Goodstart Early Learning Hillside
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Goodstart Early Learning Hillside Centre overview
Goodstart Early Learning Hillside Centre highlights
- Purpose-built facility for 120 children with expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, catering to ages six weeks to five years.
- Recognised as one of three learning hubs for innovative practices, hosting visits from other educators
- Excursions and incursions with local organisations foster connections and real-world learning experiences for children.
At Goodstart Early Learning Hillside, we take pride in being an Exceeding centre. As one of only three centres selected to be a learning hub for advancing knowledge in practice, we welcome educators from other centres to observe our exemplary practices.
Our purpose-built childcare centre caters for 120 children and boasts expansive indoor and outdoor spaces. We have six rooms within our centre, including Nursery, Toddler One, Toddler Two, and funded Kindergarten programs for 3- and 4-year-olds. We support children from six weeks to five years old.
Many of our educators have been with us for over a decade, while we also welcome new faces as our centre continues to grow. Our educators hold a range of qualifications from Certificate III to Diploma in Children’s Services, and our Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten rooms are staffed by qualified teachers running funded programs.
Our onsite cook prepares healthy and nutritious meals five days a week, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack. We cater to children with food allergies and offer Halal options.
In addition to our core programme, we offer extracurricular activities such as Hey Dee Ho and Jump for Joy, along with a sports programme that teaches various sports skills throughout the week. Our strong connections with the community allow children to participate in incursions and excursions, including trips to the zoo and local farms. We also welcome special visits from community members such as firefighters, librarians, ambulance personnel, police officers, and representatives from local schools.
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
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
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 Hillside Service features
See more (9)Goodstart Early Learning Hillside 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.
Liana Prundus
My name is Liana Prundus and I am the Centre Director at Goodstart Hillside. I have worked in the early learning sector since 2009 and I have a Diploma of Children and Community services and currently studying for a Bachelor of Education.
I have worked in a variety of roles within a local council including Room leader, Educational Leader, Assistant Director and Director.
I am passionate about giving young children a safe and secure environment to learn, develop, and be curious, engaged and competent participants. I am dedicated to working with families and will seek to learn more about your background, values and experiences so we can work together to provide the best possible learning and care for your child.
It's a passion I share with the team I am fortunate to work with. With years of experience and excellent qualifications, this is a team of dedicated and committed professionals.
Please come and visit our centre to meet our team and to see for yourself our commitment to your child’s early learning journey.
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34 Gourlay RoadHillside, VIC, 3037
Centre Reviews
Best Centre team!! Quality teaching and learning, welcoming spaces, love that the parents input is valued.One of the best Centres in our area. Best Centre team!! Quality teaching and learning, welcoming spaces, love that the parents input is valued.One of the best Centres in our area.
Thank you for your fantastic 5-star review of Goodstart Hillside, Lia! We are so happy to hear you consider us one of the best centres in the area. The Hillside team is dedicated to providing high-quality education and a welcoming environment for all children. Knowing that you appreciate our teaching and learning approach, the inviting spaces, and how much we value parent input truly means a lot. Thank you for choosing Goodstart Early Learning Hillside. We look forward to continuing your child's early learning journey.
After being in this childcare for 2 years, it really deteriorated. Communication was lacking, when my child was hurt I wasn't always told,... After being in this childcare for 2 years, it really deteriorated. Communication was lacking, when my child was hurt I wasn't always told, always having nappy rashes which I had to communicate all the time that the nappy was not always changed, when there's always a good staff they always tend to leave so your always trying to work with the new one, but communication was never great with them either. Inconsistent with care on a daily basis, constantly losing items and the place was always dirty and gave my son back with dirty water. I've been too sydenham goodstart and had a better experience there. Would not recommend this place. Read more
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Family satisfaction is important to us, and we are always striving to enhance our centres. Our team is dedicated to creating secure and welcoming environments, fostering positive family and child connections, and engaging with each other in respectful and meaningful ways. We are sorry you experienced communication that was up to a higher standard. We are open to discussing your feedback further and encourage you to contact us at 1800 222 543.