Everyone is welcome at C&K! A guide for families from different cultures and languages

Every early childhood service is made up of families with different cultures, languages and identities. These differences are important and should be seen, heard and celebrated. Choosing the right early learning place for your child is an important decision.

At C&K kindergartens and childcare centres, we want every child and family to feel welcome, respected, and valued. No matter what language you speak at home — English, Mandarin, Korean, Samoan, Spanish or any other language — your culture, traditions, and values matter. They are an important part of who your child is, and we respect this every day.

Speaking more than one language is a strength. At C&K, we encourage families to keep using their home language at home. We also create opportunities for children to hear and connect with their home language at our centres. We have many Culturally and Linguistically Diverse staff, and some may even speak the same language as you and your child. At the same time, we support children to learn and develop English through play and everyday experiences.

Keeping home languages and cultural connections strong helps children feel confident and proud of who they are. Research shows that supporting a child’s first language helps their learning, identity and future language development.

We understand that choosing childcare can feel difficult, especially if the education system is different from your home country. Our centres aim to be culturally safe places where all families feel they belong. We want your child to learn and grow in an environment that supports their wellbeing and celebrates who they are.

Read our Parents Guide to Finding the Ideal Early Learning Centre to learn more about the different early childhood services that C&K offers.

Your family’s culture is valued here

When you choose C&K, you become part of a community where your voice matters. We see parents and families as children’s first teachers. We value your knowledge, experiences, and ideas.

Families are invited to be involved in decisions about their child’s care and learning. Our educators create learning spaces and daily experiences that reflect and celebrate each family’s culture, traditions, and values. We want children to see themselves, their families, and their stories in meaningful ways.

At C&K, we listen, learn and work alongside families so every child and every family feels truly welcome.

How C&K can support your family

Our teams can help with enrolment forms and communication with family members. We can also work with interpreters, translators, or bicultural support workers, especially during your first days at the centre.

Benefits of learning through play at C&K

Children benefit from:

• Learning in a small, supportive classroom.
• Building independence and confidence.
• Developing early reading, communication, and numeracy skills.
• Strengthening social and emotional skills.
• Improving physical skills and coordination.
• Using creativity and imagination.

Starting kindy at the beginning of Term 1 helps children settle and learn. With Free Kindy, eligible children can receive 15 hours per week at no cost. Places are limited, so find your local C&K and enrol early.

Families are welcome to visit, call, or speak with a centre team member directly to ask questions and learn more. We’re here to help, every step of the way.