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Goodstart Early Learning Haberfield Centre overview
Goodstart Early Learning Haberfield Centre highlights
- Heritage-listed building with bright, spacious rooms.
- Play-based curriculum emphasising language, literacy, and STEM learning.
- Strong community connections, including local participation and feedback.
Goodstart Early Learning Centre Haberfield is nestled in a tranquil suburban street, surrounded by leafy greenery and close to local schools, shops, and transport routes. Housed in a heritage-listed building with high ceilings and large windows, our centre enjoys abundant natural light.
At Goodstart Haberfield, children are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in providing quality education and care in a supportive and engaging environment, balancing children's inquisitive thinking through safe, risky play. Our play-based curriculum embeds language, literacy, and STEM learning, supporting children’s interests and development through scaffolding and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development.
With a dedicated team, most of whom have been with us for over four years, we reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of our community. Established in 1963, our centre has become a cornerstone of Haberfield, with many families returning and referring us to others.
Our rooms—from Nursery to Preschool—are set up according to the Early Years Learning Framework, promoting sensory and play-based learning opportunities. Our outdoor areas feature age-appropriate play equipment, large shaded playgrounds with sandpits, herb gardens, and an Art Studio.
We provide all meals, prepared by our qualified cook, and encourage family participation in our daily programs. Our Storypark platform and regular newsletters foster open communication with families.
We invite you to visit us, meet our team, and discover how we can support your child's early learning journey.
Fees & Vacancies
Enquire & enrol to get a week on Care For Kids*
*T&Cs apply
Enquire & enrol to get a week on Care For Kids*
*T&Cs apply
Enquire & enrol to get a week on Care For Kids*
*T&Cs apply
Goodstart Early Learning Haberfield Service features
See more (9)Goodstart Early Learning Haberfield 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.
Verna Pittet
Hi, I’m Verna and I’m the Centre Director here at Goodstart Haberfield.
I have been the Centre Director of this service since September 2023; however, I have been working in the sector for the past 14 years and have been a Centre Director for the past 8 years. I have my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and am now pursuing my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching.
I strongly believe that the first five years are the most important part of a child’s life as this will give the foundation for lifelong learning. I also believe that family is the first and most influential teacher in a child’s life.
One of our team’s ongoing goals is to work in collaboration with families, parents, and the local community to maximize children's learning opportunities. We continuously find ways to improve our connection and partnerships with the parents, children, and community in our service. We aim to provide a safe, caring, and rich learning environment to all children.
Our team looks forward to welcoming you and your family.
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25 Rogers AveHaberfield, NSW, 2045
Centre Reviews
We are devastated and disappointed to have had to leave Goodstart Haberfield due to poor leadership and lack of communication, even after starting... We are devastated and disappointed to have had to leave Goodstart Haberfield due to poor leadership and lack of communication, even after starting there in early 2021 and previously having exceptional experiences. I would like to reiterate that the childcare staff themselves are excellent and looked after our children like they were their own. In the past year the director has changed multiple times and while we anticipated some time to settle, I eventually lost confidence in their ability to effectively manage the centre. During this time there were many staff movements including our child’s key educator, between the rooms which didn’t give a consistent point of contact to give updates regarding our child. Especially being in the preschool room, we were seeking a ready for school plan and consistent educators to provide this. There have also been over 10 children leave due to parents having similar issues to us at the centre along with long-standing staff also leaving. We persevered to give the benefit-of-the-doubt for the centre and had meetings with the director, room leader and state manager to no avail. Since moving centres, it has further highlighted the lack of planning and communication. At Goodstart incursions and excursions are often planned last minute and although we signed an undated excursion form, we found out our child had left the centre via a social media post. This could have easily been mentioned at drop-off or communicated via the app (Storypark). IF there are notifications about staffing and excursions, they are communicated via handwritten notes stuck to the door. A few initiatives were introduced after our meetings, but these were very reactive and short lived. The incursions that were introduced were also a parent-paid model whereas the centre we go to now has a comparable day rate and has incursions included, which is important to note when considering costs for childcare. I was looking for proactive planning and to know what the direction for the centre is for the next 3, 6, 12 months. I did not want to write this review and am saddened that the only option we were left with was to leave the centre. I hope that this review inspires change for the centre and for the children that currently attend. I also encourage you to make a thorough assessment of this centre before considering it for your child. Read more
I loved this childcare since I actually attended it myself and I’m currently in year 12 and I have such good memories of... I loved this childcare since I actually attended it myself and I’m currently in year 12 and I have such good memories of this place. I went when it used to be called ABC Haberfield in 2011 and I still have my graduation picture in a red gown and cap. Everytime I drive past, I think of what a great experience I had here, playing in the sandpit and nap time, or playing with dinosaurs with my friends, and seeing the photos of the place on the photos tab brings back so many memories!! Thank you for making my pre k so amazing Read more
My daughter is thriving at this centre! I feel so blessed to have found Goodstart Haberfield for my daughter. Mimicking home setting and... My daughter is thriving at this centre! I feel so blessed to have found Goodstart Haberfield for my daughter. Mimicking home setting and cosy environment, this centre is a home away from home for children. Kelana has created beautiful relationships with her peers and educators over the months. It has been beautiful to watch her grow and develop into a confident toddler. Kids are being loved, praised, cared, taught to be independent and are given various opportunities through their thoughtful learning curriculum. Ghada and her team understand each child is different and special in their own way and Goodstart Haberfield brings out the best in them. She is constantly coming home learning something new each day and she showcased the love for her teachers by jamming a sonf taken from all her teachers’ name in her room. Kelana feels safe and happy when she is there and I, as a parent, am relieved. Parents are encouraged to involve in the collaborative social activities such as weekend photos as to include sense of belonging away from home. Goodstart Haberfield has become an integral part of our lives. Absolutely love it! Read more
Thank you for your wonderful review, Fatha. We are thrilled to hear that your daughter is thriving at Goodstart Haberfield and that you feel so welcomed and included by our team. It’s heartwarming to know that Kelana has developed such beautiful relationships with her peers and educators. Our team is dedicated to recognising and nurturing each child's unique qualities, and it's fantastic to hear how much Kelana is growing and learning every day. We love fostering a sense of community and belonging, and your feedback reassures us that we're on the right path. Thank you for being a part of our Goodstart Haberfield community!