Centre Based Care

A gentle start to early learning

The Possum room educators work in partnership with families and their child to create a safe and nurturing environment for this younger cohort of children.

We acknowledge that often the Possum room is a family’s first enrolment in an Early Childhood Education and Care service, and carefully consider the transition into Rainbow through a sensitive and caring approach with families and children.

Learning together in a mixed age environment

The mixed age group program, which is part of our centre philosophy, encourages the older children in the Possum room to be leaders and role models for the younger children.

We see many kind and nurturing interactions between children as a result of this, and value the relationships that form across ages. We also recognise the importance of sibling connections, and where possible, older siblings are welcomed to visit and engage in the program.

Our daily program

Our day is filled with a nurturing, play-based program that all educators plan and contribute to, developed from the individual needs and interests of the children.

We often explore early learning concepts through shared experiences such as:

• Messy play
• Music and movement
• Creative exploration
• Environmental care
• Numeracy and pre-literacy exploration

Building strong early connections

Through consistent, caring interactions, educators support children to feel safe, secure, and confident in their environment.

These early relationships form the foundation for children’s sense of belonging and support their emotional wellbeing as they begin their early learning journey.