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Goodstart Early Learning Forest Gardens Centre overview
Goodstart Early Learning Forest Gardens Centre highlights
- Spacious playgrounds and engaging learning areas for all age groups.
- Programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines.
- Professional, passionate educators dedicated to delivering high-quality care.
Goodstart Forest Gardens is conveniently located near local shops, schools, and parks, just off the highway. Our double-building centre caters to children from 6 weeks to school age, with Babyworld housing two nurseries and two toddler rooms, while our Main building includes Senior Toddlers, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten rooms.
Our centre offers a beautiful playground in spacious yards, filled with engaging learning and play spaces for children to explore. Programs are aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines, focusing on children's needs and development.
Our team of professional and passionate educators is committed to providing high-quality early childhood education and care. We welcome families to book a tour and meet our dedicated team.
Fees & Vacancies
Goodstart Early Learning Forest Gardens Service features
See more (9)Goodstart Early Learning Forest Gardens service include:
Get to know us
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.
Karla Budarick
My name is Karla Budarick and I have been working in the childcare industry at Goodstart Forest Gardens since 2012. I moved from South Australia to Cairns in pursuit to follow my dream of working with children, I was lucky enough to be given this opportunity not long after I re-located.
Through the years I have been the Lead Educator in the Nursery and the Pre-Kindergarten rooms. I have a passion for watching children learn, grow and thrive in their environments. I feel privileged to be part of such a crucial stage of children’s education. For several years I was the Assistant Director and in 2019, I became the Centre Director.
I enjoy leading a passionate and driven team of dedicated early learning educators.
I look forward to meeting you.
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Lot 700 Benjamina StreetMount Sheridan, QLD, 4868
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Centre Reviews
Our son has absolutely thrived at Goodstart Early Learning Forest Gardens! The educators are incredibly caring, attentive, and dedicated to creating a nurturing... Our son has absolutely thrived at Goodstart Early Learning Forest Gardens! The educators are incredibly caring, attentive, and dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for all the children. It’s clear they are passionate about what they do and genuinely care about the development and well-being of each child. The activities are thoughtfully planned, engaging, and support learning in a fun and creative way. We’ve seen so much growth in our son’s confidence, social skills, and overall happiness since starting here. The team also does a fantastic job communicating with parents, keeping us informed about his daily experiences and progress. We’re so grateful for the positive impact Goodstart Forest Gardens has had on our family. Highly recommend! Read more
It's a beautiful childcare centre with a friendly, knowledgeable director and professional teachers and educators. Highly recommended. It's a beautiful childcare centre with a friendly, knowledgeable director and professional teachers and educators. Highly recommended.
Thank you for your kind words, Wei! It means so much to hear your praise for our team and the trust you’ve placed in us. Everything we do is to ensure children and families feel supported and welcomed, so we truly appreciate your recommendation. Your support means a lot to us!
Great daycare centre. The educators are so lovely, caring, attentive and passionate about the children. Opening hours are long which is good, food... Great daycare centre. The educators are so lovely, caring, attentive and passionate about the children. Opening hours are long which is good, food and nappies are provided. Communication with administration and the educators is very good. They’re open to feedback and always helpful. Read more
Thanks for the lovely feedback Amy. We love having you as part of our family at Goodstart Forest Gardens.