Cottage Grove Early Learning

Let's talk about what childcare actually costs.

Between CCS, Free Kindy and the new 3 Day Guarantee, working it out can honestly feel like a second job — and we hear the confusion from families on almost every tour. Usually followed by "sorry, this is probably a silly question." It's not. It's the question.

So here's the plain-English version (swipe through).

And if your situation doesn't fit neatly into seven slides — most don't — just ask. We sit down with families and walk through it properly, with real numbers, before you enrol. No jargon, no pressure. That's what we're here for.

DM us or bring it up at your tour 💛

Some news from our kitchen 🥕

We've just finished a full menu review with Nutrition Australia, to make sure the meals we serve are genuinely meeting the dietary needs of every child in our care — from our littlest eaters through to kindy. Over the next few weeks we'll share what the review looked at, what's changed, and what's on the plate.
(Spoiler: the butter chicken isn't going anywhere. There would be a riot.)

Questions about our menu? Ask below

This one means a lot. We know how much research goes into choosing care — the tours, the questions, the gut-checks. So when a family who did all of that says it was one of their best decisions, that's the review we print out and stick in the staff room. Thank you for trusting us with your little person💛
(Full review on Google — it made the chef's week too.)

https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=d6ab2937dc67bc1f&si=APenkKm7iecQ4G6P-TsbSMFKIQtv3EFIqRAFw-i8uEbk55Z-_6h4UyxKg9jHlXT7RIESHkCw7-ntJUV3NwMLx4mYF9tBQlIAF2ANfSUfLxwhq0kvQdaaw3P3QjI1qiANxfOu8oX3O_iRfXEVdsJYPHjEILvP0RKNgA%3D%3D&q=Cottage+Grove+Early+Learning+Reviews&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj7hO6UkfKVAxX8f_UHHVF-GgUQ0bkNegQINxAH&biw=1536&bih=695&dpr=1.25

Meet Gabi 💛 Three years in our Pre-Kindy room, and we're still not sure who has more energy — her or the children.

Gabi grew up in Brazil, speaks Portuguese with a few of our families (which we love), and has never once been caught taking a normal photo. Evidence attached.
Certified dog person too — ask her about her Frenchie back home in Brazil next time you're in. Fair warning: there will be photos.

We reckon the people make the place, so we'll be introducing more of the team over the coming weeks.

🌟 Celebrating our Team Members of the Term! 🌟

At Cottage Grove Early Learning, our values guide everything we do — and this term, two incredible educators have brought them to life in the most wonderful ways.

🌿 Lucy — Team Member of the Term for Community
Lucy has been an absolute powerhouse in getting our Bush Kindy program up and running! Her commitment and passion for connecting our children with nature and the wider community has been nothing short of inspiring. Thank you, Lucy, for bringing this vision to life! 🌏💚

🤝 Ale — Team Member of the Term for Leadership
In a short amount of time, Ale has brought her room team together seamlessly — communicating clearly, collaborating openly, and leading with heart. Her team is thriving because of it. Congratulations, Ale! ✨

We're so lucky to have educators who live our values every single day. Please join us in celebrating these two superstars! 🎉💐

Stay tuned to hear who received our Pedagogy award!

A glimpse into just one day at Cottage Grove.

✔ Nutritious meals
✔ Learning resources
✔ Creative experiences
✔ Outdoor adventures
✔ Meaningful relationships

Everything children need to learn, play and thrive is already included.

Because childhood should be about experiences—not extra fees.

❤️ It's moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.

Last Friday, we said goodbye to a very special family as they begin an exciting new adventure in Canada.

Along with hugs (and maybe a few tears), they left us this beautiful card.

"Thank you for being our home away from home and part of our family."

There really isn't a greater compliment.

Early childhood is about so much more than preparing children for school. It's about creating a place where children feel safe, loved and free to be themselves. It's about building relationships that become part of a family's story.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey over the years. Watching your girls grow has been an absolute privilege, and they'll always hold a special place in the Cottage Grove family.

We wish you every happiness as you begin this exciting new chapter in Canada. No matter where life takes you, you'll always have a home here at Cottage Grove.

🍁 Safe travels—we'll miss you dearly.

✨ For adults, they’re just lentils. For children, they’re endless possibilities.

Through sensory play, children become explorers, creators, problem-solvers, and scientists. Every scoop, pour, transfer, and handful helps build important skills, from fine motor development and hand-eye coordination to concentration, creativity, and early mathematical thinking.

Learning doesn’t always look like worksheets or structured activities. Sometimes, it looks like a child deeply engaged in a tub of lentils, making discoveries, testing ideas, and learning through play.

🌱 Every little moment of play is an opportunity for growth.

Many families join Cottage Grove when their children are babies and stay right through until school.

Why?

Because relationships matter.

Children thrive when they're surrounded by familiar faces, consistent routines and educators who truly know them.

From our experienced educators and visible leadership team to our welcoming community of families, we're proud to be a place where people feel connected.

🌿 A community, not just a childcare centre.