Goodstart Early Learning Beachmere

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.

Shelley Wicks

My name is Shelley and I am the Centre Director here at Goodstart Early Learning Beachmere. I have been at the Centre since 2013 first as an Educator, then the Educational Leader and now the Centre Director.

I believe in the circle of security:  building and forming strong relationships with children so that Educators are their anchor to come and go from to explore the world around them but still have a secure base to come back to.

I base my philosophy off of Bronfenbrenner’s theories, he believes that fostering positive relationships with children and their families is vital to the development of the child. The way we interact and support families will affect the child’s development. We need to reflect the needs and expectations of the society, culture and community in which our children live.

As the Centre Director I will inspire, motivate, mentor and lead the Centre team to deliver outstanding outcomes for families and children as well as encourage high performance in all my Educators.

I will set clear goals to deliver a High-Quality Centre and Learning Program for all children. I will lead the Centre’s commitment to Goodstart’s inclusion goal and ensure access for all children and families. I will develop respectful and reciprocal relationships that respond to family needs and expectations within Goodstart’s guidelines to deliver better outcomes for families and children.