Goodstart Early Learning Bendigo

Enrolments Now Open - Toddler One Room

We are now taking enrolments in our Toddler Room at Goodstart Early Learning Bendigo for children aged 15 months to 2 years.

Our toddler program provides a nurturing, play-based environment where children can build confidence, develop independence, and grow through meaningful relationships with our experienced educators.

📍 Limited places available
📅 Secure your child's place now
☎️ Contact the centre today (03 5444 1777) to find out more.
💛 We look forward to welcoming your family.

Did you know we invested $65.5M into our social purpose last year, a 14% increase on the year before? 👏 At Goodstart, we're proud of the impact we have on children, families and communities. As a not‑for‑profit, every dollar we earn is reinvested to improve outcomes – from high‑quality learning and educator development to extra support for children who need it most.
Because when we put children first, the impact goes further 💛

The research is clear 📚 reading aloud is one of the most powerful things we can do for our children.

When we read with a child, we’re doing far more than sharing a story. We’re building the foundations for language, confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

Decades of research shows that children who are read to regularly:

💛 Build stronger language skills
Hearing rich varied language in books exposes children to far more words than everyday conversation alone. This growing vocabulary helps them understand, communicate and make sense of the world.

💛 Develop early literacy skills long before they learn to read
Through stories, children learn how books work – that print carries meaning, that pages turn left to right, and that stories have a beginning, middle and end. These early understandings make learning to read feel familiar and exciting.

💛 Strengthen phonological awareness
Rhymes, rhythms and playful sounds help children hear the building blocks of language.

💛 Grow their comprehension and thinking skills
Talking together about a story, predicting what might happen, wondering how a character feels, and connecting events to real life helps children develop memory, problem-solving, and higher-order thinking.

💛 Experience connection, comfort and joy
Shared reading fosters calmness, closeness, and moments of joint attention. These warm interactions support a child's sense of security and belonging.

Most importantly, children who experience positive, engaging reading moments from a young age are more likely to develop a genuine love of books - something that matters even more than early literacy skills alone.

Reading is simple, joyful, and sets children up for success in school and life.

Here is a list of some of our favourites below 👇

Join the team at Goodstart Bendigo!

Role: Centre Cook
Location: Bendigo, VIC 3550
Centre: Goodstart Bendigo
Employment Type: Part Time / 32.5hours per week

As a Cook at Goodstart, you'll create delicious, healthy meals that fuel young minds and bodies, becoming a cherished part of our community. Your passion for food and commitment to quality will play a crucial role in shaping the daily experiences of the children in our care.

In this role, you will:
- Ensure the safety of children by preparing meals to account for special dietary requirements and allergies
- Use your creativity and organisational skills to plan the menu and order food supplies in consultation with the Centre Director
- Maintain high standards of food safety by ensuring all storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks is hygienic

🌟 Prime Location – Located in the heart of Bendigo, our centre offers a welcoming and accessible environment. Enjoy nearby cafés, parks, arts, and recreational facilities—perfect for both staff and children.
🚶‍♀️ Easy Access – Conveniently positioned on a main road with public transport nearby, including a bus stop on McIvor Road just a 1-minute walk from the centre entrance.
🚗 Free Onsite Parking – Stress-free parking so you can arrive with ease and start your day right.
🏡 Our Centre – Be supported by an experienced leadership team including our Centre Director, 2 Assistant Directors, Educational Leader, 4 Early Learning Teachers, and 2 Room Leaders. Together, they foster staff development, a positive culture, and high-quality outcomes for children.
💖 🧸 Our Centre Vision – At Goodstart Bendigo, we are committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. We believe in working together to create a brighter future for our children and community.

Apply now: https://careers.goodstart.org.au/.../BENDIGO.../1361485466/

🌈✨ Celebrating NAIDOC Week with Our Little Learners ✨🌈
🐍 Today, our Toddlers gathered for a special group time to listen to the beautiful story of the Rainbow Serpent — a cherished story from Aboriginal cultures that has been shared through generations. This meaningful storytelling introduced our children to First Nations perspectives, fostering respect and appreciation for Australia's rich cultural heritage.
🎨After the story, the children engaged in a collaborative painting activity using colourful poppers to create their own Rainbow Serpent artwork. This creative experience not only sparked their imagination but also supported the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and self-expression. Working together encouraged turn-taking, cooperation, and a sense of belonging within our group.
🖤💛❤️ At our Centre, we believe in nurturing curiosity, respect, and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through engaging, hands-on experiences. These activities help children learn through play, creativity, and shared stories, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and culturally aware future.
We look forward to continuing our NAIDOC Week celebrations throughout the week! 🌏💙

At Goodstart Bendigo, children became little scientists during a vibrant science experiment with bicarbonate of soda, vinegar, and food colouring! Using pipettes and squeeze bottles, they carefully added coloured vinegar to the baking soda, watching as it fizzed, bubbled, and changed colours. The experience was designed to be inclusive, encouraging all children to actively participate and enjoy the experience. They eagerly named the different colours, listened to the fizzing sounds, and observed the bubbling reactions with excitement. This hands-on experience helped develop their fine motor skills, encouraged curiosity, and introduced early science concepts. It also expanded their vocabulary as they described what they saw and heard. Most importantly, it fostered confidence as children explored and discovered through their senses. Experiences like this make learning fun and meaningful, helping children understand the world around them while nurturing their curiosity and love of science.

🌟 Enrolments Now Open – Nursery Room 🌟

We are now accepting enrolments in our Nursery Room at Goodstart Early Learning Bendigo for children aged 6 weeks to 15 months

Our nurturing nursery environment provides a calm, safe, and loving space where our youngest learners can grow, explore, and develop at their own pace. With responsive routines and strong, secure relationships, our experienced educators support each child’s individual needs every step of the way.

📍 Limited places available
📅 Secure your child's place now
☎️ Contact the centre today (03 5444 1777) to find out more.
💛 We look forward to welcoming your family.

We would love to show you our amazing Nursery space and look forward to welcoming your family into our centre community

Discover the Exciting Learning Adventures at Goodstart Bendigo!
At Goodstart Bendigo, we believe in inspiring curiosity and fostering growth through engaging, hands-on experiences. Recently, our 3–5-year-olds embarked on an exciting journey into the icy world of Antarctica, exploring this fascinating environment through imaginative play with small Antarctic animal figurines.
Our little explorers collaborated to create captivating stories, developed problem-solving skills, and learned about the unique creatures that inhabit the Antarctic landscape. This creative role-play not only sparks their imagination but also enhances their social skills, communication, and teamwork.
Join our vibrant community at Goodstart Bendigo, where every day is an opportunity for discovery, learning, and fun. Enroll now and give your child the chance to develop essential skills while exploring the wonders of the world in a warm, caring environment!
Contact us today to find out more about our programs and how we nurture your child's growth and curiosity!