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C&K Mount Gravatt West - 36th Anniversary and Playground Grand Opening

About Event

Join us as we celebrate an exciting milestone — 36 wonderful years of C&K Mount Gravatt West Childcare Centre and the Grand Opening of our brand-new playground! We warmly invite our families, friends, and community members to come along, explore our centre, and celebrate with us. This special celebration is an opportunity to reflect on our journey, connect with our community, and showcase our beautiful learning environment. Bring your family along for a fun-filled day of entertainment, connection, and celebration. We would love to celebrate this special milestone with you and your family. Everyone is welcome!

  • Magic Show - 10am
  • Face Painting - $5
  • Balloon Twisting - $5
  • Sausage Sizzle - $3
  • Cold Drinks - $2
  • One FREE icy pole for every child attending

💚 Together, celebrating 36 years of nurturing young minds and building strong community connections.

We look forward to welcoming you! 💛

Events

Kindy begins! Let's play.

20th November 2025
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The first day of kindy is finally here, an exciting milestone filled with new faces, discoveries, and adventures! We’re here to let you know it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, and it’s normal for there to be some ups and downs during the first few weeks.

Understanding the settling-in period

It's completely normal for children to experience a range of emotions during their first week. Here's what you might see:

Day one excitement: Many children are happy and curious on the first day, eager to explore their new environment.

The reality check: By day two or three, some children realise this is their new routine and may become tearful or resistant. This is normal and temporary.

Different timelines: Some children settle immediately, while others need several weeks. Both experiences are perfectly normal, and your child's teachers understand this completely.

Ups and downs: Your child might have a great morning and a difficult afternoon, or vice versa. Emotions can fluctuate as they adjust.

Supporting your child through the transition

Maintain routines: Consistent wake-up times, meals, and bedtimes help children feel secure during periods of change.

Ask open-ended questions: Instead of "Did you have fun?" try "What did you play with today?" or "Who did you sit with at lunch?" This encourages more detailed sharing.

Listen without pressure: If your child doesn't want to talk about kindy immediately, that's okay. Some children need processing time before they're ready to share.

Acknowledge feelings: If your child expresses worry or sadness, validate their emotions: "It's okay to feel nervous about new things. That shows you're brave for trying."

Celebrate small wins: "You made a new friend!" or “You were brave when you waved me goodbye today!”. These acknowledgements build confidence.

Stay consistent: Even if mornings are difficult, maintaining the routine shows your child that kindy is a safe, normal part of their life.

Connecting with your child's teachers

Your child's educators are your partners in this journey.

Share important information: Let teachers know about your child's interests, fears, dietary needs, or anything that might help them provide better support.

Ask questions: Teachers welcome your questions about how your child is settling in, what they're learning, and how you can support them at home.

Trust their expertise: Teachers have guided countless children through this transition and understand that every child settles at their own pace.

Communicate concerns: If you're worried about something, speak up. Early communication helps address issues before they become bigger problems.

Be patient with yourself: This is a transition for you too, and it's okay to have your own feelings about it.

What the kindy team are doing to help

Behind the scenes, your child's teachers are:

  • Creating a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels valued
  • Establishing predictable routines that help children feel secure
  • Offering choices to give children a sense of control
  • Redirecting attention when children are upset, engaging them in activities they enjoy
  • Building individual relationships with each child, learning their personalities and preferences
  • Communicating regularly with families about their child's progress and experiences
  • Watching for signs that a child needs extra support or comfort
Common first week challenges and solutions

"My child cries at drop-off": This is very common and usually resolves within minutes after you leave. Teachers will update you if tears persist.

"My child is exhausted": Kindy is physically and emotionally demanding. Ensure early bedtimes and quiet downtime after pick-up.

"My child won't talk about their day": Some children need time to decompress. Try asking specific questions later, or let them share when they're ready.

"My child says they don't want to go back": This is normal during the adjustment period. Stay positive, maintain the routine, and work with teachers to understand what's happening.

When to seek extra support

While most children settle within a few weeks, please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any concerns.

Building confidence for starting kindy: A guide for parents

19th November 2025
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Starting kindy is an exciting milestone for both children and parents. In the months leading up to that first day, there are many simple, joyful ways you can help your child build the confidence and skills they need to thrive in their new learning environment.

Why early preparation matters

Kindy is a wonderful time for your child to develop the social and emotional skills that will help them build friendships, navigate new experiences, and feel confident in their learning journey. The good news? You can start nurturing these skills at home right now, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Building independence skills
Practicing everyday tasks helps children feel capable and confident. In the months before kindy starts, try:

  • Lunchbox mastery: Let your child practice opening containers, unwrapping snacks, and using utensils independently
  • Self-care routines: Encourage them to wash their hands, put on their shoes, and zip their backpack
  • Morning routines: Establish a consistent pattern of getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing their bag so the rhythm feels familiar
  • Celebrate small wins: Each time they master a new skill, acknowledge their achievement with enthusiasm

Nurturing social and emotional skills
These skills form the foundation for positive relationships and emotional wellbeing:

  • Name those feelings: Ask "How does that make you feel?" and validate their emotions, helping them develop emotional awareness and vocabulary
  • Practice sharing and turn-taking: Use simple games and everyday activities to build patience and cooperation
  • Model kindness: Practice using words like "please," "thank you," and "can I have a turn?" until they become natural
  • Build empathy: Talk about how friends or book characters might be feeling to help your child understand others' emotions
  • Encourage problem-solving: When challenges arise, ask "What could we do?" to empower them to think through solutions
  • Praise the effort: Focus on persistence and trying rather than just outcomes, building resilience for new experiences

Reducing separation anxiety
Saying goodbye can be difficult, but these strategies can help ease the transition:

  • Practice goodbye routines: Create a special hug, wave, or phrase you'll use each morning, then practice it at home
  • Read kindy stories together: Books about starting school help children visualise their day in a positive way
  • Visit beforehand: If possible, explore the kindy together so the environment feels familiar and welcoming
  • Talk about the reunion: Remind your child that you'll always come back, and discuss what you'll do together after kindy
  • Keep goodbyes brief and positive: Long, emotional farewells can increase anxiety - a warm hug and confident "See you soon!" works best
  • Trust the teachers: Your child's educators are experienced in supporting children through this transition

Building social confidence
Help your child feel comfortable in group settings:

  • Arrange playdates: Spending time with other children helps them practice social skills in a comfortable environment
  • Visit playgrounds: Local parks provide opportunities to play alongside peers and navigate shared spaces
  • Talk excitedly about kindy: Share what they'll experience - new friends, fun activities, outdoor play, and learning adventures
  • Read social stories: Books about friendship, sharing, and kindness reinforce positive social behaviours

Remember: Every child settles at their own pace

It's important to remember that every child is unique, and there's no "right" timeline for settling into kindy. Some children skip through the gates on day one, while others need a few weeks to feel fully comfortable. Both experiences are completely normal.

Your child's teachers understand this and will work with you to support your child's individual needs. They've guided countless children through this transition and know that patience, consistency, and understanding help every child find their confidence in their own time.

Some children may have teary mornings for the first week, others might take a little longer - and that's ok. What matters is that you and your child's educators work together to provide reassurance, maintain routines, and celebrate small steps forward.

The week before kindy starts
As the first day approaches:

  • Talk positively about what's ahead without putting pressure on your child
  • Ensure they're well-rested and maintaining regular mealtimes
  • Pack their bag together
  • Label everything clearly so belongings can be easily identified
  • Prepare yourself emotionally too - your calm, confident energy helps your child feel secure

You've got this!

Starting kindy is a significant step, but you're not taking it alone. Your child's teachers, the C&K community, and other parents are all part of this journey. Trust in your child's ability to adapt, celebrate their courage in trying new things, and remember that with your support and their educators' guidance, they'll flourish in their own perfect time.

The skills you're building now - independence, emotional awareness, social confidence, and resilience - will serve your child not just in kindy, but throughout their entire learning journey. We are so happy to be along for this exciting journey!

Every child belongs: C&K Deception Bay North kindergartens journey to inclusive learning

11th November 2025
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At C&K Deception Bay North Community Kindergarten, inclusion is more than a value - it’s a way of being.

In recent years, the team has undertaken extensive professional development in neuroscience, attachment theory and inclusion support. Their growing expertise has shaped a kindergarten community that not only welcomes children of all abilities but actively celebrates them.

“We’ve seen an increase in children with diverse learning and developmental needs, including those with trauma backgrounds and neurodiversity,” Co-Director/Teachers Liz and Lisa share. “Rather than seeing this as a challenge, it’s become our passion. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and capable.”

Building safety and trust from day one

The journey begins even before a child’s first day. Families are invited to ‘Stay and Play’ sessions where children can explore, connect and build confidence in their new environment. Educators use this time to get to know each child’s strengths, interests and support needs - the foundation for an individualised Educational Support Plan that guides the team’s approach.

These plans are developed in collaboration with families, therapists and the C&K Central inclusion team, ensuring each child’s learning journey is supported by consistent and responsive strategies.

Understanding behaviour as communication

The team draws on attachment and trauma-informed practices, guided by the principle “Be curious, not furious.” This means viewing behaviour as communication - an opportunity to understand what a child needs rather than a challenge to be managed.

Through careful observation and tools such as behaviour tracking, the educators identify patterns and triggers, adjusting the environment and strategies to help children feel secure and regulated.

A community of belonging

This thoughtful, evidence-based approach has earned C&K Deception Bay North kindy a strong reputation in the community. Families speak of the kindergarten as a safe place where children rediscover confidence, and where educators take the time to understand and celebrate every individual.

Close partnerships with families and professionals have led to successful outcomes for children transitioning into school, with strong foundations of trust, resilience and belonging.

As they prepare to welcome new families for 2026, the team continues to reflect, adapt and grow - ensuring that C&K Deception Bay North remains a place where every child truly belongs.

C&K Teacher wins prestigious award for innovative approach to learning in an age of instant gratification

17th October 2025
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Rebecca Bowen, Teacher/Director at C&K Oaks Beach Community Kindergarten in Bundaberg, has been awarded the prestigious Merline Muldoon Memorial Award for Innovation in Teaching at the 2025 TEACHX Awards.

Rebecca, who has dedicated 27 years to early childhood education, was recognised for her thoughtful approach to rekindling natural curiosity in an age of instant digital gratification.

In 2024, Rebecca observed that many children in her cohort demonstrated minimal inquisitiveness and a reluctance to explore their world – instead seeking instant answers and immediate resolution.

Rather than accepting this as the new normal, Rebecca embraced her own natural curiosity, and transformed her practice to challenge this change, and profoundly impacted children's learning.

"Winning this award is so exciting. To me, it’s an important recognition of the need to explore and evolve pedagogical approaches in our pursuit of success in an ever-changing world," Rebecca said.

Drawing on research-informed slow pedagogies, Rebecca and her team implemented an innovative framework prioritising depth over speed and wonder over instant answers.

The approach included creating a "Curiosity Cube" with intriguing objects for independent discovery, extensive educator modelling of curiosity through wonder questions, and a "See, Think, Wonder" framework encouraging reflective observations.

Extended investigations allowed children weeks to explore concepts deeply, with one oil and water experiment evolving into rich discussions about ocean conservation and environmental stewardship.

The results have been transformative, with children developing critical thinking skills, deeper questioning abilities, and creative thinking capacities.

"This work challenged us to reflect on our understanding of digital-age children and curiosity—we needed to meet children where they are, not where theory suggested they should be," Rebecca said.

C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman commended Rebecca on this well-deserved recognition.

"Rebecca's work is a terrific example of C&K's commitment to high-quality early childhood education, as well as our values of putting children first and striving for excellence in everything we do," Dr Cheeseman said.

"This award not only shines an important light on the extraordinary work happening every day in our sector, but it is also a powerful recognition of the professionalism that defines early childhood education. It's during these formative years that we shape how children think, question, and engage with their world – celebrating pedagogical expertise in these spaces is critical."

"Rebecca’s dedication to understanding and responding to the unique challenges facing today's children demonstrates the profound impact that thoughtful, research-informed practice can have on young learners' development."

Rebecca Bowen with her award

About C&K

The Creche & Kindergarten Association Limited (C&K) is one of Queensland’s largest early childhood education providers, with a legacy spanning 117 years.

C&K is a not-for-profit organisation directly operating 182 Kindergartens and Childcare Centres across the state. C&K’s sphere of influence and state-wide network is expanded and strengthened by an additional 143 community kindergartens and independent childcare centres who choose to affiliate with C&K because of the strength of our reputation for quality education and care, and for the support and advice of our highly experienced educational advisors.

About the TEACHX Awards

Commencing in 2009, the TEACHX Awards exemplify significant teacher contributions to schools and early childhood communities across Queensland. Presented by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), the awards attract thousands of nominations for registered teachers who have achieved exceptional outcomes. To be nominated for a TEACHX Award is an achievement in itself.

Is food provided?

Submitted by e.dellow on

All C&K childcare centres provide morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, with the exception of C&K Hughenden Kindergarten & Early Childhood Centre. And most centres have a cook who prepares the nutritious meals onsite, fresh every day. Seasonal menus are created by our qualified cooks and are tailored carefully for children with dietary requirements.

What are your staff to child ratios?

Submitted by e.dellow on

The National Quality Framework (NQF), regulated by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), sets the minimum educator-to-child ratio requirements for early childhood education and care services across Australia. These ratios are designed to ensure children receive adequate supervision, safety, and quality education.

C&K adhere to these regulatory requirements as follows:

  • Birth to 2 years - 1 educator to 4 children
  • Children 2 to 3 years - 1 educator to 5 children
  • Children 3 to 5 years - 1 educator to 11 children

Can I claim CCS and Free Kindy at childcare?

Submitted by e.dellow on

Yes, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Free Kindy can be claimed together. The CCS is applied to your fees before the Free Kindy subsidy and is paid directly to the centre. The Free Kindy subsidy is then applied to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

You will need to be eligible for CCS and apply via Services Australia. To receive the Free Kindy subsidy, you're not required to do anything additional. As long as your child is of eligible-age (turning 4 years old by 30 June) and enrolled in the kindy room, the Free Kindy subsidy will be applied to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Click here to find out more about Free Kindy.

Meet Edgar: The Puppet who's taking over hearts (and classrooms!)

1st August 2025
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🎉 Drumroll please... We're absolutely thrilled to celebrate Natalie McDougall and her superstar sidekick, Edgar from C&K Slade Point, who just snagged the Winc Education Playful Pedagogy Award at the 2025 C&K Awards!

Who is Edgar, you ask?

Edgar isn't just any ordinary puppet – he's become the ultimate classroom superhero! This loveable little character has completely stolen the hearts of children and educators alike, teaching the kindy friends the magical art of self-regulation while sparking creativity left, right, and centre. ✨

What started as a simple teaching tool has blossomed into something absolutely extraordinary. Edgar has become the kindy's unofficial mascot, helping little ones find their calm, boost their engagement, and look forward to coming to kindy each day.

Edgar's popularity led to some pretty amazing innovations:

Edgar's Kindness Wall 💝
Children document their acts of kindness on adorable heart-shaped notes, creating a beautiful display of all the wonderful things happening in their community.

Edgar's Letterbox 📮
Children can pop drawings, notes, and messages for Edgar into his very own letterbox. Imagine the excitement when Edgar "responds" to their thoughtful letters!

From kindy to primary – Edgar's big school adventure!

Here's where the story gets even more magical. When prep students at nearby Slade Point Primary School were finding the transition to "big school" a bit tricky, guess who came to the rescue? That's right – Edgar!

His impact was so incredible that now every prep, grade 1, and grade 2 classroom is getting its very own Edgar puppet. We're talking about a full-scale Edgar invasion – and everyone couldn't be happier about it!

The ripple effect

Edgar's success has created something beautiful – a genuine partnership between the kindergarten and primary school. Primary teachers now visit the kindy weekly to soak up all those creative, play-based teaching practices that make Edgar (and learning) so magical.

Who knew one little puppet could create such big waves of positive change? Edgar proves that sometimes the most powerful teaching tools come in the smallest, fluffiest packages! 🌟

Book a tour and come and visit Edgar for yourself; he can't wait to meet your family!

Bilingual pilot program supports equity and inclusion at C&K Mt Warren Park

27th February 2025
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The 2024 pilot was a collaboration between the Creche and Kindergarten Association, the Department of Education and Mt Warren State School’s Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP). The program was a testament to the power of an inclusive learning environment.

The program sees Lisa and her co-educators, Jodie and Sheneen, partner with:

  • Wendy, Teacher of the Deaf (TOD) – a trained teacher who is deaf and has specialised in deaf education.
  • Anna, Educational Interpreter (EI) – a hearing adult facilitating communication.
  • Jane, Auslan Language Model (ALM) – a Deaf adult modelling Auslan for the children.

Inclusion isn’t just about access—it’s about belonging. The pilot program provided a play-based environment where Deaf or Hard of Hearing children could fully participate, while also giving every hearing child the opportunity to learn Auslan through play.

Of the 18 enrolled children in the kindergarten program, six were Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Several of the children have speech delays, global developmental delays, or autism. Every teacher showcased their vision of ‘inclusion is a culture’ – each interaction was intentional, focused, and joyous… and every single child thrived.

With the support of Anna signing every book Teacher/Director Lisa read and Jane signing and playing with a child in the home corner, every child actively participated in the learning program.

A moment that truly captured the heart of the program was when a hearing child tapped a Deaf child on the shoulder, waited for them to turn around and look at him, and then signed for him to come and join him in the block corner. The two children played collaboratively for a long time, communicating with simple and expressive Auslan as they built an extensive block structure, occasionally supported by Wendy.

In Australia, three to six children in every thousand have some degree of hearing loss, and approximately 250–400 children are born each year with significant permanent hearing loss in both ears.

Moments like these show us that when we foster understanding and embrace diversity, every child flourishes. This is what true inclusion looks like—one sign, one story, and one friendship at a time.

C&K is proud to continue offering this program in 2025 at C&K Indooroopilly Community Kindergarten, with Director/Teacher Lisa and the wider team supporting all children to flourish.

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