Bruce Early Childhood Centre
Bruce Early Childhood Centre is a 45-place centre in a convenient and safe location on the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) campus in Bruce, ACT. Our prime location offers easy access and convenience for families, being close to the Australian Institute of Sport, North Canberra Hospital and Belconnen.
With healthy meals, a focus on sustainability and a curriculum based on the Early Years Learning Framework, our centre promotes children’s growth and well-being with a philosophy based on respect, education, stewardship, play, equity, community and culture.
We operate from 7:45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Providing much more than childcare
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.
Our program fosters children’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth through responsive interactions, daily routines and play-based experiences, all while promoting environmental responsibility and cultural competence.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we are all about community, and our warm and welcoming Educators embed that within our early childhood centres.
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.
We treat every moment within our centre as a learning opportunity. We aim to give children a sense of belonging, security and support to grow and learn in a safe and natural environment.
Value for money
Bruce Early Childhood Centre offers a comprehensive curriculum, experienced Educators and a multicultural community, providing excellent value for money.
*Hourly rate: $20
Food and Nutrition
We provide morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late snack for children, catering for a variety of dietary requirements and preferences. The menu is created by the chef in accordance with Australian Dietary Guidelines and with consultation with Educators and families, so it can adjust to cultural and dietary needs. 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. Our chef believes in the importance of children being involved in their food choices, so they can explore different foods and gain autonomy over their choices. She also helps to educate the children on the importance of healthy food and nutrition. 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 ensures 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.
Convenient and accessible location
Bruce Early Childhood Centre is conveniently located on the CIT campus in Bruce, a short trip from Belconnen and easily accessible via Belconnen Way. We are near the Australian Institute of Sport and North Canberra Hospital.
The campus setting provides a safe, secure and natural environment for children to explore, run, climb and learn.
This prime location offers easy access and convenience for families, with nearby public transport and ample parking.
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.
Bruce Early Childhood Centre
1 Bassett Street, Bruce, ACT, 2617
Our Philosophy
Bruce Early Childhood Centre's philosophy is based on RESPECT for children, families and relationships.
We value our role as Educators and create a sense of belonging and security for children, promoting their health and well-being with responsive interactions and daily routines.
Our program emphasises sustainability, located on a leafy campus with an expansive outdoor area that promotes children's exploration and learning.
Relationships: Promoting positive relationships and respect for families as children’s first teachers.
Education: Guided by Early Years Learning Framework, we foster children's competence and dispositions for learning.
Stewardship: We nurture children's environmental responsibility through education and care.
Passionate / Play (Learning through play): We advocate for children's learning through environments rich in play-based experiences.
Equity: Inclusive environment, celebrating diversity, acknowledging and valuing differences.
Community and Culture: We value cultural richness and diversity, actively engaging with community and promoting cultural competence.
Togetherness: Valuing children's social groups, fostering respect, and promoting pro-social skills development.
“Our task regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible.“
Loris Malaguzzi - founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach
