Mother Duck Childcare Manly

💚🍂An important reminder as we move into the weekend.🍃💛

Last month we hosted our Mother’s Day (Mother’s Figures Day) afternoon: a relaxed opportunity for children to connect with their special person in the environment where they spend their week.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mother figures in our community. We celebrate the love, strength, and gentle guidance that come in many forms: mothers, grandmothers, aunties, carers, foster mums, step‑mums, and every person who nurtures a child with patience and heart. Whether you are a biological parent, a chosen family member, or a special adult who shows up with love, we honour you.

Thank you for the countless ways you support, comfort, and inspire the little people in your life.

Starting childcare is a big transition—for your child and for you.

If this stage feels challenging at times, you are not alone.

At Mother Duck Childcare & Kindergarten, we believe in walking alongside families through this transition—with practical support, reassurance and understanding.

Katy Bloodworth offers some practical tips and shares how Mother Duck supports our families during this big transitional period.

https://loom.ly/bSFVQKg 🦆 🌸

Supporting Your Child (and Yourself) Through the Transition to Childcare - Mother Duck Child Care Starting childcare is a big transition—for your child and for you. Alongside new friendships, routines, and learning experiences, it’s also common for families to navigate periods of illness, disrupted sleep, and emotional adjustments. If this stage feels challenging at times, you are not alone....

One of the highlights of our Kindy Café project has been watching the children create their own tiled countertop. They planned the design, glued each tile, and grout it over several days.
This meaningful, child‑led work has given them a strong sense of ownership. Their pride in creating something real and lasting has made the café an instant favourite.

In our Pre‑Kindy Studio, colour exploration has become a beautiful inquiry. Children have been joyfully exploring colour through art and nature. With pastels in hand, they’ve been noticing shades in leaves, flowers, and the world around them: blending, rubbing, and creating their own interpretations. These moments spark creativity, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the natural environment.

Children’s interests are the foundation of our curriculum. We observe closely, listen deeply, and design provocations that build on their questions, theories, and play.

Whether it’s a collection of natural materials, a mirror setup, or a small‑world scene, each provocation is intentional: encouraging problem‑solving, collaboration, and expressive languages. Learning becomes a co‑constructed journey between children, educators, and the environment.

In our Senior Studio, independence is growing in so many meaningful ways. One of our daily rituals is children getting their own beds, a simple moment that holds so much learning. At this age, children are developing a strong sense of autonomy. They’re eager to try things for themselves, to contribute, and to take ownership of their routines. We honour this by creating environments where children can do things independently, not just be helped to do them.

At Mother Duck, one of our mantras is “Nothing without the child.” This means we see children as capable, active participants in their own learning.

There are few phone calls families dread more than the one from childcare saying:

“Your child isn’t feeling well today.”

Because behind that phone call is often immediate stress.

At Mother Duck Childcare & Kindergarten, we see that. We understand that for many families, one unexpected call can create a ripple effect through the entire day—or even the week.

Katy Boodworth shares how our 'Walking Alongside' value supports our educators and families in doing what's most supportive for the children in our care.

https://loom.ly/GKRH0Mw

The Phone Call No Family Wants… And No Educator Wants to Make - Mother Duck Child Care There are few phone calls families dread more than the one from childcare saying: “Your child isn’t feeling well today.” Because behind that phone call is often immediate stress. Meetings need to be rearranged. Work commitments have to be changed. Trying to work out who can leave. The worry ab...

Today we celebrate a special achievement within our Mother Duck Manly community.
Congratulations to Carla on completing her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Since joining us in 2022, Carla has grown into a thoughtful and inspiring educator. In her current role as Lead Educator in our Junior Studio community, she brings warmth, intention, and a deep respect for children’s learning journeys. This milestone reflects her commitment to ongoing growth and professional excellence.

We are honoured to have you as part of our team, Carla. Congratulations on this well‑deserved accomplishment!

We are delighted to celebrate a wonderful achievement within our Mother Duck Manly community!
A big congratulations to Yuli, who has successfully completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Yuli joined Mother Duck Manly in 2023 and has become a valued and dedicated member of our team. In her current role as an Assistant Educator in our Senior Studio community, she brings warmth, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to supporting children’s learning and wellbeing each day.

We are incredibly proud of you, Yuli. Thank you for your hard work, your passion, and the positive energy you bring to our community!