Open Week is happening soon! Find an event & RSVP

Micro-credentials Program

General information

General Information

Curriculum

Fees

Course Overview

The C&K Micro-credentials Program has been designed to deliver 5 micro-credentials across key competency areas in leadership that address knowledge and skill gaps in regulatory compliance, child safety, and delivering quality programs.

This program is proudly sponsored by the Queensland Government.

Enquire Now

Dr Megan Gibson Appointed Chair of C&K Board

12th June 2025
Share article:

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.

Your complete centre visit checklist: What every parent needs to know

27th May 2025
Share article:

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:

  • Is the environment clean, safe, and well-maintained?
  • Are there diverse play areas that support different types of learning (quiet spaces, active zones, creative corners)?
  • Do you see children's contributions and voices displayed through artwork and projects?
  • Are resources and materials accessible to children, encouraging independence?
  • Does the outdoor space offer opportunities for physical activity, nature exploration, and sensory experiences?

The educators, teachers and support staff

Observe how staff interact with children:

  • Do educators engage warmly and respectfully with children and families?
  • Is there a sense of joy and genuine interest in children's ideas?
  • How do educators respond to challenging behaviours or heightened emotions?
  • Do they appear calm, patient, and attentive?

The Program

Understanding the educational approach is crucial:

  • Ask how children's learning journeys are documented
  • Enquire about the daily routine and how it balances structure with flexibility
  • Ask how they incorporate children's interests into planning
  • Discuss how they support various developmental domains (social, emotional, physical, cognitive)
  • Ask about their views on play. Structured, intentional learning and spontaneous play

Key questions to ask

  1. About the program: "How do you plan your curriculum and how are children's interests incorporated?"
  2. About communication: "How will you keep me informed about my child's development and experiences?"
  3. About relationships: "How do you help children build relationships with educators and peers?"
  4. About transitions: "How do you support children who are settling in or feeling anxious?"
  5. About inclusion: "How do you cater for different abilities, cultures, and learning styles?"
  6. About philosophy: "What are your centre's core values and how are they reflected in everyday practice?"
  7. About practical matters: "What are your policies on food, rest times, illness, and fees?"
  8. About safety: "Are your staff and volunteers screened and trained in child safety?"

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. C&K Open Week is held in June each year, and is the perfect time to visit and see the regular flow of children and educators in the centre. Alternatively, you can book a tour at any time of the year. We hope to see you soon!

An Out of the Box partnership that’s just perfect

26th May 2025
Share article:

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.”

Explore the Joy of C&K During Open Week!

14th May 2025
Share article:

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 1, to Saturday, June 6, 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.

What to expect during your visit

During Open Week, you'll have the chance to:

  • Tour our thoughtfully designed play and learning environments
  • Meet experienced educators and discuss your child's specific needs
  • Observe our educational philosophy in action
  • Ask questions about programs, routines, and enrolment
  • Experience the warm, nurturing, inclusive space we create for children and families

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 centre between June 1 and 6 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!

Elizabeth Jameson AM

Board member since 1 January 2025

Committee Responsibilities

Qualifications
BA (Japanese), LLB (Hons), LSDA, FAICD

Experience
Elizabeth Jameson AM is a corporate/commercial lawyer and governance professional, having founded respected national governance consultancy, Board Matters in 2002 after a successful legal career. She has been intrigued by, and specialised in, the work of boards and the field of governance ever since. Elizabeth has been a life member of, and periodic governance adviser to, C&K since becoming involved with constitutional reform in the late 2000s. In addition to being a governance consultant and educator (spending 17 years as a facilitator for the Australian Institute of Company Directors in its national and international programs), Elizabeth has maintained an active portfolio of directorships over the past 30 years. This included 14 years as a Director, and ultimately President and Chair, of RACQ until 2022. Elizabeth currently chairs the board of Endeavour Foundation and is a member of the board of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health as well as a private company in the tourism accommodation industry. She is also an independent member of the Nominations and Governance Committee of Chief Executive Women.

Dr Louise Thomas

Board member since 1 January 2025

Committee Responsibilities

Qualifications
MEd (Early Childhood Education), PhD (Education)

Experience
Dr Louise Thomas has over 40 years of experience in the education sector. Her career has included teaching, leadership and consultative work across community based early childhood education, independent and government education sectors, and multiple universities. This career has included a range of leadership roles, including professional development and training manager at C&K. During her time at Australian Catholic University Louise held several leadership positions within the Faculty of Education and Arts. These roles included: Deputy Head of Education, Learning and Teaching (Qld); Acting Head of Education (Qld); National Director, Early Childhood Education; National Director, Accreditation. Dr Thomas’ PhD (2009) research focused on early childhood educators' constructions of professional identity and ethics. Her thesis was awarded the Queensland University of Technology’s Executive Dean award for outstanding research degree thesis. Her post-doctoral research and writing has built a platform of expertise in the areas of early childhood teacher identity, ethics, leadership, professional growth, and writing as a professional and research practice. Louise has extensive international and national publications, and research collaborations.

Professor Marnee Shay

Board member since 1 January 2025

Committee Responsibilities

Qualifications
PhD, MEd(res), GradDipEd, BIndigenous Studies

Experience
Marnee Shay is a Professor and Deputy Head of School in the School of Education at the University of Queensland. She is nationally recognised for her research and expertise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, educational policy and youth studies. Her maternal family are from the Ngen’giwumirri language group, Daly River region (Northern Territory). She grew up in South East Queensland. Marnee's research has substantially impacted policy and practice in her field. Her work has focused on developing Indigenous-based evidence and applying strengths-based approaches in knowledge production. She has served on multiple Government and School boards, including the Indigenous Forum on the Australian Research Council. Marnee is a qualified and experienced Queensland registered teacher.

C&K Partners with QPAC to Bring the Magic of Arts to Children

31st March 2025
Share article:

We're thrilled to announce our renewed partnership with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) as the Principal Partner of the Out of the Box festival 2025, taking place June 17-22.

"The Out of the Box festival is a vibrant celebration of the arts specifically for children aged birth to eight years," says our CEO, Dr. Sandra Cheeseman. "Engaging in the arts helps children develop creativity, confidence, communication and social skills, while inspiring educators to connect with their own creativity."

This collaboration builds on our longstanding relationship with QPAC, dating back to the first Out of the Box festival in 1992. We recently celebrated the official launch at West End State School with Queensland's Minister for Education and the Arts, The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek, and QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy.

During the festival, the QPAC precinct will transform into a hub of imaginative programs focused on early childhood priorities including play, collaboration, inclusion, and wellbeing. The partnership extends beyond the festival itself, with QPAC contributing to C&K's professional development throughout the year, including at the 2025 C&K Conference.

This partnership aligns with our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan to inspire our people and enhance a positive workplace culture. In practical terms, it offers:

  • Opportunities for children and families to explore the arts at QPAC events
  • Professional development workshops and resources for educators
  • Creative learning experiences at C&K centres
  • Tickets for staff to engage with the arts and enhance wellbeing
  • Deeper connections with the arts world to incorporate into learning

"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," Dr. Cheeseman says.

For more information about the Out of the Box festival and the 2025 program, visit the QPAC website.

Upskilling Queensland's ECEC Leaders: C&K College Secures $250K for Micro-Credential Initiative

27th March 2025
Share article:

C&K have been chosen as a successful recipient of the Queensland Government’s Micro-Credentialling Program, under Round 3 awarding $250,000 for C&K College to design and deliver targeted micro-credentials that build leadership in key areas including, child safety, risk management and supervision to early childhood education and care providers across the state.

This significant investment will fund C&K’s Leading for Regulatory Compliance in Early Childhood Education and Care project, which will provide 450 early childhood educators with essential skills in key areas identified by sector partners including:

- Guiding adult-child interactions
- Supervision for safety and learning
- Child safety
- Assessing and managing risk
- Leading a child safe culture
- Audit and accountability in everyday practice

C&K CEO Dr. Sandra Cheeseman expressed her enthusiasm for the program, “C&K is thrilled to be chosen to deliver Round 3 of the Queensland Government’s Micro-Credentialling Program.”

“This investment in industry training will strengthen the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce by providing high-quality training in key areas including child safety, risk management and supervision."

“With an estimated 10 to 15 hours of training, participants can build their expertise in key areas, ensuring their skills remain relevant to the evolving needs of the sector."

"We will deliver a flexible training model, allowing all Queensland ECEC professionals to access high-quality professional development, without barriers related to location or availability."

Subscribe to