Careers and employment
Townsville centre director of 30 years is the heartbeat of her community
For Bev Anderson, working in early learning has always been about the children.
About our centre
Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre Kanahooka is situated within the safe and secure Forest Grove Estate in Kanahooka. Kanahooka is named after Kana (King) Hooka who was the Aboriginal Elder. Kana Hooka was head of the Five Islanders who were based near the Hooka Creek. The estate has a man-made lake, with a wonderful board walk around it, with native birds, and wildlife to enjoy. The centre takes full advantage of this by taking the children on walking excursion to learn about our local community and surroundings.
The organisation is not for profit and every dollar is put back into the centre to ensure high quality resources, programs, facilities and educators. Our centre has highly trained, experienced, qualified and dedicated educators that form a stable, consistent and vibrant team. Our educators work tirelessly to create a fun, secure and educationally stimulating environment that children participate in with enthusiasm. We work with the key educator approach ensuring that each child and their family is valued and advocated for. Our partnerships with our families encourage collaboration about daily routines and curriculum decisions in order to ensure that learning experiences are meaningful and both the child and the family have a sense of belonging in the centre.
All of our environments (Nursery, Toddler and Preschool) are all set up in line with the Early Years Learning Framework, with sensory and play based learning opportunities. Natural stimulating surroundings ensure that the children have the chance to grow and develop through sensory, play-based learning. We are focused on ensuring that the children are ready to take that all important step up to primary school.
Our Storypark platform, as well as regular family nights and emailed newsletters, enable us to stay in close contact with parents and families, ensuring open and clear communication. This also means we can tailor each program to the child’s individual needs, interests and strengths – as well as the strong level of cultural diversity in our centre.
Outdoors, we have age appropriate play spaces and equipment, all geared to enhance the children’s awareness of their surrounds and the greater environment, as well as their understanding of the importance of sustainability. Our two play areas have sandpits, trees, swings, vegetable patches, bridges, bike track, and lots of natural and manmade shade.
We also have a fully qualified hospitality chef at the centre providing tasty and nutritious meals for the children.
A major focus for our organsation is how working with the broader community can help us enrich the children’s learning experience. Through visits to the centre as well as excursions and participation in community events, we are able to deepen the relationship between the centre and the community, while teaching the children about being a contributing and active member of society.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet you and your family and discuss how we can support you on this early learning adventure.
The organisation is not for profit and every dollar is put back into the centre to ensure high quality resources, programs, facilities and educators. Our centre has highly trained, experienced, qualified and dedicated educators that form a stable, consistent and vibrant team. Our educators work tirelessly to create a fun, secure and educationally stimulating environment that children participate in with enthusiasm. We work with the key educator approach ensuring that each child and their family is valued and advocated for. Our partnerships with our families encourage collaboration about daily routines and curriculum decisions in order to ensure that learning experiences are meaningful and both the child and the family have a sense of belonging in the centre.
All of our environments (Nursery, Toddler and Preschool) are all set up in line with the Early Years Learning Framework, with sensory and play based learning opportunities. Natural stimulating surroundings ensure that the children have the chance to grow and develop through sensory, play-based learning. We are focused on ensuring that the children are ready to take that all important step up to primary school.
Our Storypark platform, as well as regular family nights and emailed newsletters, enable us to stay in close contact with parents and families, ensuring open and clear communication. This also means we can tailor each program to the child’s individual needs, interests and strengths – as well as the strong level of cultural diversity in our centre.
Outdoors, we have age appropriate play spaces and equipment, all geared to enhance the children’s awareness of their surrounds and the greater environment, as well as their understanding of the importance of sustainability. Our two play areas have sandpits, trees, swings, vegetable patches, bridges, bike track, and lots of natural and manmade shade.
We also have a fully qualified hospitality chef at the centre providing tasty and nutritious meals for the children.
A major focus for our organsation is how working with the broader community can help us enrich the children’s learning experience. Through visits to the centre as well as excursions and participation in community events, we are able to deepen the relationship between the centre and the community, while teaching the children about being a contributing and active member of society.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet you and your family and discuss how we can support you on this early learning adventure.
Nicola Olsen
Centre Director
Hello and welcome to our centre! My name is Nicola Olsen and I am the Centre Director here at Goodstart Early Learning Kanahooka.
I have been working in Early Childhood Education and Care for over eight years and have occupied many different roles including in both teaching and directing in long day care, co-ordinating out of school hours care and as an inclusion support worker. My work has taken me throughout the Illawarra providing me with invaluable experience, working with children and families of many diverse backgrounds.
I hold an Associates Degree in Disability Studies and Inclusive Education as well s a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. I am currently working towards my Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education while working fulltime as the Centre Director.
At Goodstart Early Learning Kanahooka we believe in creating lasting relationships with children, families and the wider community. Our focus on authenticity and accountability has seen the service secure its position as one of the pillars of the local community. We set high expectations for ourselves and continually work to achieve them. We recognise the importance of all children and families feeling secure in their surroundings. Through our key educator and circle of security approaches, we endeavour to create meaningful relationships with all children. You can be assured that the needs of both you and your children will be met by a team of highly qualified and experienced educators, working towards common goals.
I invite you to visit Goodstart Kanahooka. You’re most welcome to stop in for a visit and see the team in action.
Nearby centres
7:30am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Preschool
6:30am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Preschool
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