Striving Stars Early Learning Centre

As a first time mum who has worked in the education industry for the past 15 years, I can honestly say how fortunate I am to have my son attend Kids@Play Croydon Park centre. My son, who is now three, has attended since he was seven months old due to work commitments. Understandably, being a first-time mum, I was pretty anxious, and like many others before me, I had done my research and went around to childcare centre after childcare centre. After meeting with Maria and her team, I instantly knew this was the place for my son. During the initial meeting, the compassion, understanding, and ability to confidently answer all my questions put me at ease. Finally, the reassurance that they were a phone call/message/email cemented my decision. To date, I continue to notice and appreciate • The staff’s professionalism, love and dedication • The physical learning activities clearly developed to build upon the student’s fine and gross motor skills. • The implementation of oral development through storytelling, pictures and images (to build vocabulary) and a focus on sound development (phonemic and phonological awareness) in the preschool years are outlined clearly through their communication platform. • Handwriting and coordination skills (preschool) • Providing the children with nutritional food • Toilet training • Consistent routines, including nap/rest times. Over two years later, I am still at ease that the Kids@Play CP team looks after my son. No thanks can ever be enough as they have and continue to provide my son with the necessary skills to meet his milestones in a safe and caring environment.

The centre teaches the kids about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and very big on Social Justice. My boy is learning everything about acceptance and equity. I can’t believe what they teach in the curriculum like stereotyping, bias opinions, inclusion and so much stuff I didn’t think he was ready for but he is understanding it. I’ve even learnt heaps that a 4 year old can learn to be a good human. My baby girl is in the toddler room and the educators themselves are all parents and even grandparents In that room. The love And nurture that comes from the staff is unbelievable. Treating the kids like their own grandchildren, nieces and nephews. My girls main educator is 70 yrs of age and runs rings around everyone. Absolutely amazing. The other staff are just as brilliant.

I just want to thank you for creating such a wonderful, safe and fun environment at Kids @ play Croydon. As well as giving you positive feedback about your staff. The moment I first called Kids @ play to find out some information about your service I was greeted by Adriana who was welcoming, inviting us to drop in, meet her and have a tour. We did this last week. The moment we walked in I had a sense of calm, the staff were smiling, the children we giggling and the environment was welcoming, clean and safe. Adriana again made us feel welcome and was extremely professional with explaining the service you offer, asking relevant questions about my children and engaging with them. From what I saw, Adriana's professionalism and observing all staff members I knew that Kids @ play was the right centre for my children. Alexandra and Joshua had their first day today and I can confidently say that they had a ball. Due to the wonderful educators my children were able to feel safe enough to cope emotionally today (myself not so much). How thorough the staff were about questions they asked me and the interaction I observed between them and my children I felt fine to leave them - something I was very anxious about. The reports I was given when I collected them was also very reassuring. As soon as we got home Alex asked "school, more"? So thankyou for providing such a wonderful centre. — Melinda