Goodstart Early Learning Port Macquarie

13/10/2026

Wanay Barragay returning for Term 4 💛🌱

💛 Wanay Barragay is back for Term 4! 💛

Wiyabu mob! Our much-loved language group for parents and caregivers of Aboriginal bubs (0-5 years) returns on Monday 19 October.

Wanay Barragay is a space to explore and share Gathang alongside your little ones, with simple ways to bring language into daily routines, play, and family life. Language starts at home, and it starts with our bubs. 👶🌿

🗓️ Mondays weekly, 19 October to 7 December
🕥 10:30am - 12:30pm
📍 Birpai Land Council, 14 Aston Street, Port Macquarie
🍵 Free, with morning tea and lunch provided

Older kids are welcome too, just keep in mind our group and resources are all about the bubs.

Spaces are limited and they fill fast! Contact Tianna Graham on 0422 638 684 to secure your spot. 📞

09/10/2026

Little Caterpillars, BIG Learning! 🌿

Having monarch caterpillars in our kindy room learning environment is such a wonderful way to spark children’s curiosity and love for nature! As we watch these tiny caterpillars munch on milkweed, grow, form their chrysalises and transform into beautiful butterflies, children discover the amazing life cycle of a butterfly right before their eyes!
This hands-on experience encourages:
Curiosity, wonder and a love of nature
Observation, questioning and early science skills
Patience, care and respect for living things
Language development as children share their discoveries
Excitement as they witness growth, change and transformation

The best part? Learning becomes a real-life adventure! Every day brings a new discovery and a chance for little minds to grow. Tiny wings, big wonders, and lifelong learning!

07/10/2026

Looking for the right early learning centre for your family? Come and see us. 💛

This October is Open Door Month at Goodstart.

Come in for a tour, meet our educators, explore the learning spaces and ask the questions that matter to you.

Whether you’re just starting to look, comparing your options or ready to choose a centre, we’re here to help you find the right fit for your family.

Book a tour today. We can’t wait to meet you!
📅 https://brnw.ch/21x6dtO

03/10/2026

28/09/2026

Preschool funding matters — and so does the future of quality early learning in NSW

Today, I had the opportunity to speak with Robert Dwyer MP about the proposed changes to NSW preschool funding for long day care services from 2027.

For many families, long day care is their child’s preschool. In 2026, the NSW Government’s Start Strong for Long Day Care program provides funding that supports both the affordability and quality of preschool programs for children aged 3 and above.

From 2027, the NSW Government has announced that program payments for long day care services will cease, while a new Fee Relief for Long Day Care program will continue to provide support to eligible families.

As early childhood professionals and advocates, Goodstart Port Macquarie are concerned about what removing operational funding could mean for the quality of preschool programs our children receive.

Operational funding helps services invest in the things that make a genuine difference to children’s experiences — including:

🌱 Quality educational programs and resources
👩‍🏫 Professional learning, mentoring and educator development
📚 Programming and planning time
🎨 Incursions and learning experiences
🏫 School transition programs and transition statements
🤝 Additional support for children and families
💛 Above-award employment conditions that help attract and retain skilled educators

The question we need to consider is how we can continue to provide high-quality, accessible preschool education for children in long day care while ensuring families are not faced with increased costs or reduced opportunities.

Long day care plays a significant role in preschool access across NSW.

I appreciate Rob Dwyer MP taking the time to listen to the concerns being raised by our sector and to hear directly about what these changes could mean for children, families and early childhood professionals in our local community.

Our children deserve access to high-quality preschool education, wherever they attend.

We will continue to advocate for thoughtful funding arrangements that recognise the important role long day care services play in preparing children for their transition to school and supporting families in our community.

24/09/2026

Our preschool creators have been busy building their very own homes using colourful pieces of paper, scissors, glue and lots of imagination. The children carefully selected colours, cut out different shapes and glued their pieces together to create their own special houses. As they worked, they chatted about what their homes look like and who lives there with them.
Through this learning experience children are developing:

and self-expression – using colour, shape and design to represent something meaningful to them.

motor skills – strengthening little hands and fingers as they cut, manipulate and glue paper.

and language – talking about their homes, sharing ideas and listening to their friends' experiences.

# Sense of identity and belonging – making connections between their own families, homes and the wider community.

learning – discovering that everyone’s home and family can be different and learning to respect and appreciate these differences.

# Thinking and problem-solving – making decisions about colours, shapes, placement and how to construct their houses.

It was beautiful to see the children proudly share their creations and stories, making meaningful connections between home, family and community.

23/09/2026

Creating a safe sleep environment is one of the many ways we care for children each day. From following safe sleep practices and using approved cots, to completing visual checks every 5 minutes, our educators take every step to help children rest safely and comfortably.

We also work closely with families to understand each child's individual sleep routine, because feeling safe, settled and well-rested helps children learn, grow and thrive.

💜 Safe sleep is everyone's responsibility, and it's always a priority.

09/09/2026

Whether your child is already attending early learning, getting ready to start, or you're still exploring your options, it's natural to have questions.

💭 Will my child feel safe and supported? 💭 How will they cope with new experiences and changes? 💭 What can I do to help them feel confident and settled?

Listen to Episode 1 of What I Wish I Knew... The Early Learning Guide podcast, with child development expert Dr Billy Garvey as he explains why transitions are such an important part of childhood and how strong, supportive relationships help children navigate change with confidence.

From starting early learning to moving rooms, making new friends or tackling other big milestones, transitions are a normal part of growing up. When children feel safe, supported and connected, they're more likely to embrace new experiences, build confidence and develop the resilience they need to thrive.

🎧 Tune in to hear Dr Billy's expert insights and explore more episodes of What I Wish I Knew... The Early Learning Guide podcast: https://brnw.ch/21x5ztW

💛 Because every child deserves to feel safe, supported and a true sense of belonging as they grow, learn and discover the world around them.