For many parents, walking into a childcare centre for the first time comes with a mix of nerves, hope and a hundred questions. During a tour at Little Scholars, something important usually happens – families start to picture their child here, happy, settled and thriving. That is often the moment they understand why 9 out of 10 parents who visit our campuses decide to enrol.

Here’s what parents tell us makes all the difference.

They Feel Their Child Is Genuinely Known

One of the first things families notice is how personal the experience is.

During every tour, our educators ask about each child’s interests, comfort items, allergies, routines and quirks — not out of obligation, but because we want to understand who your little one is before they even start.

Little Scholars is intentionally built around a warm, community feel. Parents tell us it feels like an extension of their family: educators who remember children’s favourite stories, who celebrate milestones, and who build relationships with parents from day one.

It’s that sense of belonging that makes the very first drop-off a little easier.

A close-up, brightly lit photo showing a smiling female educator wearing a black Little Scholars uniform and a white wristwatch, making a peace sign (two fingers up) while looking at a young girl. The girl, who has her hair tied up in playful knots, is sitting opposite her at a table, also holding up a peace sign. Both are engaged in an activity, and the girl holds a red pencil. A woven basket of colored pencils sits on the table between them, and a green potted plant is visible in the background.

Holistic, Play-Based Programs That Go Far Beyond “Standard Childcare”

Our philosophy is simple: children learn best through play, exploration, imagination and real-world experiences.

Across our Gold Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich and Redland Bay campuses, children enjoy:

Parents consistently tell us these are the things that set Little Scholars apart and make early learning feel meaningful.

Safe, Beautiful Environments Designed for Wonder

A tour gives families a true feel for our campuses: the learning environments, the natural materials, the artwork created by children, the soft lighting and the open-ended, nature-inspired play spaces.

Outdoors, you’ll find large shaded areas, sand pits, climbing structures, gardens and spaces thoughtfully designed for curiosity and safe risk-taking.

Behind the scenes, we take safety seriously:

  • Secure entry systems
  • Strong supervision practices
  • Sun-safety commitments
  • Purpose-built rooms for different age groups
  • Regular safety training for all team members

Parents consistently tell us our environments “just feel right” — clean, calm and full of possibility.

Nutrition and Wellbeing Included (and Loved by Parents)

One of the biggest surprises for new families is how much is included in our daily nutrition program.

With seasonal meals prepared fresh by our in-house chefs, a typical day might include:

  • Breakfast (on request)
  • Morning tea
  • A nutritious, balanced lunch
  • Afternoon tea
  • Plenty of water and hydration
  • Late afternoon snack (if required)
  • Allergy-friendly options

Parents love that Little Scholars removes the pressure of meal prep — and that their children are trying (and loving!) new foods every day.

Support for the Whole Family, Not Just the Child

We know parents are juggling a lot, so our support extends well beyond the classroom.

Across our campuses, families have access to a “village” of services and supports, including:

  • Exclusive Family Time program, offering onsite specialist appointments, kindy hair cuts, dental and optical check-ups, take-home meals, and more!
  • Extra-curricular programs 
  • Flexible long daycare hours
  • Our family communication app
  • Campus events and celebrations
  • Parent education sessions

Families tell us this makes childcare feel easier, more connected, and more supportive of their lifestyle and work commitments.

Proven Outcomes and Confident School Readiness

One of the most common things we hear from our Kindergarten parents is “I can’t believe how ready they were.”

Our school readiness program builds independence, emotional resilience, social confidence and foundational literacy and numeracy skills — all embedded in hands-on, play-based experiences.

We’ve seen children who once struggled with separations now walking confidently into Prep with their friends. We’ve watched quieter children find their voice, and energetic children channel their curiosity into problem-solving and teamwork.

These are the moments families remember most.

Referral Program Little Scholars School Of Early Learning

Common Questions From Families (and Our Honest Answers)

What if my child struggles with separation?

Our educators support gentle, consistent routines and communicate closely with you. Most children adjust far more quickly than parents expect. We’ve written a blog on our tips and tricks for dealing with separation anxiety so be sure to check it out! 

We encourage you to visit, ask questions, meet the educators and see the environment firsthand. Transparency and open communication are core to how we operate.

We offer a variety of options that can be tailored to meet the individual needs of every child, however you’ll find that within our relaxed, shared mealtimes, even the fussiest of eaters are often trying new foods!

Ready to See for Yourself Why 9 in 10 Families Enrol?

We’d love to welcome you to your nearest Little Scholars campus.

  • Book a tour at any of our 17 campuses across Gold Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich or Redland Bay. 
  • Call our enrolments team on 1300 896 139 for any questions or personal guidance.
  • Check out ourFirst Day at Little Scholars” guide to help you prepare.

Your child’s early years matter, and Little Scholars is here to make them extraordinary.

Everything Australian families need to know about the new 3 Day Guarantee and more affordable childcare in 2026

A brighter future for families is on the way. Starting 5 January 2026, the child care subsidy 2026 changes will introduce the new 3 Day Guarantee, giving CCS eligible families access to three full days (36 hours) of subsidised childcare per week – no matter how many hours you work or study.

At Little Scholars, we know how important affordable, flexible care is for families, and we’re here to help you understand what these changes mean for you. 

What Is the 3 Day Guarantee?

The 3 Day Guarantee is part of upcoming changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). It removes the strict work and study requirements previously tied to accessing subsidised hours of care according to the Department of Education.

Here’s what families can expect from 2026: 

  • No minimum activity hours required to access three days of subsidised care per week 
  • Up to 100 subsidised hours per fortnight for families who meet the activity test 
  • 100 hours guaranteed for families caring for First Nations children 

This means more affordable care, more flexibility, and more opportunities for your child to thrive in early learning.

Not sure how much Child Care Subsidy you might be entitled to? Use our online Child Care Subsidy Calculator 

Why the CCS Changes Matter for Families?

For many families, these changes will mean thousands of dollars in savings each year. But beyond the financial relief, it means every child has the opportunity to access quality early education – the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and wellbeing. 

Grandparents And Granddaughters Enjoying Learning At Little Scholars

Why Choose Little Scholars for Your Child’s Care?

With your three guaranteed days of subsidised care, your child will experience the very best in early education across our purpose-built campuses.

Nature play and outdoor learning

Children connect with the natural world through exploration and play.

Extra-curricular programs for every interest

Bush, Beach, and Pram-kinder programs, music, dance, sport, soccer, swimming, gardening and more.

University-qualified educators & kindergarten program

Experienced teachers deliver our nationally recognised Kindergarten program.

Innovative learning with STEM and WonderNest Virtual Reality

At Little Scholars, children engage with STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through hands-on, play-based experiences. Alongside our brand-new, Australian-first, WonderNest Virtual Reality program, opening new worlds of discovery and learning for kindergarten children in 2026.

A warm, family-first environment

Every child is more than just a number, they are part of our family. We provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children feel valued, celebrated, and encouraged to be themselves.

Our educators take the time to understand each child’s unique personality, interests, and learning style. This personalised approach to childcare ensures that every child feels a sense of belonging while developing confidence and independence.

Families choose Little Scholars because we combine high-quality early learning programs with a genuine family-first philosophy. From the moment you step into our campuses, you’ll see children thriving in a space that feels like home – where safety, wellbeing, and happiness come first.

Enrolments for 2026 Are Now Open

With the 3 Day Guarantee set to launch in 2026, we anticipate an incredible level of interest and demand across our campuses. If you are a current family and your current CCS entitlement is less than 72 hours per fortnight, please speak with your Campus Manager to learn more about the 3 Day Guarantee and how to optimise your Child Care Subsidy. 
 
If  you are looking to enrol your child, you can book a tour at your local Little Scholars Campus or chat with our enrolments team on 1300 896 139 to see how your family could benefit from the CCS changes.  

Logo
Come and see the Little Scholars difference

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!

Come and see the Little Scholars difference

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!

Pram Pals

Fill in the form to join your local Pram Pals mums and bubs walk