Goodstart Early Learning Goonellabah

Strong relationships are the foundation for confident, curious learners 💛

Goodstart’s key educator approach ensures every child is known, supported and feels safe - through consistent, nurturing connections with educators and meaningful partnerships with families. These bonds help build wellbeing, resilience and a true sense of belonging from day one.

Discover how this approach supports your child’s learning journey: https://brnw.ch/2

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 👇

Learning through play, the best way to spend your day!
Check out what our toddlers have been up to over the past couple of weeks

Celebrating Mel's 25 Years at Goodstart Goonellabah! 🎉
This year, we are delighted to celebrate an incredible milestone—Mel's 25 years of dedication, care and commitment to the children, families and community of Goodstart Goonellabah.
Over the past 25 years, Mel has made a lasting difference in the lives of so many children and families, creating meaningful relationships and helping generations of children learn, grow and thrive.
We invite all families, past and present, along with current and former team members, to join us in celebrating this special achievement by sharing a message, memory or words of appreciation for Mel. Your heartfelt messages will help us recognise the impact she has had on our centre and community throughout her remarkable journey.
Thank you, Mel, for 25 wonderful years of making a difference every day. 💜
Please add your message of appreciation below and help us celebrate this amazing milestone! 🎊

Choosing early learning is about trust, care and quality.

At Goodstart, safety and wellbeing come first. Our child-safe culture and evidence-based practice support early learning that builds confidence for life.

If your circumstances are changing for 2026, our Family Support Team is available to support families — whether you're looking to start care, increase days, understand your subsidy, or talk through any questions or feedback.

📞 Contact our Family Support Team to start the conversation - 1800 222 543

Find a centre: https://brnw.ch/21x0uBT

Goodstart is proud to be a not-for-profit early learning provider, with profits reinvested into children, educators and centres.

Driven by purpose and guided by quality, we support families and communities through safe, nurturing early learning environments.

Whether you’re looking to start care, increase days, understand your subsidy, or talk through any questions or feedback, they’ll take the time to support you.

📞 Reach out to our Family Support Team to discuss what works for your family - 1800 222 543

Families' needs change, and we're here to support you.

As your local leader in early learning, Goodstart partners with families to provide nurturing, play-based learning in safe, joy-filled environments where children can thrive.

If you're reviewing your early learning plans for 2026, our Family Support Team can help. Whether you're looking to start care, increase days, understand your subsidy, or talk through any questions or feedback.

📞 Get in touch with our Family Support Team to talk through your options - 1800 222 543

Find a centre: https://brnw.ch/21x048u

Planning ahead for your child’s early learning journey?

We offer quality early learning grounded in purposeful play, safety and wellbeing, and evidence-based practice. All led by degree-qualified teachers and educators.

If your family's needs have changed for 2026, our Family Support Team is here to help.

Whether you’re looking to start care, increase days, understand your subsidy, or talk through any questions or feedback, they'll take the time to support you.

📞 Contact our Family Support Team to discuss your family's needs - 1800 222 543

https://brnw.ch/21wZTT3

Find a centre: https://brnw.ch/21wZTT4

Nursery and Toddlers: Our early learning approach from birth to 3 Learn about our Birth to 3 Practice Framework and programs at Goodstart for your baby or toddler.