Goodstart Early Learning Middle Ridge
Goodstart Early Learning Middle Ridge Centre overview
Goodstart Early Learning Middle Ridge
Where community, care, and education meet
A place where individual needs and interests are recognised, Goodstart Early Learning Middle Ridge actively communicates with families to create personalised plans for each child. The centre is fully equipped with age-appropriate resources that foster learning, exploration, play, and creativity. The beautifully designed indoor and outdoor spaces encourage an understanding of nature and sustainability.
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Nature-inspired indoor learning spaces
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Big backyard with trees, gardens, bike tracks, and veggie patches
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School readiness embedded in the curriculum and programs
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Strong emphasis on community connection with strong links to community groups and services
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Close communication with families with open communication
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Central Toowoomba location with a large car park on-site and bus stops at the door
Fees & Vacancies
Goodstart Early Learning Middle Ridge Service features
See more (9)Goodstart Early Learning Middle Ridge 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.
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160 Spring Street, Cnr Ramsay StreetToowoomba, QLD, 4350
Centre Reviews
If you’re looking for a daycare centre, choose any other centre but GS Middle Ridge. I can count on one hand the educators that... If you’re looking for a daycare centre, choose any other centre but GS Middle Ridge. I can count on one hand the educators that actually care for the children, as for the “management” staff, they are literally useless and have been nothing but a nightmare. I know myself and other parents have resorted to lodging complaints with the Department of Education. Staff walk out like a revolving door and it’s no surprise that the children don’t want to be there either. Recently while picking up my child, 2 “educators” were sitting in a store room chatting while the kids were left unsupervised, only to then race out when they noticed my earlier than normal arrival. Complaints directly to the centre go in one ear and out the other. God forbid your child has a bad day, you’ll just get told you need to “reconsider the enrolment” or “get a psychologist”. Children don’t trust the educators and there is no effort by the educators to actually build relationships so that they feel safe and happy at daycare. My child barely even gets acknowledged when entering the room for the day, yet that’s his fault when he gets upset? No wonder he doesn’t want to go to daycare? GS Middle Ridge was a great centre until the current Director took over. Since then, many families I know have left, or are about to leave, as well as staff just about every week. Read more
Visited 5 centres and this one easily had the most warm and caring staff. My 13mo boy loves the educators and outdoor play.... Visited 5 centres and this one easily had the most warm and caring staff. My 13mo boy loves the educators and outdoor play. He always has so much fun that he's unphased by my presence to pick him up at the end of the day. Read more
Thank you for leaving us a nice review Brooke. We’re glad that your son is enjoying his time at Goodstart Middle Ridge.