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Great Beginnings Berwick

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Enrolment availability

The information below gives an indication of current availability at the centre.

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  • Friday

Childcare and Kindergarten in Berwick, VIC

Great Beginnings Berwick offer long day care and Kindergarten for children aged 6 weeks to school age, conveniently located for families in Berwick, Clyde North and Cranbourne North.

Convenient location near local schools

Our centre is located directly across from St Catherine’s Primary School and St Francis Xavier College, supporting strong connections with local schools.

Bright and spacious environments

Our early learning spaces are bright and spacious, featuring natural materials that encourage exploration, creativity and active play.

Qualified and multicultural team

Our inclusive team of educators and teachers speaks over 20 languages, creating a welcoming environment where children and families feel supported and understood.

Government-approved Kindergarten program

Our Government-approved Kindergarten program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, helping children build confidence and prepare for school.

Individual Learning Plans for every child

We develop Individual Learning Plans for each child, reflecting their interests, strengths and developmental goals, and work in partnership with families to review and update each plan over time.

Additional learning experiences

Children participate in additional learning experiences included in the daily program, such as Bush Kinder, Auslan sessions and Hey Dee Ho Music.

Fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily

We provide fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily to keep children energised throughout the day, catering to a range of dietary and cultural requirements.

Stay connected with your child’s learning

We share updates and photos through our family communication app, helping families stay connected to their child’s learning and experiences.

Secure your place today

Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.

Meet our team

Kim

Centre Manager

  • Advanced Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
“I focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore, build on their interests, and develop at their own pace.”

I began working in early childhood education in 2001 and joined Great Beginnings Berwick in 2026. I hold an Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood and bring many years of experience supporting children, families, and educators. My time in early education has been both rewarding and meaningful, helping me grow personally and professionally. What I love most is building strong relationships with children and families, and watching children grow, develop new skills, and gain independence in a supportive environment.

Through my experience, I have learned that every child is unique and learns best through play, exploration, and positive relationships. Children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and valued. This guides my approach to be flexible and child-centred. I focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore, build on their interests, and develop at their own pace, while forming strong, trusting relationships.

When speaking with families, I explain that early childhood education and care complements learning at home by providing structured, play-based programs that support all areas of development. In a centre environment, children build social skills, form friendships, and learn routines, while being supported by educators who plan experiences based on their individual needs. Our team is supportive, collaborative, and passionate about providing high-quality care and education. As a multicultural and long-standing team, we bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, working together to create a positive and inclusive environment for children and families.

Building strong relationships with families is a priority for me. I focus on clear, consistent communication and creating a welcoming environment where families feel valued and heard. By being approachable and working in partnership, I aim to build trust and support positive outcomes for every child.

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Joyleen

Early Childhood Teacher (4-year-old Kinder)

  • Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)
“In our 4-year-old kindergarten room, I strive to support children’s diverse interests, capabilities, and needs by designing programs that extend their learning and development.”

My name is Joyleen, and I teach the 4-year-old kindergarten class. I graduated from the University of Melbourne with a qualification in Early Childhood Teaching and have been working with children aged three to eight since 2019.

My teaching philosophy centres on prioritising the rights of every child and creating an inclusive, equitable learning environment. I place each child at the heart of my teaching, ensuring they have opportunities to develop as confident, valued members of both their local and global communities. I believe every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and ways of learning.

In our three-year-old kindergarten room, I strive to support children’s diverse interests, capabilities, and needs by designing programs that extend their learning and development. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor the program and environment to engage and excite young learners at their individual levels. I look forward to working closely with families to support each child’s journey and help them thrive!

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Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Berwick, our play-based curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), supporting children to learn through play, exploration and discovery.

Sustainability

Children develop respect for the environment through gardening, recycling and nature-based learning. Educators also introduce the interconnected aspects of sustainability, including environmental, social and economic, through concepts like fairness, sharing and community.

Community Engagement

We actively build strong connections with the Berwick community to enrich children’s learning. Local visitors like swim safety instructors, paramedics, and librarians help children explore safety, literacy, and community roles in fun and meaningful ways.

Social and emotional learning

Children develop a strong sense of identity as they feel safe, secure and supported, building confidence, resilience and a positive sense of self. Through group activities, conversations and play, children learn to interact with others with care, empathy and respect, building positive relationships and friendships.

Exploration and problem solving

Educators introduce open-ended materials and invitations to explore, such as building, measuring and experimenting, extending children’s thinking through shared conversations and investigation.

Age-appropriate early learning

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(6 weeks – 1.5 years)

Nursery

In our nursery room, we focus on creating warm, trusting relationships that help each baby feel safe and secure. Our educators provide nurturing, one-on-one care and offer sensory-rich experiences to support early development in movement, communication, and emotional wellbeing. Daily routines are flexible and follow each child’s individual needs and rhythms.

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Toddler 1 (1 – 2.5 years)

Toddler 1

This stage is all about exploration, confidence, and connection. Children are supported to express themselves, develop early language, and begin building friendships through play. Our educators encourage curiosity through sensory play, music, movement, and gentle support for growing independence, including self-help skills like feeding and toileting.

Previous: Nursery Next: Toddler 2
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Toddler 2 (2 – 3 years)

Toddler 2

In our Toddler 2 room, children continue building their communication skills and social awareness. We support emotional development and encourage children to explore more independently and form strong peer connections. Early literacy, numeracy, and creative thinking are introduced through hands-on, play-based learning experiences that follow each child’s interests.

Previous: Toddler 1 Next: 3-year-old Kindergarten
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(3-4 years)

3-year-old Kindergarten

Our 3-year-old Kinder program introduces a more structured learning environment, still grounded in play. Children build confidence through group activities that nurture early reading, numeracy, social skills, and creativity. We focus on helping children develop a strong sense of identity and belonging, setting the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.

Previous: Toddler 2 Next: 4-year-old Kinder
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(4-5 years)

4-year-old Kinder

In 4-year-old Kinder, we prepare children for the transition to school with a rich, purposeful program. Educators focus on school readiness—supporting children’s independence, emotional resilience, and early academic skills. Through inquiry-based learning, children practise problem-solving, communication, self-regulation, and develop the confidence to thrive in a school setting.

Previous: 3-year-old Kindergarten  
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Victorian Government-approved Kindergarten program

Our Berwick early learning centre offers the VIC Government-approved Kindergarten program, supporting your child’s development and well-being from now, at school and beyond. Through thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor environments, flexible routines, and a play-based approach, we empower children to explore, discover, and develop essential skills for school and life. For children aged 3 to 5, school readiness at our centre means more than just academic learning – it’s about supporting the whole child socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively so they feel confident and prepared.

In Victoria, 3- and 4-year-old children can access a funded kindergarten program led by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher. Our 3-year-old Kinder program focuses on building communication skills, emotional regulation, and cooperation through curiosity-led, play-based learning. As children transition into our 4–5-year-old program, we support them in building independence, developing early literacy and numeracy skills, and gaining confidence in new situations. Using the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), our educators design meaningful experiences that promote resilience, problem-solving and a love of learning.

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We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating

Thanks to the in-house chef at our Berwick child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. We cater for all children’s dietary requirement, preferences and cultural requirements.

What a typical day looks like for your child

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Arrival at the centre

Your child will be welcomed by our team of educators, who will ensure the morning transition from home to centre goes as smoothly as possible. On arrival, share information about your child’s specific needs for the day.

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Mealtimes

Our centre chefs prepare a nutritious menu for your child to sit down and eat. This is a great time for everyone to share stories from the day. Educators model healthy eating practices, social behaviours and support children’s growing independence with mealtime routines.

Previous: Arrival at the centre Next: Infant care
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Infant care

If you have an infant, we spend one-on-one time with them to establish a connection. Educators talk gently and respond to babies’ cues. We use songs, games, and conversations to strengthen relationships and build language skills.

Previous: Mealtimes Next: Play-based learning
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Play-based learning

Your child is naturally curious. They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals.

Previous: Infant care Next: Sleep, rest and relaxation
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Sleep, rest and relaxation

We match routines to your child’s individual needs. Opportunities for rest and relaxation help make them feel safe. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who no longer don’t sleep in centre.

Previous: Play-based learning Next: Heading home
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Heading home

As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

Previous: Sleep, rest and relaxation  

Inclusive support for every child

At our Berwick early education centre, we recognise that every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and learning style. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), our educators develop personalised learning plans that reflect each child’s developmental stage and goals. These plans are informed by regular observations, reflections, and input from families, ensuring a holistic view of each child’s progress. We provide flexible, play-based experiences that are both engaging and meaningful, encouraging children to explore, create, and grow at their own pace.

For children with additional needs or those learning English as an additional language, we are committed to delivering inclusive and equitable support. Our team includes educators fluent in a range of languages, helping to bridge communication and build strong, trusting relationships with children and families. We collaborate with families and allied health professionals to develop tailored strategies, adapt environments, and embed inclusive practices such as visual aids, small group learning, and targeted language activities. Through this individualised approach, we empower every child to feel confident, capable, and connected in their learning journey.

Fees

The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.

Nursery

0 – 2 years

$177.75/day

Toddler

2 – 4 years

$177.75/day

Kindergarten

4 – 5 years

$177.75/day

Step 1: Family Information & Financial State

Child Care Subsidy Estimator

Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.

**1-4 days = 12 hour sessions, 5 days = 100 hours

Changes to CCS – The 3-Day Guarantee (Starting 5th January 2026)

The Australian Government is replacing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test from 5th January 2026, to provide a min. 72 hours per fortnight or 3 days per week of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) for eligible families.

2026 3-Day Guarantee

From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.

Total Fees

$0.00

Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy

$0.00

Kindergarten/Preschool Subsidy

$0.00

Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)

$0.00

Matrix Out of Pocket Cost

Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).

Child 1 1 Day 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days 5 Days

*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00

What our families say

4.6(35 reviews)
Source: Google Business Profile. Reviews are correct at the time of accessing this webpage.

Haroon Namdar

We are so grateful for the amazing team at great beginnings child care center Berwick. The educators are wonderful caring, kind and truly dedicated to the children. My son feels safe, happy and excited to go every day. It gives us so much peace of…. See more We are so grateful for the amazing team at great beginnings child care center Berwick. The educators are wonderful caring, kind and truly dedicated to the children. My son feels safe, happy and excited to go every day. It gives us so much peace of mind knowing he’s in such loving hands. Thank you for everything you do. I really appreciate it and I recommend this child care to other families.

miss aus Manyar

A wonderful centre with dedicated and passionate educators.The staff truly care about each child and treat them with kindness and respect. My son feels comfortable and secure, and that means everything to us as parents. We highly recommend this…. See more A wonderful centre with dedicated and passionate educators.The staff truly care about each child and treat them with kindness and respect. My son feels comfortable and secure, and that means everything to us as parents. We highly recommend this child care to other families.😊

Deborah Cullen

I couldn't be happier with the exceptional care and nurturing environment provided by Great Beginnings Berwick. From the moment I walked through the doors, I felt welcomed and reassured by the friendly and professional management team. The center is…. See more I couldn't be happier with the exceptional care and nurturing environment provided by Great Beginnings Berwick. From the moment I walked through the doors, I felt welcomed and reassured by the friendly and professional management team. The center is clean, safe, and equipped with wonderful facilities that engage children in a variety of activities. The educators are truly dedicated and passionate. They have an amazing ability to connect with the children and create a warm, loving atmosphere. My child has thrived under their care. Communication with parents is outstanding, with regular updates on my child's progress and daily activities. I also love the sense of community among the families here – it feels like an extended family. I highly recommend Great Beginnings to any parent looking for a reliable, caring, and stimulating environment for their child. Thank you for all that you do!

Emily Munro

Honestly an amazing center! We've sent all our kids here and all the staff are fantastic. The "twins," whether it be Bree or Darcy are amazing at catering to our children's needs. Kathryne is extremely proficient in communication and helps assist us…. See more Honestly an amazing center! We've sent all our kids here and all the staff are fantastic. The "twins," whether it be Bree or Darcy are amazing at catering to our children's needs. Kathryne is extremely proficient in communication and helps assist us with anything our family may need. Our kids are happy everyday we pick them up, Christina is so attentive to their needs and will always provide a great summary of their day in the center. Thanks Great Begginings Berwick! 😀

Jane Yuan

GBB has been amazing for our daughter since 4 months to now 2 years old, the amount of love and care she received from the educators and team made who she is today. The educators and team love each and every child as of their own, we could…. See more GBB has been amazing for our daughter since 4 months to now 2 years old, the amount of love and care she received from the educators and team made who she is today. The educators and team love each and every child as of their own, we could comfortably leave our daughter to their care and know she would enjoy every minute of the day.

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Frequently asked questions

A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.

On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.

Our Family Support Team will add your child’s name to our waitlist if one of our childcare centres is currently full in your child’s age group. We will then contact you as soon as a place becomes available.

We also do monthly check-ins to review availability, and you will receive a text message confirming whether you’re still happy to remain on the waitlist each month. If you would like an update at any point, you’re welcome to reach out on our Web Chat or give us a call.

Our Family Support team can also help you find more G8 early learning centres near you, with the same offerings at the Great Beginnings centre you are interested in that have immediate availability.

It’s common for a child to experience separation anxiety when they first start child care. When you’re getting ready to start child care, you can help your child overcome anxieties by visiting the child care service together for a Stay and Play session, and easing into new routines at home.

Read more tips about how to make the transition easier for your child.

Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.

For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits and spare socks.

For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits and spare socks.

Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.

It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.

Great Beginnings uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.

After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.

If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Great Beginnings is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.

Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.

Contact us

We look forward to welcoming your family.