Belconnen Early Childhood Centre
We have made the difficult decision to close Belconnen Early Childhood Centre by 31 May 2024. All families have been informed of this decision. For any questions regarding enrolment, please contact csat@crcs.com.au.
Providing much more than childcare
We have made the difficult decision to close Belconnen Early Childhood Centre by 31 May 2024. All families have been informed of this decision. For any questions regarding enrolment, please contact csat@crcs.com.au.
Conveniently located on Level 3 of Belconnen Westfield, Belconnen Early Childhood Centre is an open-planned, play-based centre that accommodates up to 45 children. We pride ourselves on being a multicultural, diverse centre that welcomes people from all walks of life.
We provide much more than childcare. Our mission is to create an inclusive, secure and respectful childhood environment that empowers children to explore their passions, form nurturing, trustworthy relationships, and reach their fullest potential through a child-led educational approach.
We care about the whole family, not just the children who attend our services. We actively involve parents in their child's learning journey and encourage open communication and collaboration between Educators and families, to create a supportive network that fosters a strong bond between home and the centre.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we are all about community, and our warm and welcoming Educators embed that within Belconnen Early Childhood Centres.
We strive to promote critical reflection and foster collaborative partnerships between children, families and the wider community.
Value for money
With our warm and inviting spaces, Belconnen Early Childhood Centre sparks children's natural sense of curiosity and wonder to explore and learn at their own pace. We offer a comprehensive curriculum, experienced Educators and a multicultural community, providing excellent value for money.
*Hourly rate: $20
Food and nutrition
We provide morning tea, afternoon tea and late snack for children, catering for a variety of dietary requirements and preferences. Our menu has been carefully curated by a nutritionist and includes cultural dishes suggested by Educators and families.
Under the guidance of the chef and their Educators, children often participate in preparing a healthy morning and afternoon tea as a part of their daily routine. This hands-on experience not only provides them with practical life skills but also helps to instil a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
Active engagement during mealtimes promotes healthy eating habits, particularly in the preschool and toddler spaces where progressive meals are used to invite children in a gradual manner. This gives children agency and teaches them to tune into their body’s needs. It also provides opportunities to educate children about turn-taking, respecting others and table manners, and means their learning experiences are not interrupted when they are keenly engaged in an activity.
The healthy diet promise
We understand that food is an essential part of children's growth and development, which is why we promise to provide a healthy and diverse menu that caters to various cultural tastes to nourish the body and satisfy the taste buds.
A convenient and accessible location
We are conveniently located at Westfield Belconnen. Located at the very heart of the Belconnen town centre, Westfield Belconnen is easily accessible via the main arterial roads of Coulter Drive, Belconnen Way, Ginninderra Drive and Haydon Drive.
With three hours of free parking (level 3) and easy access by public transport, the centre provides the perfect location for those who live or work in Belconnen and its surrounds.
Our central location is a short 600m walk from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Home Affairs offices.
We understand the demands of modern family life. We offer flexible part-time and full-time programs and extended care options to suit your schedule. We also offer casual half-days to help children settle into our centre.
Belconnen Early Childhood Centre
Westfield Belconnen
Shop 65 (Level 3), 20 Benjamin Way, Belconnen, ACT, 2617
Our Philosophy
Our centre’s small, intimate setting allows for a holistic approach to education and care for your child. In addition to our academic curriculum, we nurture their social and emotional growth, creativity and physical well-being, to help them become confident, well-rounded individuals.
At the core of our educational philosophy is the belief that every child deserves to feel valued, respected, and included in their learning environment. We take inspiration from the Educaring approach, which acknowledges children's natural competence and capability. This approach cultivates their agency and empowers them to make choices, follow their passions, and freely express themselves.
We are dedicated to promoting positive connections between children, families and communities. Based on our belief in the Circle of Security, we recognise that these relationships are critical to a child's overall well-being and development. Our goal is to create an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere where the rituals of families and children are respected for them to develop a sense of belonging.
Collaboration is a critical component of our philosophy. We believe in Bronfenbrenner and Vygotsky’s educational theory that strong partnerships with families and the community are essential to providing a culturally secure and supportive learning experience for children. We strive to build strong relationships with families and value their contributions to their child's growth.
We also believe that ongoing critical reflection on our practices and pedagogy is crucial for continuous improvement. By regularly re-examining our assumptions, we can adapt and better meet the diverse needs and interests of the children in our care.
“The goal in Early Education is to activate the child's own natural desire to learn.“
Maria Montessori