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Find out more about professional development and training opportunities at C&K.
View our vacant positions to find a better way with C&K.
Discover the career opportunities and pathways available at C&K.
View details of our Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification.
Learn more about C&K's Diploma qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care
Build your skills in early childhood education and care in the workplace with a C&K Traineeship or Apprenticeship
Contact us for more information about the C&K College of Early Childhood
Early childhood curriculum for children from birth to 5.
How we support our vision where every child flourishes.
Connecting and learning together in early education.
Experienced and passionate leaders supporting C&K's workforce.
Committed to working towards reconciliation in the early years.
The latest sector news, inspiration, insights and tips for families and professionals.
Discover C&K's key publications, including annual reports and strategic plans.
Providing high standards of early childhood education and care together.
On Tuesday, July 1st, under the warm sun and crisp winds of a perfect winter’s day in Meanjin, something special happened. Ninety passionate Kindy educators came together with eight talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives and three community organisations for a day of creativity, culture, and deep connection.
The gathering took place at Koobara Kindergarten and Pre-prep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, where the grounds transformed into a vibrant hub of learning, storytelling, and community. The cool breeze carried voices, songs, and laughter across the space, and a crackling fire invited us to sit, yarn, and reflect.
The day began with Waveney Yasso’s heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, sung beneath the big gum tree that became the central meeting point throughout the day. This space, surrounded by camp chairs filled with shared meals and deep conversations, grounding us in place and purpose. Some of us were lucky enough to spend time with Waveney learning about how we can create our own meaningful Acknowledgements.
The Mabaigal team took participants on a sensory journey through Zenadth Kes. With coconut frond weaving, music, and dance led by Josh, the group was immersed in the richness of Torres Strait Islander culture.
Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt and Jacki Ferro brought their children’s book series Spirit of the Dreaming to life through puppetry, language, song, and visual art. Aunty Rhonda, a survivor of the Stolen Generations, shared her personal story with strength and grace. Her biography Alice’s Daughter: Lost Mission Child resonated deeply, leaving many moved and eager to share her books with their communities.
Later, Aunty Rhonda joined the fireplace for more storytelling—her presence a beacon of resilience and wisdom.
Norton introduced the group to traditional techniques of twine-making with raffia, which were then transformed into handmade brushes. Participants explored ink artwork inspired by the native quandong seed, blending cultural learning with tactile creativity.
Joe from Koobara shared stories of the "Koobara Way" and their practice of slow pedagogy—a meaningful approach grounded in patience, connection, and culture.
Mandy from Deadly Dot Pots guided participants in painting terracotta pots using Aboriginal symbols and dot techniques, sparking conversations around storytelling through art.
Caleb from Yangga Art showcased traditional artefacts, explaining their significance and inspiring educators to meaningfully incorporate these into early learning environments.
As the wind picked up and our time together came to an end, Aunty Deb Jackson led a calming session of “Heads, Shoulders, Breath and Pose” yoga. It was a peaceful conclusion to a day filled with vibrant energy and emotional depth.
Throughout the event, The Benevolent Society, First Five Forever, and the Deadly Kindies teams were on hand to share their expertise and ongoing work in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
This was more than just a professional development day—it was a gathering of hearts and minds, of stories and songs, of ancient wisdom and modern practice. Participants left inspired, empowered, and committed to weaving what they’d learned into their classrooms and communities.
The threads of creativity, culture, and connection that were spun on this special day will continue to ripple outward—strengthening relationships, deepening understanding, and celebrating and bringing through the voices and knowledge of First Nations peoples in early childhood education.
This event made possible with thanks to:
• Apple Berries Early Education Centre
• Burpengary Play and Learn
• C&K Woodford Community Kindergarten
• C&K Caboolture Community Kindergarten & Preschool
• C&K Walkervale Community Kindergarten
• C&K Tewantin Community Childcare Centre
• C&K Beachmere Community Kindergarten
• Caboolture Apex Kindergarten & Preschool
• Green Leaves Early Learning Murrumba Downs
• Karalee Kindergarten & Early Years Learning
During National Reconciliation Week, three C&K kindergarten directors from Woodford, Acacia Ridge and Kirwan shared reflections on their ongoing reconciliation journeys. Their stories show how early education environments can honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and cultures through everyday relationships, respect and community connection.
Their stories demonstrate the teams’ commitment to learning alongside children and families. They all concluded the positive impact on their communities when reconciliation is embedded in their daily work, in how educators plan and teach, how children connect with Country, and how families feel seen and supported.
“Our organisation is on a journey of reconciliation,” said C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman. “It is not something you set aside for special events. When culture is embedded meaningfully in daily practice, it strengthens learning, relationships, and a child’s sense of identity. That’s what high-quality early education looks like.”
At C&K Woodford Community Kindergarten, reconciliation is a daily commitment shaped by community, reflection and learning. Guided by Director Chloe Wardle and Quandamooka educator Rachael, the team began with a cultural pulse check and transformed their entrance with Jinibara artwork and stories. A study tour to Waiben (Thursday Island) sparked deeper changes. From kai kai cooking and weaving with children, to Floral Fridays and a growing bush tucker garden.
“We were determined to build our cultural capability — we just needed to know where to start,” the team shared. “Now we are embedding this knowledge in everything we do.”
At C&K Acacia Ridge, reconciliation is built on strong relationships with local Elders and a commitment to learning through culture. With guidance from Aunty Marg and her daughters Charlene and Tracey, the team co-developed a reconciliation vision, and embedded Yuggera language and songs into daily practice. Charlene, a local artist, is now working with children to create meaningful murals that reflect community stories and strength.
“It’s not just about including culture, it’s about learning through it,” said Director Renee Randall. “The knowledge shared by Elders has reshaped how we think, plan and teach.”
At C&K Kirwan Community Kindergarten, Director Kylie Krawczyk shared that her team explored how non-Indigenous educators can authentically embed First Nations perspectives through a year-long Community of Practice. Children now help lead cultural rituals and a local Torres Strait Islander family contributes language and weaving to the program.
“This journey has changed how I see my role,” Kylie said. “It is no longer about adding culture in. It is about creating a space where culture is already lived and recognised.”
Each of these centres are supported by Kindy Uplift funding, a Queensland Government initiative to improve outcomes in areas of greatest need. The work being shared reflects what culturally responsive education can look like when relationships are strong and practice is thoughtful.
“These stories remind us that reconciliation is something we live every day. When we walk alongside community, we help children grow up connected, capable and proud.”
For media inquiries, please contact: media@candk.asn.au
C&K is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Megan Gibson as the new Chair of the C&K Board.
A long-time advocate for children and early education, Dr Gibson brings a unique blend of sector knowledge, governance expertise and lifelong connection to C&K. Her experience spans from attending a C&K kindy herself, to being a director at a C&K centre, to serving on the Board for nearly a decade.
“It’s an incredible honour to step into the role of Chair,” Dr Gibson said. “C&K has shaped so much of my life and career, and I’m proud to lead a Board that puts children at the heart of our decisions.”
Dr Gibson has chaired the C&K Early Years and Innovation Committee and was on the inaugural C&K Building Waterfalls Curriculum Committee. She is committed to ensuring C&K’s Reconciliation Action Plan is authentically and deeply embedded across the organisation, including at Board level.
An Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, Dr Gibson is a nationally respected researcher and educator in early childhood workforce development. Her work has informed major national studies into educator attraction, wellbeing, and retention.
C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman welcomed the appointment, saying: “Megan brings deep sector insight, strong governance acumen and a genuine passion for C&K. We’re thrilled to have her leadership as we continue to grow our impact for children, families and communities across Queensland.”
C&K is one of Queensland’s largest not-for-profit early childhood education providers, with a 117-year legacy of putting children first.
Finding the right early childhood education setting for your child is a significant decision. As you prepare to tour potential centres during Open Week or at any time, here's what to observe and ask to help you make an informed choice for your family.
The environments
Pay attention to the physical space and atmosphere:
The educators, teachers and support staff
Observe how staff interact with children:
The Program
Understanding the educational approach is crucial:
Key questions to ask
Trust your instincts
Beyond facilities and programs, notice how you and your child feel in the space. The right centre should feel welcoming and align with your family's values and your child's personality and needs.
Remember that no question is too small when it comes to your child's care and education. Quality educators will appreciate your engagement and thoughtful questions about your child's well-being and development.
Take your time with this decision and visit multiple centres to see what environment feels right for your family. Open Week is the perfect time to visit and see the regular flow of children and educators in the centre. There are over 170 events happening Queensland wide during 2-7 June. Click here to find your nearest event and RSVP now!
Some combinations just make sense: cheese and vegemite, sausage sizzles and Bunnings, chocolate and strawberries, picnics and parks. And that’s exactly how we feel about our latest partnership with C&K The Creche and Kindergarten Association coming on board as Principal Partner of QPAC’s Out of the Box festival and Supporting Partner of QPAC.
It’s an obvious alignment of both organisations’ values and shared philosophies to nurture and inspire children and to create immersive experiences for children to connect, explore and learn. C&K teachers and educators are encouraged to express their own individual teaching styles and artistic skills to foster creative thinking and inventiveness in the children under their care. An approach very much supported by the programmatic intent of Out of the Box.
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy said it was vital for QPAC to partner with organisations that believe in the power of the arts and the important role the arts can play in contributing to a more cohesive and inclusive society.
“We’re thrilled to welcome C&K to the Out of the Box family knowing that they share our commitment to instilling a lifelong love of the arts in children from the very earliest years,” Ms Healy said.
“We have great admiration for the way that C&K weaves creativity into all that they do and that they prioritise immersive arts experience for both their educators and children.
“Out of the Box is an extension of what happens in C&K centres around Australia every day through music, movement, drama and storytelling, so to have such a respected education-focused organisation alongside our festival is a great boost.
“We believe very strongly in the importance of arts education and every component of Out of the Box is curated in consultation with education and arts specialists to ensure the festival has an impact well beyond the children’s experience onsite.
“Having C&K on board means the reach of Out of the Box can be extended beyond the festival itself as educators are themselves inspired to make the arts even more a part of what they do each day.”
More than one million children have taken part in Out of the Box festival since its beginnings in 1992.
“It fills our hearts to meet parents bringing their children to the festival that they themselves attended as a kindy kid, and to see educators passionate about their students attending because their own love of the arts began at Out of the Box.”
C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman said, “Together with QPAC, we’re creating something special: stronger community connections, fantastic professional development for our workforce, and discovering new ways of recognising the joy of learning, accomplishment, and mastery.”
“The arts inject fun and joy into the lives of children, teachers and educators. We’re excited to see how this partnership will strengthen the creativity, playfulness, and connections that blossom in our settings.”
“Through this partnership, it is our hope to encourage more engagement in the arts for educators and children in our centres. Engaging in the arts is an important component of learning and discovering in early childhood. It helps children develop creativity, confidence, communication and social skills, as well as inspires educators to connect with their own creativity when bringing well-loved stories, music and visual arts into the learning environment.” Dr Cheeseman said
“A focus in C&K centres is to inspire a child’s curiosity for self-expression through the arts.
“We’re also excited for the professional development opportunities that our educators will experience through the partnership with QPAC, which will strengthen their creative practices and see the arts embedded in new and joyful ways in our centres.”
Ms Healy said that one of the key ingredients in the festival’s success has always been the commitment to putting children at its centre.
“Every step of the Out of the Box journey is taken with children in mind, from the development of new work and the curation of in-theatre productions and workshops through to the thoughtfully adapted onsite experience to ensure a welcoming and child-friendly environment,” she said.
“This child-centred approach is yet another value we share with C&K, and what makes this partnership just perfect.”
You're Invited to Open Day!
Join us for our Open Day event on the 23rd July at 3PM , where we warmly welcome families to explore our centre and discover how we create a nurturing environment for children to learn, play, grow, and flourish. Experience firsthand the joy and support that have made a positive difference for so many families before.
Come and meet our dedicated educators, see our engaging learning spaces, and feel the vibrant community that makes our centre special. We can't wait to share this journey with you.
C&K has proudly nurtured Queensland children for 116 years. As a not-for-profit organisation, we always put children at the centre of everything we do and deliver innovative early learning programs that honour every child's curiosity, individuality and potential.
We look forward to welcoming you! 💛
You're invited to our Kindy Open Afternoon taking place on Monday 23 June from 3.00pm-4.30pm.
We warmly welcome families to explore our Kindy and discover how we create a nurturing environment for children to learn, play, grow, and flourish.
Come and meet our dedicated educators, explore our engaging play for learning spaces, and feel the culturally diverse and vibrant community that makes our Kindy so special.
Bicultural support available for Somali and Vietnamese children and families.
Experience firsthand the joy and support that have made a positive difference for so many families before. We can't wait to share this journey with you.
Searching for the right childcare or kindergarten can be challenging. Many factors must be considered before making this important choice, including location, availability, routines, quality ratings, educator experience, resources and inclusions, and, of course, the feel of the centre.
We have been learning, growing and playing alongside children for over one hundred years, and our top tip when choosing the right centre for your child is to visit and experience the magic of C&K yourself.
Every year, we invite our families and community to Open Week, which runs from Monday, June 2, to Saturday, June 7, across 170 early childhood education and care centres Queensland-wide!
Open Week provides a wonderful opportunity for families to step inside our vibrant learning environments, meet our passionate educators, and witness firsthand the magic that happens in our warm, welcoming spaces dedicated to childhood growth and discovery.
During Open Week, you'll have the chance to:
Every child deserves a supportive and inclusive environment where they can explore, create, and develop at their own pace. Our centres are committed to providing exactly that—spaces where curiosity is encouraged, independence is fostered, and the joy of childhood is celebrated daily.
Whether you're considering options to begin your child’s early learning journey, or looking to make a change, Open Week offers the perfect opportunity to find the right fit for your family.
Visit any participating centres between June 2 and 7 to experience the magic of childhood education for yourself. Add your postcode or suburb below to find your nearest Open Week event and RSVP now!
You're Invited to our Open Day!
Join us for our Open Week event, where we warmly welcome families to explore our centre and discover how we create a nurturing environment for children to learn, play, grow, and flourish. Experience firsthand the joy and support that have made a positive difference for so many families before.
C&K has proudly nurtured Queensland children for 116 years. As a not-for-profit organisation, we always put children at the centre of everything we do, and deliver innovative early learning programs that honour every child's curiosity, individuality and potential.
UPDATED DATE - NOW ON WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE!
You're Invited to our open week Twighlight tour!
Join us for our Wednesday Twighlight Tour, where we warmly welcome families to explore our centre and discover how we create a nurturing environment for children to learn, play, grow, and flourish. Experience firsthand the joy and support that have made a positive difference for so many families before.
Come and meet our dedicated educators, see our engaging learning spaces, and feel the vibrant community that makes our centre special. This event will run from 5:00pm-6:30pm on Wednesday, 3 June. We can't wait to share this journey with you.
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