Goodstart Early Learning Carlton

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Goodstart Early Learning Carlton Centre overview
Goodstart Early Learning Carlton Centre highlights
- Heritage-listed building with natural outdoor play spaces, including a community garden
- Over 20 years of operation with highly experienced educators
- Strong focus on community involvement and family engagement
Goodstart Early Learning Carlton is located in a beautiful heritage-listed building, conveniently close to schools, shops, and transport. With over 20 years of operation, we cater for up to 59 children daily, providing exceptional care for toddlers to preschoolers. Many of our educators have been with us for over two decades, offering a wealth of experience and a commitment to nurturing each child's unique needs.
Our play-based curriculum follows the Early Years Learning Framework, creating engaging environments both indoors and outdoors. Children are encouraged to explore sensory and natural surroundings, with playgrounds featuring sandpits, vegetable patches, a worm farm, and a pet turtle. We emphasise sustainability and environmental awareness in our outdoor play spaces.
We value strong family partnerships, maintaining open communication through Storypark and regular family events such as Mother’s, Father’s, and Grandparent’s Day, as well as sports days and end-of-year concerts. Our centre actively connects with the local community through excursions, events, and visits, helping children understand the importance of community engagement.
Fees & Vacancies
Goodstart Early Learning Carlton Service features
See more (9)Goodstart Early Learning Carlton 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.
Danielle Malone
Hi there! My name is Danielle and I am the Centre Director here at Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre Carlton.
I have been in the early learning and child care sector since 1995 and have worked at this centre for more than 20 years; the past 13 of which were as Centre Director.
I have a Bachelor of Teaching and I am passionate about providing a child care centre that is safe, hygienic and fosters learning for all children, families and educators.
For me, it is all about making sure every child has access to the highest standard in early learning, while ensuring families are supported throughout the process.
We are building the foundations of lifelong learning and that is best achieved through strong genuine relationships and an environment where everyone feels welcome, accepted and secure.
I am proud of the experienced and highly-qualified team I work with, and their commitment to providing early learning to an excellent standard.
We warmly welcome new families, so please stop by! We would love to explore how we can support you and your child on their pathway to lifelong learning.

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1-3 Planthurst RoadCarlton, NSW, 2218

Centre Reviews

Since late November last year, when my granddaughter was bitten for the third time by the same child, the childcare has not issued... Since late November last year, when my granddaughter was bitten for the third time by the same child, the childcare has not issued any apology to this day! The bite marks on my daughter’s arm are still visible, and she frequently has nightmares at night. The poor and dismissive attitude of the childcare is the reason I feel compelled to speak out this time. I hope the relevant government authorities take strict action against those responsible. The director, Danielle, has repeatedly excused staff mistakes by offering various reasons and excuses, rather than addressing the root problems. Her dismissive attitude is particularly frustrating, as she often responds to incidents with remarks like, “This is normal,” “We can’t guarantee it won’t happen again,” or “It’s not a big deal—this happens with our own kids too.” Such comments demonstrate a lack of responsibility and care, making it clear that the center prioritizes deflecting accountability over ensuring a safe environment for the children. Every incident reported by the center is based solely on their version of events, with no evidence provided to parents. This leaves families unable to verify the truth of the incidents. The center hides behind “privacy” policies, which have essentially become a shield to protect the childcare from accountability for various incidents. Any parent considering sending their child here should think carefully about the risks they are willing to take. The number of incidents reported will shock you, and when your child experiences one, the response and wording from the center will surely leave you devastated. Read more
I came in for a tour although due to our circumstances, I had to move away from the area. but from the tour,... I came in for a tour although due to our circumstances, I had to move away from the area. but from the tour, I saw nothing but caring, love and nurturing that the educators have shown towards the children. The learning environments were beautifully set up in relation to the children’s interests and I can tell from the passion and dedication that the director has put in to provide quality and care for the children’s learning as well as her team. Highly recommend bringing your child in to this centre. Read more
My son attended Goodstart Carlton for three years, and now he is in Year 3. Even after all this time, he still talks... My son attended Goodstart Carlton for three years, and now he is in Year 3. Even after all this time, he still talks about how much he learned there. He often says he gained most of his knowledge during his time at Goodstart, which shows just how much the teachers cared about his learning and interests. He still remembers the space and insects projects in the preschool room, which made learning fun and exciting for him. The teachers were kind, patient, and dedicated, always encouraging his curiosity. We are very grateful for the positive impact Goodstart Carlton had on our son’s early years. It was a place where he built a strong foundation for his future learning. I highly recommend this centre to other families! Read more