Goodstart Minifie Park Early Childhood Centre
Goodstart Minifie Park Early Childhood Centre overview
Goodstart Minifie Park Early Childhood Centre highlights
- Tailored education and care for children from Nursery to Kindergarten.
- Experienced and qualified educators focused on building strong relationships.
- Fun, sensory-based learning programs in engaging outdoor play areas.
Goodstart Early Learning is proud to now operate Minifie Park Early Childhood Centre, a well-respected provider of education and care in the Balwyn community. With a shared focus on building strong relationships and delivering high-quality early learning, we continue to provide a nurturing environment for children from Nursery to Kindergarten. Our learning programs are designed to meet the individual needs of each child, with a focus on sensory development and holistic education in fun and stimulating outdoor spaces.
Our team of experienced educators is dedicated to providing the best care, with all staff holding qualifications in Children’s Services and First Aid certifications. We warmly invite you to visit our centre, meet our team, and see how we can support your family's early learning journey.
Fees & Vacancies
Goodstart Minifie Park Early Childhood Centre Service features
See more (10)Goodstart Minifie Park Early Childhood Centre 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.
About the Curriculum
About the Curriculum
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
Welcome to Goodstart Minifie Park, where excellence in early childhood education is our priority. I am Kate Patford, honored to serve as the Centre Director.
Bringing 19 years of dedicated experience in the childcare sector, with a specialized focus on the last decade as a Centre Director, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Teaching. My journey has involved working with diverse age groups, engaging in all facets of child development.
Passionate about fostering a nurturing atmosphere, I am committed to creating a warm, comfortable, and relaxed learning environment. At Goodstart Minifie Park, we strive to instill a sense of belonging for both parents and children alike.
I am enthusiastic about the prospect of working collaboratively with you and your family, ensuring a positive and enriching early childhood experience. Together, let's embark on a journey of growth, learning, and joyful development.
Kate Patford
My name is Kate and I am the Centre Director at Goodstart Minifie Park.
I have a Bachelor in Early Childhood Teaching. I have worked in the childcare sector for the last 19 years, 10 of which I have spent as a Centre Director.
I have worked with all age groups and have been involved in all aspects of child development. I love working with children and believe in providing a warm, comfortable, relaxed learning environment where parents and children can feel a sense of belonging.
I look forward to working with you and your family.
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290 Belmore Road,Balwyn, VIC, 3103
Centre Reviews
My daughter recently joined the kindergarten, and she has been thoroughly enjoying her time at the center. We have received excellent care and... My daughter recently joined the kindergarten, and she has been thoroughly enjoying her time at the center. We have received excellent care and support from Muhammad, Sky, Maggie, and Angela, who have all been incredibly attentive. I would like to specifically appreciate Muhammad for his outstanding efforts in caring for my daughter. He consistently reminds her to stay hydrated by drinking water and ensures that all the children are eating their lunch properly. His dedication and attention to detail give us great confidence that our child is in safe and nurturing hands. I also want to extend my gratitude to Kate, who was extremely helpful during the registration process at the Goodstart Minifie Campus. Her guidance and assistance made the process smooth and stress-free, and we are thankful for her support. We truly value the team's hard work and commitment to creating a positive and welcoming environment for the children and their families. Read more
My son has been at Goodstart Minifie for two years from kinder 1 to kinder 2. It is the best center I have... My son has been at Goodstart Minifie for two years from kinder 1 to kinder 2. It is the best center I have ever visited. The childcare has large and beautiful outdoor play spaces, a friendly and professional leadership team, caring and passionate staff and educators. We are very lucky to have such wonderful educators. The teachers truly love the kids and my boy has really enjoyed being there. Read more
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Yun! We're thrilled to hear that your son has had such a positive experience with us at Goodstart Minifie. We take great pride in our beautiful outdoor spaces and passionate, caring educators who truly love what they do. It's heartwarming to know that your son has enjoyed his time with us and that you feel so lucky to be part of our community. Thank you for sharing your feedback. It means the world to us!