth - 3 Years)
A safe, warm, and engaging space where babies and toddlers explore, learn, and grow with support from caring educators.
Pippi (2 – 4 years)
Toddlers and preschoolers follow their emerging interests through play, creativity, and hands-on experiences.
Kookaburra (3 – 5 years)
A child-centred preschool program focused on independence, social skills, and school readiness in a fun and inclusive environment.
Rainbow education and care
Rainbow Education Care is a long day care program providing education and care to children from birth to five years prior to school. It is fully approved under National Regulations, providing preschool education and a transition to school program for children in the year before starting school.
It has been rated as meeting all aspects of the National Quality Standards.
All child care centres, including Rainbow, provide a preschool education in the same way as standalone preschools. Our programs are delivered by fully qualified teachers using rich learning experiences and ongoing documentation of each child’s development.
What makes our approach different
Our approach to early learning is grounded in play, relationships, and choice.
We often explore early learning concepts through shared experiences such as:
- Play based learning
We believe learning in early childhood is a dynamic, play based process. Children learn through hands-on experiences, repeated exploration, and meaningful engagement with the world around them.
A broad range of play experiences, supported by skilled educators, allows children to develop mastery, curiosity, and confidence in their learning. - Child-led learning and choice
Children learn best when they are engaged in experiences that interest them.
Our program is shaped by children’s ideas and choices, rather than a fixed daily plan. Educators support and extend these interests, helping children build confidence, independence, and decision making skills.
Extended periods of free choice allow children to develop social relationships, creativity, and a strong sense of agency in their day. - Relationships and belonging
We see early education as a partnership between families and educators. Families entrust us with the care and education of their children, and we take this responsibility seriously.We view each child as a whole person, with their own family, culture, experiences, and identity. Strong relationships form the foundation of secure learning and wellbeing. - Mixed age learning
Our mixed age approach allows children to learn from and alongside each other throughout the day.Older children often support younger peers, building leadership, empathy, and confidence. At times, age-specific learning experiences are also provided to support targeted development. - Child focused routines
Daily routines such as meals and rest times are flexible and responsive to children’s needs.Children are supported to make choices about when they eat, rest, and engage in activities, helping them develop independence and self regulation. - Natural learning environment
Our centre features a large natural outdoor environment with trees, gardens, sand, grass, and varied textures and spaces.
The outdoor environment is an essential part of our program, encouraging exploration, physical development, and connection with nature, while embedding sustainability in everyday practice. - Educators and environment
Our team includes educators of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Children are supported to build connections with different educators, helping them feel secure, confident, and socially supported throughout their day.
Education and care philosophy
We believe early childhood education is built on strong partnerships between families and educators.
We take our responsibility to each child seriously and support their learning in a holistic way, recognising them as capable, curious individuals with their own identity, culture, and family context.
Learning is understood as a play based journey where children explore, question, repeat, and extend their understanding through meaningful experiences.
Our program balances:
- Child initiated learning
- Educator guided experiences
- Intentional teaching based on individual interests
This ensures learning is both responsive and purposeful.
We aim to create environments where children feel safe, included, and empowered to explore their world with confidence.
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
Our program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) – Belonging, Being and Becoming.
The EYLF supports children to develop a strong sense of identity, wellbeing, and connection to community. It recognises children as capable and competent learners, valuing both their current abilities and future potential.
Through responsive relationships, meaningful experiences, and intentional teaching, children are supported to become confident, connected, and involved learners.
Come and see our program in action
If you are considering enrolling at our service, we welcome you to visit the centre with your child to observe the program and meet our educators.
The best times to visit are between 10.30am–4.30pm, although alternative times can be arranged if needed.
Please call us on 02 6686 6621 to book a visit.
If you feel comfortable after your visit, we can then discuss your family’s needs and how we can support you.
Let the fun begin
Join us for learning, play, and new friendships
Book a tour
The best way to experience Rainbow is to see it for yourself. Visit our centre, meet the team, and get a feel for the environment your child will be part of.