From nature to culture, exploration will be a key theme of Great Beginnings Beckenham when it opens its doors later this month.
A team of educators representing more than 10 nationalities will share lessons in language and culture, a blooming sustainability program, a focus on nature, and a philosophy of child-guided learning.
Centre manager Mikayla Caroleo says she wants the children and families of G8 Education’s newest early learning service to feel they really belong.
Mikayla, who has worked in various G8 Education centres for 10 years and became a centre manager four years ago, said she jumped at the chance to launch Great Beginnings Beckenham.
“This is the suburb I grew up in and I’ve always wanted to find a centre that felt like home for my team, myself, and the children, and to dedicate myself to one space – and this is it,” she said.
She said she wanted to make the centre unlike any other, with special features and thoughtful additions designed to make it a centre with a difference.
Some of these features include a community gathering space for families – complete with coffee machine – as well as an area for family photos, a loose parts shelf, herb garden, worm farm – and a warm, welcoming vibe that only comes from a cohesive and committed team.
“We have a team of 26 at the moment; the team is diverse, passionate and really aligned with what we are trying to achieve here,” Mikayla said.
“Our team believes children need to have opportunity to explore everything they can in their world; we are here to guide them but they are capable of leading their own learning.
“We believe the role of our educators is to inspire children and families and I think that our values are really clear when you walk in the door.”
She said learning will include culture and language lessons, cooking lessons with centre cook Alice, community nature walks, excursions to Mills Park Recreation Centre, working on the herb garden and worm farm, and “whatever resonates with families”.
“I really want this space to reflect the community where we live,” Mikayla said.
“We are all so excited – we can’t wait to start welcoming our families here.”
Great Beginnings Beckenham will open on February 26. It’s currently taking bookings and has a capacity for 104 children.
To find out more or book a tour, head to Child Care Beckenham – Great Beginnings Early Education
