Goodstart Early Learning Clarinda

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.

Kashmira Bhathena

Hello, I am Kashmira, the Centre Director here at Goodstart Clarinda.

Hello, Namaste, Wominjeka, Kia ora, Ni hao, Sat sri kal, bonjour, Ciao, Ya sas. My name is Kashmira Naushad Bhathena, born in Mumbai, India. I have completed my Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mumbai University and my post graduate Diploma in early childhood education from University of Auckland.

I was working as preparatory teacher in a state government school for a year before I moved to Auckland, New Zealand in 2004 where I restarted my early childhood journey. In 2013 I moved from New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia. I have over 20 years of experience in the early childhood education. I have been working at Goodstart since 2013.

I believe it takes a village to raise a child, there are various factors from family, childcare setting/school to our local community that influence in shaping the identity of a child. The first 5years are crucial in building the strong foundation for children which will enhance their identity throughout their life. When children are enrolled in our service, we nurture them and enhance and extend their prior knowledge in order to achieve best outcomes for them. I view a child as a capable, competent human being who is learning more than 100 languages of life by being a curious, exploring, in awe of the big wide world, filled with wonderment, discoverer, full of questions and I believe we need to support the 100 languages to encourage their love for lifelong learning.  I believe learning doesn’t only occur within the walls of our service but our outdoor environment and the wider community play an important role to enhance children’s as valued members of our community.

Goodstart is the largest not for profit organisation in our early childhood sector and I believe all decision making that takes place is for the betterment of our community of learners. They are advocating on behalf of the various stakeholders with the government which will help with achieving best outcomes for the community.

I believe in building strong trusting and respectful relationship with our children and families to help understand their needs, interest, goals, and aspiration which will help us t extend learning and development of our children. I always want to support families with suggestions, professional development, links with other community partners to overcome various parenting challenges they might come across.

I look forward to welcoming you and your family to Goodstart Clarinda. 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.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions, or better yet,  to see firsthand the wonderful environment we've created for our children. Together, we can make these early years enriching and memorable. 

Warm regards,

Kashmira Bhathena