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A GOOD START INDEED A typical day for a child at Goodstart: • • • • • • • • • •
access to dramatic and imaginary play sensory play technological exploration gross motor activities activities to assist literacy and numeracy development social and emotional learning art, dance and music excursions to visit our community partner and special events in centre rest and relaxation time a primary educator who respects their rights and cares for their wellbeing
Goodstart Port Road, Cheltenham, Centre Director, Romana Deangelis joined the early learning sector 15 years ago:
RO M ANA D E A NG ELI S
What is it that sets Goodstart Early Learning apart?
I’m really proud to be part of a not-for-profit social enterprise. We exist solely for the benefit of the children in our care, and the wellbeing of their families. We invest heavily in our infrastructure and staff training, but also in research to ensure we stay at the forefront of what works best to help children reach their developmental and educational potential. What’s your favourite aspect of Goodstart Port Road Cheltenham and why?
The Art Studios in the Pre-Kindy and Kindergarten rooms. I have a passion for the Arts and also a background in Graphic Communication. It offers children an amazing format to express themselves. The other area would be the outdoor alfresco Hub where children can gather together for meals, which is such a beautiful time to sit together and reflect on the day.
There’s something bittersweet about transitioning from having your little one with you every waking moment to when it’s time for them to start early learning. Bitter, because you know you’ll miss them an incy-wincy bit and sweet, because you can now breathe, live, eat and exist as an adult without a dependent for at least a small portion of the day.
The transition into early learning is a big step for little people so it’s very important to get the right fit. The market is saturated with options and sometimes it’s hard to know what you’re getting. Goodstart prides themselves on forming close partnerships with families and providing as much information and communication as possible to ensure that parents are informed every step of the way.
The goodstart difference.
What parents can expect from Goodstart: • Flexible, long day care hours with the convenience of our 9, 10 and 12 hour sessions • Government-approved Kindergarten program • Play-based early learning program • Qualified experienced educators and teachers • Nurturing, stimulating, indoor and outdoor learning environments • Healthy, nutritious and diverse meals created by a qualified cook including breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack.
Goodstart recognise that having a successful start in their centres can often come from understanding and following the routines that families follow at home. Their Storypark app also helps them to stay connected with families through daily updates and photos of each child’s learning journey. Goodstart Early Learning has nearly 50 centres across Adelaide, with six new centres scheduled to open in the coming 12 months. Their new centres aren’t ‘traditional’ childcare centres: they offer purpose built environments, such as outdoor nature playgrounds, alfresco eating and socialising hubs, kitchen gardens and a variety of environments to support the children’s learning and wellbeing. The facility has been designed with careful consideration to provide children with the opportunity to interact with their peers in shared areas and have the opportunity to learn in a variety of settings with children of different ages. / 30 KIDDO FEATURE / 30
• Nappies, bedding and sunscreen • The Storypark app delivers updates and photos of your child’s learning journey direct to you throughout the day
Celebrate the opening of Goodstart Port Road Cheltenham head along to a Family Fun Day on Sunday 21 October from 10am - 1pm. Take a tour of the beautiful learning environments, enjoy free children’s activities and complimentary coffee for all parents!
New Centres Opening Soon! • Goodstart Port Road Cheltenham, 963 Port Road, Cheltenham. Now Open • Goodstart Clearview, 242-244 Hampstead Road, Clearview. Opens late-October 2018 • Goodstart Magill, relocating to 15 Penfold Road, Magill. Opens midNovember 2018 • Goodstart Blair Athol, 452-454 Main North Road, Blair Athol. Coming in early 2019 • Goodstart Plympton, relocating to 247-251 Anzac Highway, Plympton. Coming in early 2019 • Goodstart Underdale, 185 Holbrooks Road, Underdale. Coming in mid 2019 Head to their website goodstart.org.au or call 1800 222 543 to find your nearest centre and learn more about how you can join one of their happy little communities. @GOOD STARTEL
