Goodstart Dapto

Our Vision

At Goodstart Early Learning Dapto, we are passionate about nurturing a vibrant, caring and inspiring environment where every child’s potential can flourish. Since opening in 2008, we have proudly supported families within our local community, providing high-quality education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.

We believe the early years are critical in shaping lifelong learning, confidence and wellbeing. Our commitment to excellence drives everything we do — fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity and creating a space where children feel safe, valued and empowered to grow. We are proud to be rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS), reflecting our dedication to high-quality practice and meaningful outcomes for children.

At Goodstart Dapto, we don’t just care for children — we build a connected community where families feel supported and learning becomes an exciting journey that shapes bright futures.

Our Point of Difference

Our practice is strengthened through purposeful partnerships, early intervention and evidence-based approaches that enhance outcomes for children and families.

We are an Early Childhood Service offering a multidisciplinary approach to early learning in partnership with Allied Health Professionals. We have a Child and Family Practitioner onsite, educators trained in Speech and Occupational Therapy practices, and a dedicated Early Childhood Teacher specialising in family-inclusive practices.

Our Early Childhood Teacher also co-facilitates a community playgroup in partnership with Careways Community, providing families with access to a welcoming and supportive early childhood environment that strengthens connections and enhances developmental outcomes.

We recognise the importance of early intervention and work closely with external allied health professionals to support children holistically. Our Key Educator Approach ensures each child has a consistent primary educator who deeply understands their learning journey, supported by our attachment-based Circle of Security model, in which all educators are trained.

We also offer weekly art groups guided by Dr Shiri Hergass’s Seasonal Model, providing children with a safe and creative outlet for self-expression. These small group experiences support children’s social and emotional wellbeing, helping them build confidence and develop self-regulation skills — tools that support them for life.

Through these embedded practices, we create a nurturing environment where children and families feel supported, understood and empowered.

Partnerships with Families and Community

We value families as children’s first teachers and believe authentic partnerships are essential to achieving positive outcomes for children. Families are invited to attend a minimum of three orientation visits to support a confident and secure start, strengthening relationships and continuity of care from the outset.

We prioritise open communication through Storypark, newsletters, family events and daily conversations, working collaboratively with families to create shared goals for learning and wellbeing. We also host parent information evenings focused on child development, providing practical strategies to support children at home.

We believe children are not only part of the community — they help shape it. Through incursions, excursions and participation in community events such as NAIDOC celebrations and Reconciliation initiatives, children develop a strong sense of identity, respect and belonging.

Our strong partnerships with local feeder schools and support services underpin our extensive weekly Transition to School (TTS) program. Through regular engagement with school environments and educators, we promote continuity of learning and support children to build confidence, independence and readiness for a successful transition to formal schooling.

Our Curriculum

Across our five learning rooms, our curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and best practice in Early Childhood Education and Care. Our programs are intentional, responsive and play-based, designed around children’s strengths, interests and developmental needs.

Our long-standing team provides a stable, secure environment where children can thrive. Educators use a strengths-based approach to plan meaningful experiences for individuals and small groups, recognising children as capable learners and active participants in their own learning.

Our indoor and outdoor environments are thoughtfully designed to inspire exploration and discovery. Outdoor spaces include sandpits, verandahs, vegetable gardens, worm farms, compost bins and water tanks, embedding sustainability into everyday learning. Through purposeful teaching and daily routines, we nurture curiosity, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

We look forward to meeting you and your family and exploring how we can support your child’s early learning journey. ENROL TODAY!