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Connecting with Community on Quandamooka Country
Redlands Integrated Early Years Place hosts ‘Play Day on Quandamooka Country’ community celebration
Goodstart Heidelberg
Welcome to Goodstart Heidelberg!
We believe the best learning happens when children feel free, confident and connected to the natural world.
Our early education programs blend purposeful indoor play with outdoor exploration – including bushwalks, picnics and weekly visits to the local oval.
With longstanding, passionate educators and a strong focus on community and empathy, we create a space where children grow in knowledge, kindness, independence and resilience.
Book a tour today and see how nature, nurture and learning come together to enrich each child’s experience, from nursery to kindergarten.
Why families choose Goodstart Heidelberg:
- Three large, natural playgrounds designed for imagination and movement
- Weekly bush kinder and local excursions that connect children to their environment
- Four qualified early childhood teachers delivering two government-funded kinder programs
- Longstanding team with strong community ties and consistent, nurturing care
- Onsite chef preparing gourmet, multicultural meals daily
- Rich incursions and connections, including with community heroes and nursing home residents
- Children build empathy by helping care for animals and learning about sustainability
- Conveniently located near Heidelberg Primary School and Warringal Shopping Centre
Our centre is a place where children learn and build lifelong skills by getting messy, exploring confidently and developing meaningful relationships.
From watching birds and rabbits to sharing stories with local Elders, every day is a chance to connect, discover and grow.
We tailor every learning experience to the child – whether it's quiet time with a book or an afternoon in the veggie patch.
Our experienced educators nurture each child's individual interests, languages and cultural identities, creating a learning journey that truly reflects who they are.
Meet our team, see our playgrounds, and take a tour today. Discover a centre where your child can feel free to be themselves.
Learn more about Goodstart Heidelberg
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At Goodstart Heidelberg, our philosophy centres around the belief that every child is a unique individual with their own interests and strengths. We embrace a play-based learning approach that nurtures curiosity and creativity, allowing children to explore their world in meaningful ways. 
We prioritise: 
- Holistic Development: Supporting cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth through engaging and developmentally appropriate activities. 
- Family and Community Engagement: Building strong partnerships with families and the community to create a supportive network for each child. 
- Inclusive Environment: Celebrating diversity and ensuring that all children feel valued, respected, and included. 
- Lifelong Learning: Instilling a love of learning by encouraging exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. 
Through our philosophy, we aim to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive and become confident, capable learners. 
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Children need to feel safe and supported to learn and grow, so we promote key educator relationships between our educators and children. Your child will have at least one educator (their key educator) who takes them under their wing and really gets to know them. 
Our Key Educator relationships help children form secure attachments. Educators work closely with smaller groups and individual children to better understand each child. These relationships lead to improved outcomes for children as we foster more communication between families and educators. 
We inform families regularly about their child's progress and welcome family involvement in our centre events and activities.  
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At our Heidelberg centre, we're proud to inspire your child's love of learning with the support of our passionate and qualified early childhood experts. Teachers with bachelor's degrees run our three and four-year-old kindergarten program, so children can be well on their way to excellent learning outcomes by the time they start school. 
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At Goodstart, we believe all children deserve the best possible start in life, which includes access to high-quality early childhood education and care. We offer:  
- Discounts on multiple days  
- All day sessions  
- Fee assistance programs for families that need support 
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We work closely with parents to ensure the individual needs, interests and strengths of children are considered, and our learning goals reflect them. Using Storypark, a wonderful communication platform, we stay in close touch with families and ensure you're well informed about your child's development and achievements. 
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Click here to book your tour or call our Family Services team to find out more on 1800 222 543. 
Emma Dawson
Assistant Director
Hi, I’m Emma Dawson, the Assistant Director at Goodstart Heidelberg.
My name is Emma Dawson and I have the honour of leading our multi-cultural and diverse community here in Melbourne, on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people. With 12 years of experience in early childhood education and care, I'm deeply passionate about creating an environment where every child can thrive and discover their unique potential.
I began my journey as a Certificate III educator supporting across multiple centres, which ignited my passion for early learning. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to complete my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, lead nursery and toddler rooms, and develop to Assistant Director.
I believe all children families and staff should be nurtured, heard, and welcomed into a safe and happy centre. For me, it's all about ensuring children and families are included and feel welcome in a centre that is culturally safe for them.
Goodstart Heidelberg is special because you are greeted with warmth and positivity when you come into the centre and encouraged to share your cultural celebrations. Every day, I'm inspired by the smiles, laughter, and learning that happen within our walls.
As Assistant Director, my door is always open to families. I'm here to ensure your child's experience with us is nurturing, educational, and fun. I believe in transparent communication and building partnerships with parents to support each child's journey.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family to Goodstart Heidelberg. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, or better yet, book a tour to see firsthand the wonderful environment we've created for our children. Together, we can make these early years enriching and memorable.
Government Funded Kindergarten Program
At Heidelberg, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our early learning centre offers a Government-funded kindergarten program and long day care under the one roof. Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life.
Government Funded Kindergarten Program
At Heidelberg, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our early learning centre offers a Government-funded kindergarten program and long day care under the one roof. Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life.
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