About Goodstart Kanahooka
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.
We provide early learning & care to these groups:
Nursery
Nursery
0-2 years
Toddler
Toddler
2-3 years
Preschool
Preschool
3-5 years
Vacation Care
Katherine Herbert Centre Director
Hello there! My name is Katherine and I am the Centre Director at Goodstart Kanahooka.
I have worked in the early childhood profession since 2002 and have been the centre director at Goodstart Kanahooka since 2005. I have a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth – Five years). During my time in the early learning sector, I’ve had the opportunity to work with different age groups and across a variety of areas.
I am passionate about inclusion for all children, their families. Some of my highlights include chairing the NSW Leaders Meeting for ECEC on International Women’s Day, advocating for our sector at the Productivity Commission into ECEC, meeting with politicians to discuss ECEC issues and seeing our centre win the Goodstart’s State Award for Family Connections.
I recognise the importance of all children, families and educators feeling secure in their surroundings, as part of the key educator and circle of security approach and endeavour to create meaningful relationships with all parties to achieve this. It’s about making sure every child has access to high quality education and every family has the support they need.
I look forward to meeting you and your family and exploring how we can support your child’s early learning journey.
Hi there! Need help? Speak to our friendly family support team.