Test Affiliated Centre

3.5 years - 5 years

Test Affiliated Centre

****THIS IS A TEST AFFILIATED CENTRE****

Welcome to our kindy!

As an affiliated centre of C&K, this centre receives support from C&K as the Central Governing Body but operates as an independent incorporated association managed by a volunteer management committee. Centres affiliated with C&K receive comprehensive support in governance, including managing kindergarten and inclusion funding, training for committees and educators, advice and support regarding inclusion, use of the C&K brand, curriculum approach and resource materials.

C&K set to deliver new year pay rise

6th December 2024
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C&K is set to deliver a historic pay rise in the new year after a record 98% yes vote to approve a new enterprise agreement.

C&K CEO Dr. Sandra Cheeseman said the approval marked a significant milestone in supporting workforce retention and strengthening the early childhood education sector.

“We’ve been advocating for our dedicated workforce to be recognised for their valuable work for a long time. The Australian Government’s investment in the ECEC workforce (through the Worker Retention Payment Grant) is a significant step forward for our sector – we are thrilled to sign up.”

Dr Cheeseman said. “Our teachers and educators are at the heart of the transformative work we do with children and families. This agreement reinforces our commitment to providing competitive and rewarding conditions for our employees.”

“I thank our staff and the United Worker’s Union for their commitment to support the proposed agreement and sharing our desire for employees to receive the funded wage increase as soon as possible.” “This pay rise builds on C&K’s proud history of valuing our workforce by paying above-award wages.”

Dr Cheeseman said eligible staff would receive the initial 10% award wage increase early in the new year, and the remaining 5% in December 2025. “This grant enables us to recognise the expertise of our qualified workforce and retain their skills, which are essential for delivering high-quality education and care,” Dr Cheeseman said.

“While we’re grateful that our staff in Child Care Subsidy-funded centres will be recognised with this grant, we continue to strongly advocate for our employees in state-funded kindergartens, who are equally qualified and deserving of the same recognition.”

“As one of Queensland’s largest and oldest early childhood education providers, we remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences for children, while supporting all of the dedicated professionals who make this possible.”

How Intergenerational Programs Transform Community Connections

20th November 2024
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A Thoughtful Approach to Intergenerational Learning

Our program, developed in partnership with Rockpool Residential Aged Care, wasn't just about bringing children and seniors together. It was about creating meaningful, structured interactions that honor the dignity and potential of every participant.

Key design elements included:

  • Comprehensive preparation for children including thoughtful discussions about aging and what aspects of this we would see when the “Grandfriends” visited.
  • Carefully designed environmental adaptations to ensure comfort and accessibility.
  • Regularity of the visits which has allowed deeper connections to be formed.
  • Maintaining a consistent routine of reciprocal visits that occur each Tuesday and Thursday, creating a rhythm that encourages familiarity and trust.
  • C&K’s commitment to the program by establishing the role of Intergenerational Pedagogical Liaison Officer. C&K's Intergenerational Pedagogical Liaison Officer, Robyn Pointing, brings over 30 years' experience in the sector to the role.

More Than Just a Visit: Mutual Enrichment

What emerged was far more than a simple social program. Children and "Grandfriends" began to form genuine connections. The ongoing nature of the program has allowed the relationships between the children and the Grandfriends to grow in ways that go beyond just a visit. The Grandfriends are not just passive participants: they are actively involved in the children’s learning experiences, sharing their wisdom, skills and life stories. Similarly, the children bring joy, energy and curiosity to the Grandfriends, sparking moments of laughter, wonder and even nostalgia.

Benefits of intergenerational relationships for children

  • Social Growth: Develop empathy, emotional security, and improved communication skills.
  • Cognitive Development: Gain knowledge, expand vocabulary, and enhance problem-solving abilities.
  • Community Connection: Build respect, patience, and an appreciation for diversity through meaningful interactions.
  • Personal Confidence: Boost self-esteem and curiosity while exploring new activities and ideas.
  • Shared Joy: Foster mutual happiness and enrich relationships across generations.

The Broader Vision: Sustainable Community Building

The shared vision between C&K and Rockpool of creating enriching experiences for both the children and the Grandfriends recognises the value each generation brings to the other. It's a blueprint for reimagining community care and early education. By recognising that play, joy, and human connection transcend age, we're creating more holistic, empathetic learning environments.

Looking Forward

As we continue to develop and refine this program, our vision extends beyond the walls of our centre. We see potential for:

  • Expanding intergenerational interaction models
  • Creating more inclusive community spaces
  • Challenging preconceptions about aging and childhood

In a world that often segments and separates, programs like these remind us of our shared humanity. They show us that when we create intentional spaces for connection, magic happens.

Special thanks to C&K Intergenerational Pedagogical Liaison Officer, Robyn Pointing, for contributing this article.

C&K appoints Grant Thornton as new external auditor

14th November 2024
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C&K The Creche and Kindergarten Association Limited are pleased to announce the appointment of a new external auditor for the 2024 financial year, Grant Thornton.

C&K's outgoing external auditor, PwC, has been its external auditor for the last ten years. To ensure ongoing independence and oversight, C&K decided to appoint a new external auditor.

Outgoing Auditor:
Details
NameAndrew Weeden
CompanyPwC
Address480 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Incoming Auditor:
Details
NameHannah Hiscox
CompanyGrant Thornton
AddressLevel 18, 145 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

For all media enquiries, please visit https://www.candk.asn.au/media to submit your enquiry or email media@candk.asn.au.

Resisting ‘The Busy Badge’ as a parent - 10 benefits of embracing the slow in the early years

15th October 2024
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At childcare pick up, a friend asks, “How are you?”

You reply, “So busy, really busy”, while simultaneously reading the email from school about the latest head lice outbreak, working out the logistics of stopping at the chemist on the way to swimming lessons – do we need milk? – Teams chat pings – wriggling toddler on your hip.

Familiar? We know being busy is a regular feeling for parents of children of all ages right now. Parents and caregivers are juggling working, life admin, study, socialising, parenting, extra-curricular activities, quality family time, endless notifications, plus clutching moments for exercise, self care, or just a minute to breathe.

The pace in which we do life is faster than ever. The glorification of busy, of achieving things, of filling our days, and our children’s, with places to be and things to accomplish. But children don’t glorify busy. As parents, we need to embrace the slow in their early years. By dedicating unhurried, slow-time with, and for, our children - we can benefit their development in so many ways.

By embracing the slow with babies, toddlers and young children, we can create space for:

Improved communication
Slower interactions encourage deeper conversations and enhanced listening. By taking your time, you give your child the opportunity to observe, understand, and eventually anticipate how you, as an adult in their life, will respond. This approach also helps you notice the subtle cues in your child’s early attempts to communicate. Your attentiveness is key in affirming your bond with your child.

Better observation skills
Children learn to notice details in their environment. Children investigate and learn through their senses; this important process supports the child to make sense of their surroundings.

Stronger relationships
This slowing partnership forges trust and grows the already innately strong attachment between parent and child

Increased independence
Allowing children to complete tasks at their own pace builds confidence and positive self-worth. When children are given opportunities to master real life tasks, they learn that they are active citizens with a part to play in their world.

Improved motor skills
Unhurried physical activities aid in developing coordination. Through movement, children experience their world in new ways!

Enhanced learning
Children absorb information better when given time to process and ask questions.

Emotional development
A slow pace allows adults to support children by giving time and space for the child to experience their emotions and make sense of what they’re feeling. Through the attentiveness of adults, children learn to organise their internal feelings and later, this understanding forms the basis of self-regulation. A calm environment helps children know that it’s okay to have feelings – for your child, these feelings are big.

Creativity boost
Unstructured time encourages imagination and problem-solving skills. This is when you reap the feel-good benefits of play!

Reduced stress
A slower pace can lower cortisol levels in both children and adults. This simple act equips you to relish in the special and fleeting time that is childhood.

Enhanced mindfulness
Slowing down teaches children to be present in the moment.

Think back to your childhood. What are some of your favourite memories? We know things like climbing trees, snuggling in bed with the whole family on the weekend, and performing shows with your siblings and cousins will be right up there. What parts of your children’s life do you want them to look back on with fondness? You can cultivate these slow moments of joy by starting small, with little moments of dedicated unstructured, unhurried time throughout your week.

We understand life is different in 2024, and the external pressures can be extensive. Parents rely on quality early childhood education and care for their children whilst they juggle work, study and other commitments. At C&K, slowing down with our babies, toddlers and young children is part of our curriculum. C&K’s early childhood curriculum Listening and Learning Together: C&K Curriculum Approach is used for children from birth to 5 in all our kindergartens and childcare centres across Queensland.

C&K educators skilfully partner with all children and families to create caring and supportive learning environments, with time dedicated to build respectful and meaningful relationships. We want all children to feel safe, secure, and trust their educators. Deep trusting bonds are something that cannot be rushed, and we have all the time in the world to connect with our young children in ways that support their social and emotional growth and well-being.

In the theme of resisting busy – what part of your day could you intentionally slow down right now? Is there one transition or routine that stresses you and your child out the most? Maybe it’s going from playing to getting into the car. Something as simple as having a quick game of “I Spy” on the way to the car, or pretending to be a bird and flapping your wings on the way can reduce anxiety, frustrations, and meltdowns – plus it’s fun for everyone!

Some moments are worth slowing down for, and we are grateful to get to witness the joys of childhood first-hand, every day, alongside thousands of children across Queensland. We would love to welcome you and your child to visit one of our 330 centres to experience a C&K childhood for yourself. Enrolments are now open for 2025 and beyond, click here for more information.

How do I choose the right childcare centre for my child?

We understand how daunting this task can be, and we are here to support our families in finding a centre that feels right for their child.

At C&K, our doors are always open, and we encourage you to book a tour at some of your local C&K centres. It is important to explore the learning environment and meet the teachers and educators who will be spending time with your child.

This is your chance to see the centre's routines, watch the staff interact with children, and get a feel for the space. During the tour, educators can answer any questions you might have.

The right centre can look different for all families, depending on their unique needs. We aim to provide early childhood education and care environments where all children can thrive. Before or after visiting the centre, you can complete an enrolment application to be added to the waitlist.

What is the Child Care Subsidy?

The Australian Government helps families with the cost of childcare by subsidising fees to reduce out-of-pocket costs. This is called the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for CCS, and the amount of subsidy you receive will depend on family income, activity hours, and the number and ages of the children you have in approved care.

Click here to learn more about CCS and check your eligibility.

How much does childcare cost?

Childcare fees for C&K childcare centres vary by centre and can be viewed on the centre’s web page.

Fees are updated every year in July. All C&K childcare centres are approved for the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

We also receive Queensland Government funding for our kindergarten program delivered in our childcare centres. Eligible-age children may receive 15 hours per week of free kindy for 40 weeks (up to a maximum of 600 hours a year).

Click here for more information on childcare fees.

What do children learn at childcare?

C&K’s early childhood curriculum Listening and Learning Together: C&K Curriculum Approach is used for children from birth to 5 in all our childcare centres. The learning outcomes in our curriculum approach align with the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF), the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG), and contemporary practices and understandings of the early years. All centres deliver a government-approved kindergarten program with a bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher.

At C&K, we value learning through play and create opportunities for rich learning experiences that follow each child's unique interest. We see children from birth as thinkers and theorisers rich in ideas and knowledge, as powerful learners and active citizens.

We carefully use an anti-bias curriculum to promote fairness, empowerment, and respect and to role-model equity and inclusion. We honour every child’s right to play, build on their existing learning from home, and provide foundations to be a life-long learner.

Some days learning can look like simple play, but we know that is where the magic happens.

What is childcare?

A C&K childcare centre (also called a long day care centre) offers quality education and care for children from six weeks to five years, for up to 12 hours per day.

Our childcare centres aim to be a warm, safe, home-away-from-home for our young babies, toddlers, and children—a place where children are supported, encouraged, and heard.

Our philosophy for babies and toddlers is to slow down and experience the world alongside our unique children, at their pace, dedicating time to explore, wonder and imagine. We focus on developing deep and trusting relationships with each child and their family, igniting a love for learning from an early age.