Great Beginnings Kelso

1515-1517 Riverway Drive Kelso QLD 4815 1800 517 086 [email protected]

Operational Hours:

Monday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tuesday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Wednesday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Thursday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Friday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Nursery, Toddler, Kindergarten

Childcare and kindergarten in Kelso, QLD

Welcome to Great Beginnings Kelso. Our brand new daycare and early learning centre is located on Riverway Drive, Kelso, making it the perfect choice for families living in Kelso and surrounding suburbs. Great Beginnings Kelso offers long day care and a kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, with extended hours to suit busy families.

Our purpose-built child care and kindergarten centre in Kelso offers innovative early learning programs in a safe, nurturing and enriching environment. Each of our learning spaces flows into a beautiful, resource-rich outdoor environment that encourages endless play opportunities. These environments feature a variety of age-appropriate resources, allowing children to run, skip and play in the great outdoors. Our experienced team of early childhood educators and teachers is dedicated to helping every child become a confident, happy and resilient learner. Our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher delivers a Government-approved Kindergarten program that prepares children for school. We also connect with local services, including Kelso State School, to provide enhanced learning experiences for the children.

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Why you’ll love Great Beginnings Kelso

Spacious outdoor environments

Dedicated educators and teachers

Chef-prepared meals

Nappies and wipes provided

Government-approved Kindergarten program

Family communication app

Extended/flexible hours

Sports program

Incursions/excursions

Vegetable garden

Meet our Centre Manager

Venita

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
Diploma of Leadership and Business Management

“Seeing the delight on a child’s face when they overcome a challenge or achieve a milestone is what inspires me every day.”

My journey in early education began when I completed my teaching qualifications in 2002 and worked as a teacher with prep-age groups. It was during those early experiences that I developed a strong passion for ensuring children in their first five years are set up for lifelong learning. This passion led me to the early childhood education industry in 2005, where I began my career as an Early Childhood Teacher . In 2018, I transitioned into management to further support children, families, and educators. I’ve been with G8 Education since 2015, and joined Great Beginnings Kelso in November 2024, after previously working at Community Kids Heatley.

I’ve always believed that every child has the right to an early learning education that sets them up for success and fosters a lifelong love of learning. My early experiences working with children of differing abilities opened my eyes to the incredible potential in every child, regardless of their circumstances. Seeing the delight on a child’s face when they overcome a challenge or achieve a milestone is what inspires me every day.

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that parents are a child’s first and most important educators. I believe that early childhood education offers endless opportunities for growth, complementing what children learn at home. It’s a privilege to work alongside families to create unique learning experiences that nurture a love of learning. Play-based learning is at the heart of my teaching philosophy because it allows children to lead their own learning journey. I focus on creating engaging and inclusive environments that cater to each child’s interests and individual learning styles. By observing children at play and having meaningful conversations with them, I can guide and build upon their learning and development in ways that are both fun and impactful.

At Great Beginnings Kelso, I’m fortunate to work with a team of dedicated and passionate educators who are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment for every child. Together, we prioritise not only the wellbeing and learning of the children but also building strong relationships with their families. From the initial tour to the first day and beyond, we’re here to support families every step of the way. Whether it’s reassuring parents during their child’s transition into care, explaining our Xplor app, or simply offering a coffee and a kind word, we aim to create a sense of belonging for everyone. By working closely with families, we ensure a smooth transition through the stages of early learning, building strong relationships and inclusive programs that reflect the child’s experiences at home.

I look forward to welcoming your family to join us at Great Beginnings Kelso early education centre.

Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Kelso, our experienced educators and teachers continually seek innovative ways to enrich your child’s education. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, we offer a variety of engaging and diverse learning experiences, including:

Sustainability

We open your child’s mind to the outdoors, raising their awareness of the environment and the importance of their role in protecting it. By engaging them in hands-on activities, we foster a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature.

Inclusion

We create a sense of belonging for your child to ensure they feel heard and empowered to make choices, fostering their independence. We celebrate each child’s unique strengths, helping them to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

STEM

We encourage your child to ask questions, experiment, and problem-solve, all while engaging their natural curiosity. By fostering this inquisitive mindset, we help them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Music and movement

Our evidence-based Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program is designed to develop fundamental skills that help support children’s self-regulation, memory, and concentration. It is an innovative approach to holistic learning, development and well-being in early childhood.

Age-appropriate early learning

(0-2 years)

Nursery

Our nursery room is purposely designed to make every baby feel safe exploring and discovering new things. Our spaces are filled with sensory experiences and activities to encourage intentional and responsive play-based learning. We focus on building secure relationships between children and educators, closely following home routines, and supporting each child in meeting their developmental milestones.

Our nursery rooms

Next: Toddlers

(2-3 years)

Toddlers

Our toddler room is set up with intentional play-based learning in mind. Within the curriculum framework, play enables your toddler to develop fundamental skills for life-long learning. It also creates the perfect environment to socialise and form friendships. Our activities enhance language skills and promote collaborative group play, laying a strong foundation for their future learning experiences.

Our toddler rooms

Previous: Nursery Next: Kindergarten

Kindergarten

In our kindergarten room, our curriculum is tailored to accommodate your child’s individual learning and development needs, which helps boost their enthusiasm, motivation, and willingness to learn. Through structured learning experiences, our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers and educators are committed to helping your child gain the necessary skills for a successful transition into school and beyond.

Our kindergarten rooms

Previous: Toddlers

Queensland Government-approved Kindergarten program

Our kindergarten programs are tailored to meet your child’s individual learning needs across numeracy, literacy, emotional and social development, resilience, and self-regulation.

At our early learning centre, we offer a Queensland Government-approved Kindergarten enhanced learning program, supporting your child’s development and well-being from now, at school and beyond. In Queensland, 4-year-old children can access a funded kindergarten program led by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher. If eligible, your child will be able to participate in the Government-approved Kindergarten program at no cost, for up to 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year. Talk to us about how this reduces your out-of-pocket costs.

The added benefits of our kindergarten program include:

Extended long day care opening hours
Open all year round (excl. public holidays)
Programs developed and delivered by our Early Childhood Teachers
Exclusive music and movement program for self-regulation

Our kindergarten program

We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating

Thanks to the in-house chef at our Kelso 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 to all dietary requirements, including halal.

What a typical day looks like for your child

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.

Next: Mealtimes

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

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

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

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

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

Communicating with families

We prioritise clear and consistent communication with families to foster a strong partnership in supporting each child’s development. We ensure families feel informed, involved, and confident in their child’s early learning journey.

Our families love hearing about their child’s progress and the experiences they’re having day to day. We share these moments through centre newsletters, our Xplor App, one-on-one meetings, and at various centre events.

How we communicate

Nursery0 – 2 years
$144.00
Toddler2 – 3 years
$141.90
Kindergarten3 – 5 years
$139.80

Child Care Subsidy Estimator

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

Family income*

Number of days in care required* 1-4 days = full day session; 5 days = 10 hour per day sessions

Age group*

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CCS Estimator results

Estimated subsidy
$0.00
Total fees
$0.00
Out-of-pocket cost
$0.00

*This estimator provides an estimate only and is based on the following assumptions:

Accuracy and currency of family income information entered.
Family CCS entitlements include 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. Please note your family may be entitled to less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight – if you are unsure we recommend you use the comprehensive CCS estimator in the link below.
Where 1-4 days of care is selected, full day sessions apply (being full operational hours of the centre, which can vary between centres).
Where 5 days of care is selected, 10-hour per day sessions apply (ie, 50 hours p/w to optimise 100 hours of CCS subsidised care across the fortnight).
Where a family’s CCS entitlements include less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, please use the comprehensive CCS calculator as a guide via the link below.

For a more complete subsidy estimation, check out our comprehensive CCS calculator here.

Calculate my subsidy

Explore nearby G8 Education centres

Looking for other great childcare, kindergarten or preschool options? Discover more G8 Education centres near you!

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.

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.

Book a tour Enquire now

Great Beginnings Kelso

Childcare and kindergarten in Kelso, QLD

Why you’ll love Great Beginnings Kelso

Meet our Centre Manager