Childcare is everything to us at Little Scholars. We are very excited to share the opportunity we had with Mamamia’s own podcast This Glorious Mess’ where our Little Scholars Founder, Jae Fraser, chatted all things childcare. This podcast is hosted by Leigh Campbell and Tegan Natoli and is a twice-weekly look at parenting as it really is – confusing, exhausting, inspiring, funny, and full of surprises. This Glorious Mess shares a totally real and relatable insight into the life of a parenting and gives comfort to all the parents who are navigating their way through parenthood.
Jae spoke to hosts, Leigh and Tegan, about the different types of centres out there and the benefits of sending your little ones to childcare, as well as offering his own ‘personal childcare tips and tricks’ to all the parents out there who are currently looking at day-cares for the little ones. We understand how BIG of a decision it is when you are leaving your pride and joy to the hands of a stranger for the first time, so we hope this podcast sheds some light to all those who are contemplating childcare or are still looking for the right place for their little ones.
A massive thank you to the hosts, Leigh and Tegan and the whole Mamamia team for giving us this exciting opportunity to share with you our little world that we call Little Scholars.
If you want to listen to the full episode, you can listen here: Little Kids: Everything You Need To Know About Daycare (mamamia.com.au)
“Every child deserves the best start to life.”
– Carly Fradgley
We are thrilled to announce we have partnered up with a Queensland non-profit organisation, Baby Give Back, which seriously tugs on the heart strings for us as this charity is doing exceptional things with helping support families with newborn babies who are undergoing any form of hardship. We can only imagine the emotional stress these families go through when faced in these circumstances, however, to know such an astounding charity is out there doing everything they can to ensure these vulnerable families are supported and have access to the essentials needed for their families really shows that there are guardian angels out there.
Baby Give Back are passionate about helping vulnerable babies, children and families in our community and they work tirelessly to ensure that these families receive the best possible support and care when it comes to making sure these babies all have an equal chance of life.
From collecting clothing and nappies to cots, car seats and prams in a warehouse, Baby Give Back goes through a thorough process ensuring every item they collect is safe and is in a good condition, as well as providing customised orders to meet the needs of each family’s needs and circumstances. The lengths Baby Give Back go to make sure these families feel the love and compassion of their community is so overwhelmingly heartfelt, and it is a privilege to be partnered up with such an amazing charity.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we could not think of a more urgent time to assist with Baby Give Back, as they have been busier than ever before and with the $15,000 donation we have pledged to the non-profit organisation, this will allow 120 additional children directly with the essential items needed to start a safe life. Although it is not just a monetary donation we have promised, it goes far beyond that with our partnership allowing us to provide; 100 boxes of nappies per year, promotional opportunities across our ten Little Scholar campuses and so much more!
At Little Scholars, we believe that babies and children deserve to be nurtured and provided with utmost care, love and shelter and support and the early years is so predominant in a child’s life, we feel privileged to be working with a charity who provides the tools and relief in helping vulnerable families in our community. To have the opportunity to share this partnership with our families across all our ten campuses truly brings us a sense of joy knowing that we can spread the word and hope for more on-going support within our community. The community support aligns with our four pillars – grow, inspire, contribute and learn and we feel so warm in our hearts to know that our community, as well as the Baby Give Back community will do everything in their power to ensure the Baby Give Back mission is continued.
We are so excited to share with our community the launch of our George St Valet Service, our first ever Valet service for the hard-working families of Brisbane CBD who are looking to save some hours during the week, or are hoping for a more convenient drop off on the way to work. We know how time consuming it can be every morning when you are stuck in traffic or stressed looking for a park during ‘drop offs’ but do not worry! We are here to help and make your life easier.
After completing a survey with our George St fam, it became clear that the most challenging element of their daily commute was finding parking, an elevator trip, hand over of belongings and the anxious goodbye – which can all take 30 minutes every morning. To create a less stressful childcare experience for both children and parents we thought it was only necessary to introduce a smoother drop off alternative for those parents who need it. Particularly now that more parents have returned to work in the city since the second wave of lockdowns, we can only imagine how busy the roads have become and that alone is stressful so we hope to bring some relief to our parents busy work schedules.
At Little Scholars, we try to make the lives of our children and parents as enjoyable and smooth as possible, and so far, our Centre Manager, Ricky Glasson, has reassured us that they already have numerous parents using the valet service on a daily basis, and the families utilizing this service has made their mornings more enjoyable, and for some families it meant they had more time to read with their children in the mornings, or even a spare moment grab a quick coffee before starting work. The most important thing is making sure you and your children feel secure and we can assure you that our valet service implements a safe ‘drop and go’ meeting point on a nearby main road, with our campus educators assisting children out of their cars and then into the centre.
We hope our lovely George Street community enjoy this new valet service, and if you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us.
By introducing children to the people and places around them at an early age, your child will begin to establish a sense of familiarity and recognise first-hand the importance of belonging to a community. As part of their community involvement program, Little Scholars partners with local schools, libraries, emergency services and other community groups, allowing your child to learn about and respect the roles that people play within their community.
At Little Scholars, strong community relationships play a large role in their creative programming and developing these connections at a young age can teach children valuable life skills. Little Scholars combines their innovative philosophy with a unique combination of extra-curricular programs to give your little scholar the opportunity to participate in yoga, music, gardening and language classes – interacting with local community experts along the way. Through these interactions, your child will learn how people from throughout the community can actively come together to create a safe and welcoming place.
The Little Scholars community also extends to the natural environment, teaching your little scholar to appreciate all of the gifts that the great outdoors has to offer. Our Bush Kindy program extends outside of the classroom, giving your child the opportunity to explore local bushlands and beaches and appreciate time spent in the natural world. Taking this a step further, Little Scholars’ environmental strategy teaches children about the importance of respecting plants, animals and the earth by protecting the environment through sustainable practices.
The Little Scholars community also extends to the natural environment, teaching your little scholar to appreciate all of the gifts that the great outdoors has to offer. Our Bush Kindy program extends outside of the classroom, giving your child the opportunity to explore local bushlands and beaches and appreciate time spent in the natural world. Taking this a step further, Little Scholars’ environmental strategy teaches children about the importance of respecting plants, animals and the earth by protecting the environment through sustainable practices.
Part of the community-based programming at Little Scholars is teaching children the importance of giving back. Baby Give Back is passionate about helping vulnerable babies, children, and families in our community. The charity works tirelessly to ensure that these families receive the best possible support and care when making sure these babies all have an equal chances in life. We encourage our children and our families to support Baby Give Back by donating needed items and volunteering their time.
Contact Little Scholars today to learn more about how the Little Scholars community can give your child the confidence and social awareness they need to go out into the world and shine!
Navigating your child’s early years requires access to reliable, evidence-based information. To support your journey, we have curated a comprehensive directory of the best Australian resources for parents. From government-approved childcare guides to expert insights on developmental milestones, these trusted websites provide the essential tools you need to foster your child’s growth and well-being within the Australian early childhood education framework.
Startingblocks.gov.au is a new, family friendly resource available to help new parents answer child care questions and better understand the benefits of early childhood education and care. It offers helpful tips for parents on early childhood development and what to look for to ensure their child gets a quality care and learning experience. Starting Blocks is brought to you by ACECQA.
Raising Children Network is the complete resource for Australian parents, taking you from pregnancy to newborns to teenagers. We offer evidence-based content you can trust on hundreds of topics about raising children and looking after yourself as a parent.
You can find information and activities specific to your child and family, based on age, relationship, location and activity preferences. Tips and information on supporting your child’s early learning and development through play, care, encouragement, numeracy (read & count) and literacy (talk & listen) or sort by age to find content relevant to your child.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies is a national research and information agency on children and families in Australia. Includes research, publications, online library, and further links and resources for professionals.
The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) is a national collaboration of eminent experts disseminating knowledge about problems and solutions to issues affecting children and young people.
As Australia’s peak national non-government cancer control organisation, Cancer Council Australia advises the Australian Government and other bodies on practices and policies to help prevent, detect and treat cancer. Cancer Council Australia launched the national SunSmart Schools program in 1998. The program has grown rapidly and there are now more than 2500 SunSmart schools and 3500 SunSmart childcare centres across the country.
The Centre for Community Child Health is an internationally recognised centre of excellence supporting and empowering communities to continually improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life of children and their families, now and for the future.
The Department of Social Services is responsible for helping to support Australian families and children. The Families and Children section of this website provides detailed information on the various forms of assistance available including programs, services, benefits and payments.
The Department of Human Services is responsible for the development of Australian Government service delivery policy and offers a range of social, health and other payments and services. Support is available through Medicare, Centrelink, the Child Support program, CRS Australia and Australian Hearing. You can go directly to the Medicare program or the Centrelink program.
The Department of Health is responsible for supporting better health and active ageing for all Australians. Information is available on a wide range of conditions and diseases, education and prevention, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues and topics relevant to ageing and aged care.
Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA) is a national forum for promotion of early intervention for infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families, including workshops, seminars and conferences to facilitate quality service provision.
Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) is a not-for-profit, peak membership organisation representing the voice of parents and early learning providers. ELAA represents over 1200 early childhood services, including stand-alone kindergartens, cluster managers, integrated services, long day care centres, local government, government and independent schools, and before and after-school care providers, and provides a range of resources, advisory, training, and advocacy services.
Family Assistance Offices have been set up in Medicare offices and Centrelink Customer Service Centres across the country, offering a range of payments to support families with their work and family responsibilities. It gives Australian families better access to government services. Instead of going to different agencies to get family assistance, families are able to get all their payments from just one place – the Family Assistance Office. Financial assistance includes the Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Benefit, Child Care Rebate and Baby Bonus. The Family Assistance Program is the responsibility of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Good Beginnings builds better outcomes for children in vulnerable communities through effective early intervention programs. Good Beginnings provides free early childhood and practical parenting programs for children and families across Australia, based at their Early Years Centres or home visits.
The Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association provides support, advice and advocacy for parents in isolated communities. It is a voluntary national parent body dedicated to ensuring that all geographically isolated students have equality with their non-isolated peers, of access to an appropriate education.
Mychild is Australia’s online childcare portal containing information for families, carers and providers. The website provides information about children’s early learning, care and wellbeing. It includes information on different types of childcare, how to access help with the cost of childcare, a searchable database of local child care services, other relevant links and support.
The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute is dedicated to finding ways to prevent and treat conditions affecting babies, children and adolescents, helping them lead happy, healthy lives. The Institute has close partnerships with the Royal Children’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne.
The National Out of School Hours Services Association (NOSHSA) is a network of all Australian State and Territory Out of School Hours Services Associations. These organisations promote provision of Out of School Hours Services and act as a united voice to advocate both to Government and the community for excellence in service provision.
An independent, non-profit research and development organisation focused on supporting parents through the development of resources, programs and policies based on scientific evidence.
Playgroup Australia is the national peak and administrative body for playgroups in Australia.
The Raising Children Network Website provides centralised, Australian-focused, evidence based information for parents and carers of children from birth to fifteen years of age. It also provides information for those who work with parents.
The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) is the national non government peak body in Australia representing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families
Our Kindergarten children had the opportunity to visit The Volunteer Marine Rescue at Jacobs Well recently.
This was a great opportunity for us to further engage with the people and services within our community. The children got to visit the control room and listen in on some communication, they also got to explore one of the rescue boats that was parked in the rescue office. The children had a fabulous time and learnt lots about the great service that the VMR offer.
We have an exciting new program coming to our centres on Fridays… Bush Kinder!
Our bush kinder will provide a valuable natural kindergarten experience for 4-year-old kinder children enrolled at Little Scholars.
A forest kindergarten is a type of preschool education for children held almost exclusively outdoors. Whatever the weather, children are encouraged to take the lead in playing, exploring and learning in a forest or natural environment.
Bush Kinder is a special part of a Little Scholars’ total kinder experience. A model to suit our community’s and children’s specific needs. It recognises the place the bush has in Australian folklore and the significance of the land in aboriginal culture. It draws upon and extends the existing philosophy of Little Scholars to offer a unique educational program.
No toys, No tools, No art supplies
The children and adults benefit from using only what nature has provided.
“Outdoor spaces with plants, trees, rocks, mud and water invite open ended interactions, spontaneity, risk taking and a connection with nature” (NQS, QA 3 Physical environment).
Please speak to your Little Scholars Kinder teacher or Centre Manger for more details for your centre.
We are excited to announce the release of our 1st Edition of our Little Scholars Family Cookbook. In Conjuction with our families and the Little Scholars community we have gathered all of our favourite recipes for everyone to share. From our schoolies, to our Chinese teacher, everyone has been involved. We wish to thank everyone for their input and we hope you enjoy our Little Scholars Family Cookbook.
For your copy of the Little Scholars Family Cookbook, please speak with Tayla or Rachel today.
The natural environment is an integral part of our program at Little Scholars, our educators plan a wide range of experiences outdoors to allow children to explore nature and the environment.
Our first week at Little Scholars Stapylton was amazing. It reconfirms why we do what we do. Watching the faces of the new Little Scholars as they set about exploring the centre was wonderful.
The Little Scholars got to feed the goldfish, plant vegetables seedlings, water the new plants and lots of fun activities. They loved breaking in all the new play equipment, using all the new craft supplies, meeting the local community and cooking fresh meals with our new chef.
We have new families starting all the time but places are filling fast.
For centre tours of Little Scholars Stapylton please call Rachel on 3804 7831, or email [email protected] or go to www.mylittlescholars.com.au for more information.
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
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