Goodstart Early Learning Point Cook - The Strand Centre overview
Goodstart Early Learning Point Cook - The Strand Centre highlights
- Three large playgrounds with vegetable gardens, where children can explore and connect with nature.
- Support for children’s unique interests and needs, in a loving and caring environment.
- Excellent indoor facilities with a wide array of educational toys and resources.
Goodstart Early Learning Point Cook has been proudly serving the community since 2004. Our centre caters for children aged six weeks to five years across four spacious, purpose-built rooms, providing a welcoming environment where every child is valued and nurtured. With a capacity of 75 places, our focus is on creating a safe, fun, and stimulating space where children can thrive.
We believe in supporting each child as an individual. Our tailored learning programs align with the Early Years Learning Framework, focusing on each child's unique interests, needs, and developmental stage. By offering a range of enriching activities, we encourage creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning from an early age.
Our dedicated team of educators is highly qualified, with many holding Bachelor degrees in Early Childhood Education. They are passionate about providing the highest level of care and education, continually updating their skills to reflect industry best practices. With an emphasis on building close relationships with families, our team fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration.
At Goodstart Point Cook, the facilities are designed to enhance both learning and comfort. Features include three large outdoor playgrounds, a separate sleep room for babies, and engaging toys and equipment. We also offer a dedicated planning space for staff and families to connect.
We welcome you to visit our centre, meet our team, and experience firsthand the warm, nurturing environment where children grow, learn, and make lifelong friendships.
Fees & Vacancies
Goodstart Early Learning Point Cook - The Strand Service features
See more (9)Goodstart Early Learning Point Cook - The Strand service include:
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Kindergarten/Preschool Programs
Kindergarten/Preschool Programs
Our high-quality, play based preschool curriculum is delivered by Bachelor qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Our teachers tailor their programs to ensure all children develop the confidence and social and emotional skills needed for a smooth transition to school. Through play, our Early Childhood Teachers facilitate children’s learning of important language, literacy, numeracy and creative skills.
Benefits of Goodstart Kindergarten/Preschool programs:
- Our programs are planned and led by qualified and experienced Early Childhood Teachers, in accordance with the Early Years Learning Framework
- Our programs have the tick of approval, meaning they meet (and exceed) Government guidelines around learning in the year before school
- Strong connections with local schools support our extensive transition to school programs
- We offer greater flexibility and convenience for busy families with longer opening hours, five days a week, 52 weeks of the year.
- We offer 9-hour, 10-hour and all-day sessions.
- Nutritious meals are provided throughout the day, so there’s no need to pack lunch boxes.
Curriculum and programs
Curriculum and programs
The educators at Goodstart Early Learning follow an evidence-based curriculum that aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework. Informed by world-leading research, practices and techniques, the curriculum encourages the children’s natural curiosity and engages them in their learning journey.
As the children move through the different rooms in the centre, the curriculum evolves with them. The educators set goals for the children and celebrate as they reach their milestones. At every stage, the educators are tailoring the curriculum and goals to each child’s individual needs.
The curriculum involves different types of learning experiences and styles. From child-led learning to sessions guided by educators, the children participate in small and large group sessions as well as individual play. Most importantly, the children learn through play, developing social skills, confidence and independence in addition to more formal academic skills.
Play is the order of the day of Goodstart Early Learning and the programs at the centre are grounded in a play-based approach. The educators embed teaching and learning into play experiences, helping the children to make sense of the world around them. This is how the children learn about how things work and develop important foundational relationships and skills.
The primarily child-directed, play-based curriculum ensures that the children are engaged in their learning. They are encouraged to take the lead, developing their negotiation, risk taking, problem solving and social skills. The educators observe the children and help to challenge them by extending their learning and interests.
The educators recognise that every child is unique and that they bring their own needs, interests and strengths with them each day. The program is designed to be flexible to cater to these differing needs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive at Goodstart.
Parent communication and involvement
Parent communication and involvement
Goodstart Early Learning uses the StoryPark app to connect with parents throughout the day. The educators upload photos and stories to the secure app, which parents can access anytime and anywhere to track their child’s progress.
The approach at the centre is very much based around partnership between families and educators. The educators work with the parents and carers to build strong relationships. They develop trust so the children can feel safe and secure while at the centre. Parents are also encouraged to share their insights and feedback with educators to add depth to the relationship.
The educators observe the children every day and tailor the program around their observations. They share these with parents, so they can feel connected to their child’s progress and also provide feedback that will further enhance their child’s learning experience.
Meet the team
Meet the team
Goodstart Early Learning employs qualified and skilled educators who are dedicated to making a difference to the children in their care. The centre employs people who are empathetic and compassionate, with a nurturing disposition and a passion for care. Working collaboratively as a team, the educators display qualities such as positivity, kindness and, most importantly, a desire to help every child thrive.
The educators hold relevant qualifications, including the Kindergarten and Preschool Program teachers who are university qualified. The educators are lifelong learners, participating in regular and ongoing professional development to enhance their skills. They are encouraged to upskill, learning about the latest research and thinking in the sector. They can then bring this knowledge back to the centre to share with their colleagues for the benefit of the children.
Melissa Weerasekera
I have been the Centre Director at Goodstart The Strand since 2019. With my Advanced Diploma of Children's Services and over 20 years in the early learning industry which began in 1997, I thrive on leading my team and providing exceptional care and education to the children in our care.
At The Strand we believe in the importance of a warm, family-like atmosphere. We take great pride in our meaningful connections, not just between the children, but among the families themselves. Many parents have formed lasting friendships through the community cultivated at Goodstart The Strand, and we finds immense joy in facilitating these relationships.
Our genuine care for the wellbeing of both the children and their families is evident, and we look forward to welcoming new families into this extended, nurturing environment.
We are excited to continue making a positive impact on the lives of the young people in our care and thank you for considering our Centre.
We invite you to book a tour, or explore our website to learn more about the programs we offer.
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71 The StrandPoint Cook, VIC, 3030
Centre Reviews
I highly recommend The Strand, Goodstart Early Learning Point Cook for anyone seeking exceptional care for their children. The educators provide a personalized... I highly recommend The Strand, Goodstart Early Learning Point Cook for anyone seeking exceptional care for their children. The educators provide a personalized approach, catering to our specific needs regarding food preferences, sleeping patterns, and more. The variety of engaging activities they arrange greatly supports the kids' brain development. The management’s commitment to a client-first approach is evident—they always take feedback seriously and act on it. I currently have two kids enrolled, and my eldest, who is now in primary school, also benefited greatly from their care a few years ago. This center has consistently exceeded our expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with the service they provide. Read more
All the educators have been amazing. They take care of kids and make sure they enjoy this place. My little one loves going to... All the educators have been amazing. They take care of kids and make sure they enjoy this place. My little one loves going to this daycare. Never had any problem dealing with administrators. Read more
Thank you, Rahul, for your kind review of Goodstart Point Cook - The Strand. We are delighted to hear that your child loves attending our centre and enjoys the care provided by our amazing team. Our team is committed to creating a joyful and engaging environment for all children and ensuring smooth communication with administrators. We’re grateful for your positive feedback and are proud to be part of your child's early learning journey.
Goodstart Early learning pointcook THE STRAND /opposit of milkbar needs and treats. branch Childcare carpets are very dirty need to be changed immidetly.... Goodstart Early learning pointcook THE STRAND /opposit of milkbar needs and treats. branch Childcare carpets are very dirty need to be changed immidetly. Have too much of sand and dust.. rooms and toys didnt look clean either. I request the center manager to take the responsibility and change what's required since kids play and eat in that area and it should be cleaned well or replaced as required. The staff is a bit blunt i expect educators to be more polite and welcoming. Read more
We take hygiene and cleanliness very seriously at our centre, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all children. Please feel free to call us directly on 1800 222 543 to clarify your experience and any additional details. This will enable us to better understand your concerns. We genuinely value your input and appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention.