Goodstart McDowall

Experienced educators and strong community connections

Play-based learning with nature, care and school readiness

97 Flockton Street, MCDOWALL, 4053, QLD

6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
Open every weekday of the year, except public holidays

Nursery, Toddler, Kindergarten

Welcome to Goodstart McDowall

Located on Turrbal land, Goodstart McDowall is a place where children feel safe, supported and inspired to explore their world. Our experienced educators create a nurturing environment where children build confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging through play. With a long-standing team, rich community connections and expansive outdoor spaces, every child is supported to grow and thrive. Book a tour to see how your child can learn, connect and flourish with us.

What makes our centre special:

Longstanding, experienced team – with educators supporting families for up to 21 years, creating strong, trusted relationships
Large natural outdoor environment – offering open spaces and nature-based play that encourages exploration and discovery
Strong Kindergarten program – delivered by Bachelor-qualified teachers with a focus on school readiness
Engaging experiences beyond the classroom – including swimming lessons twice a week for Kindergarten children and regular dental visits
Multicultural team – with educators speaking over 17 languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Arabic, supporting strong connections with diverse families
Nutritious meals prepared onsite – with a fully equipped kitchen catering to cultural preferences and dietary needs
Strong community partnerships – including local schools, Woolworths and local services
Convenient location – close to schools, shops and community facilities

Each day, children are encouraged to follow their interests through hands-on, play-based learning guided by the Early Years Learning Framework. Our programs are designed to support the whole child – building social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills in a meaningful and engaging way.

Our expansive outdoor environments provide children with opportunities to explore, take risks and connect with nature, supporting both wellbeing and development. Through strong community connections, children are also introduced to real-world experiences that enrich their learning and sense of belonging.

With a passionate and dedicated team, children benefit from consistent relationships with educators who truly know and support them. Families often tell us it’s our people – our care, consistency and connection – that truly sets our centre apart.

Whether you are beginning your early learning journey or preparing for school, we would love to welcome you. Take a tour today to meet our team and explore our learning environments or book a visit to see how we can support your child’s development every step of the way.

We absolutely love it here! As a parent, leaving your little ones is always hard at first, but the educators here make it so incredibly easy. They are warm, patient, and genuinely care about every single child. My daughters come home smiling every day and has learned so much since starting. The facility is clean, safe, easy to get to, and I really appreciate the daily updates they share. I couldn't ask for a better environment for my children. Highly recommend!

Mia
As parents of two little ones, choosing the right daycare was a big decision for us — and we’re so glad we chose this centre. The staff are genuinely caring and committed, and you can feel that the moment you walk in. Many of them have been there long-term, which says so much. There’s a real sense of stability and community, and our kids have built such beautiful bonds with their educators. They take the time to tailor learning to each child, supporting their individual strengths and helping them grow at their own pace. We’ve seen such positive changes in our children’s confidence, social skills, and learning. It might be an older centre, but please don’t let that fool you ,it’s warm, welcoming, and full of heart. What it may lack in “newness,” it more than makes up for in experience, care, and dedication. We truly feel lucky to have found this place and are so grateful for everything they do for our family.

Jack
We have attended this centre since 2021 with our 2 kids, and our third is starting soon. The staff are very friendly - they communicate well with the parents and know each child very well. They still take an interest in my eldest, who is now in grade one and make her feel welcome and encouraged. It is just the right size that you can get to know all staff in all rooms and most of the parents / children. They do some lovely events throughout the year where you can attend the centre with your children, which we love.

Annalou
Five stars for McDowall. The educators really make a difference and always look after our child. My child always looks forward to going here. The activities are great and my child is always coming home with something they made during the day.

Peter
Both of ours kids go there since they were baby and we absolutely love it. At the start we were not sure as we saw many child care and this felt a bit older BUT we could not be happier the educator really care about our kids and have strong relationships with us. Also we have builder great friendship with many other family that attend. I highly highly recommend if you are looking for a great child care centre.

John
A lovely centre. The staff are warm, genuine, and consistent in the care they provide. The activities are thoughtful and unique, and it’s clear how much effort goes into creating a positive environment for the children. We are so happy with our experience here.

Gabrielle
Our experience of this Goodstart Early Learning McDowall has been very positive. Our son is very happy and loves the educators, he comes home telling us he ‘had a good day’!

Pat and Jodi
My daughter attended Goodstart from Nursery through to Kindergarten, and as a first‑time mum I was incredibly nervous about leaving her in someone else’s care. From day one, every educator she had built a genuine relationship with her, and she absolutely adored them all. So many of her major milestones, from walking, to potty training, to learning to write her name, were achieved with the support, and dedication of the Goodstart team. They are a fantastic, committed group of educators. A special thank you to the Kindy team, Miss Mel and Miss Lorenny, for all the thoughtful work you put in to prepare the children for their big transition to Prep.

Aisyah

Enrol now!

When every moment counts, make them Goodstart moments.

Enquire now

Hello! My name is Nicole, and I am the Centre Director at Goodstart Early Learning McDowall. I am very passionate about early learning and providing children with the best start in life, by supporting children to develop in their unique way within a meaningful learning environment.

I have been working within Goodstart Early Learning for 21 years have been at Goodstart McDowall for 16 years, with experience working in Early Childhood Education across all ages 0-5yrs and I have a Degree in Early childhood Education.

Here at Goodstart McDowall, we are fortunate to work alongside a well experienced and highly qualified team, who all have the passion and drive to provide children with the highest quality of care and learning.

Please don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello and meet the wonderful team here at McDowall. I look forward to meeting you and your family and welcome you into our little community!

Structured Kindergarten Program

At McDowall, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our centre offers a 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.

Fees and inclusions

Out-of-pocket cost with With CCS subsidy:

$68.45 $54.54 $40.64 $26.73 /day out-of-pocket*

Out-of-pocket cost with With CCS subsidy:

$62.18 $48.44 $34.70 $20.97 /day out-of-pocket*

Calculate your CCS subsidy

With multi-child discounts and government funded Kindergarten/Preschool in some states, out-of-pocket costs could be even less than you think!

The above fees are effective from 7 July 2025 and are based on a 10 hour session, for attendance between 2 and 4 days per week. 5 day bookings receive a generous discount per day. Note that different combinations of sessions times and number of days can increase or decrease the daily rate.

* Estimates are calculated based on CCS rates as of January 2026, for an activity level of 72 activity hours on a 10hr session and a 3 day booking.