Ascot Early Childhood

Welcome to Ascot Early Childhood, a place where children feel a true sense of belonging. For over two decades, we have been a cornerstone of the Ascot and Hamilton communities, providing exceptional care and education within the unique and nurturing environment of a beautifully maintained Queenslander home. We invite you to explore the details that make our centre a cherished second home for our children and families.

Our Environment: A Home Away From Home

Our centre is intentionally designed to feel like a warm and inviting home, not an institution. Set in a classic Queenslander, the building is filled with natural light, with spacious verandas and lush, leafy gardens that beckon children to explore. This homelike setting provides a sense of comfort and security, allowing children to settle in, feel safe, and thrive. Every space, from the cosy reading nooks to the dynamic outdoor play areas, has been thoughtfully curated to inspire curiosity, creativity, and joyful learning.

Our Learning Spaces & Age Groups

As a boutique 49-place service, we cherish the ability to maintain small class sizes. This allows our educators to form deep, meaningful connections with each child and create a close-knit community where everyone knows each other by name.

• Toddlers (15 months - 2.5 years) Our Toddler room is a gentle and nurturing space designed to support the incredible growth that happens during these early years. With a focus on emerging independence ("I can do it myself!"), rich language development, and positive social interactions, we guide our youngest learners as they begin to understand their world and their place within it.

• Pre-Kindy (2.5 years - 3.5 years) This is a dynamic and vibrant environment where curiosity takes flight. The Pre-Kindy room is a hub of investigation and discovery. Through hands-on, project-based learning, children develop crucial problem-solving skills, build strong friendships, and express their ideas with confidence and creativity.

• Kindergarten (4 - 5 years) Our renowned, government-approved Kindergarten program is led by a highly experienced teaching team of three dedicated educators. This exceptionally high educator-to-child ratio ensures every child receives unparalleled attention and support. The program masterfully balances intentional teaching of school readiness skills with the power of play-based exploration, preparing children holistically for their transition to formal schooling.

Our Educational Philosophy: The 'Living Curriculum'

We believe that the most powerful learning happens when it is driven by the child. Our curriculum isn't a static, pre-packaged program; it's a "living curriculum" that emerges directly from the children’s own ideas, questions, theories, and interests.

Our skilled educators are expert listeners and observers. They carefully document children's conversations and play to understand their thinking, then co-construct learning experiences that are meaningful, engaging, and inclusive. This approach is underpinned by Australia's Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0) and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG), ensuring a program of the highest quality, with a strong emphasis on:

• Developing Independence & Confidence: Fostering self-help skills and a strong sense of self.

• Early Literacy & Numeracy: Building foundational skills organically through stories, songs, games, and real-world problems.

• Critical Thinking & Creativity: Encouraging children to ask questions, solve problems, and express themselves in diverse ways.

• Wellbeing & Resilience: Supporting emotional regulation, empathy, and the ability to navigate social situations.

• A Lifelong Love of Learning: Nurturing innate curiosity and the joy of discovery.

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Our educators are the heart and soul of Ascot Early Childhood. We are incredibly proud of our team's stability and low turnover, a testament to our positive and respectful work culture. Many of our educators have been with us for several years, providing the consistency and continuity that is vital for a child's sense of security and trust.

Our team is a collective of passionate, skilled, and professional individuals who bring warmth and dedication to their work every day. All educators hold formal qualifications, from a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care to a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Teaching. Every team member holds current first aid, CPR, and asthma/anaphylaxis management certifications. Above all, they are chosen for their ability to form genuine, caring relationships that make children feel seen, heard, and valued.