Sandy Bay Child Care Centre

10/08/2026

In the Sunflower Program our children's curiosity about bugs and minibeasts has been growing. This continues to be reflected through their art, conversations, construction and increasingly detailed investigations.

Today, they transformed their ideas into action, using natural loose parts to collaboratively design and construct a bug hotel, thinking about what might make a welcoming home for our tiny visitors.

Their inquiry continued outdoors as children searched, observed and investigated with bug catchers and magnifying glasses.

When we follow children’s interests, we create space for their theories, questions and imagination to lead the learning.

03/08/2026

We are looking for a Diploma Qualified Educator to take on a full time position in our 3-5year old space. Please share or click on the link if you are interested ❤️

Build strong relationships with children, families and communities that provide the basis for all learning.

13/07/2026

Exploring the colours of Country 🌿🎨

As part of our NAIDOC Week experiences, the children in the Daffodil program explored natural pigments gathered from the land, including clay, sandstone, charcoal from our Winter Solstice fire, and terracotta washed up on the beach. Using a mortar and pestle, they crushed, sieved and mixed the materials with water to create their very own natural paints that they applied to a large piece of wattle bark.

Through experiences like these, educators are supporting children to develop a deeper appreciation for the land we live on, its natural resources, and the importance of caring for Country

16/06/2026

The children from our Sunflower Program visited Hobart College this morning for our second excursion. During our visit, our children explored a range of thoughtfully planned learning experiences developed by students studying Early Childhood Education and Care.

Our children look forward to these visits and it provides opportunities to engage with new environments, people and experiences. It also provides students at Hobart College to move from theory to practice as they apply their knowledge and develop their professional practice.

08/05/2026

Over the Easter break, our house setting was painted, creating a calmer environment. Educators have engaged in ongoing dialogue about how we can authentically reflect the children, their identities and their presence in this renewed space.

Through these conversations, children have been engaged in various creative arts experiences and have contributed to a shared canvas that now takes pride of place in our foyer.

This piece is not simply a finished product, but a visible trace of the children's experiences, relationships, and emerging ways of expressing themselves.

A huge thank you to Justin from Blake's Painting and Contracting for all his hard work over the Easter break to allow us to come back to a beautiful new environment.

29/04/2026

Our clever Children in the house engaged in creating with handmade recycled paper using materials contributed by their families, fostering a sense of sustainability and community connection.

This experience aligns with EYLF Outcome 4, as children develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence through hands-on exploration and resourceful thinking.

04/04/2026

Don't forget about the newly established Hobart Toy Library if you are having a declutter this Easter Long weekend.

🐣 Easter weekend: great for chocolate, even better for a good toy sorting. If a clear-out is on the cards this long weekend, we'd love to welcome your quality pre-loved toys.

- We accept complete toys, games, and puzzles in good condition — typically for ages 0–8.

- A few things we're not able to take: soft or fabric toys, books, LEGO sets, anything with button batteries or small magnets, or bikes with chains.

If you’ve got something suitable please fill out our donation form (link in comments).

We’ll then share the closest drop-off location - South Hobart, West Hobart, Sorell or we can collect from Huonville.

📦Please don’t bring donations into the toy library - our storage space there is quite tight!

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🪣 Got broken or worn-out toys? Don't bin them — Big W's Toys for Joy recycling program will take them! Drop them at your nearest Big W store.

20/03/2026

In our 3-5 year old program, educators continue to engage in critical reflection on the environments we create for children, recognising that every space holds the potential to support learning and development.

Recently, a veterinary clinic has been introduced to extend children’s interest in dramatic play. While this environment invites imagination, role play, and social connection, it has also been intentionally designed to nurture early literacy skills through a play-based lens.

Within this space, children engage with environmental print including signs, labels, appointment books, and forms, supporting their understanding of the purpose and function of written language in everyday contexts.

Opportunities for mark making are embedded throughout the play, with children writing notes, recording information, and creating their own symbols and representations as part of their play narratives. These experiences enable children to experiment with early writing in meaningful and contextually relevant ways.

By weaving literacy into meaningful, child-led experiences, educators support children to develop confidence as communicators, storytellers, and emerging writers.This approach emphasises that literacy development begins long before formal instruction and is fostered through play, exploration, and engagement with rich learning environments.

05/03/2026

Children from the Daffodil program joined their older peers in the Sunflower program to engage in a shared learning experience celebrating Holi. Educator Anamika introduced the cultural significance of the festival, supporting children to develop an awareness of diverse traditions and celebrations. Through the exploration of coloured powders, children engaged in an experience that fostered social connection, curiosity, and collaborative play. Experiences such as this provide meaningful opportunities for children to develop respect for cultural diversity while learning alongside their peers.

24/02/2026

We are excited to support our colleagues at Gaia's Nest as they prepare for their upcoming community fair. Events like these provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with families, celebrate our local community, and showcase the collaborative spirit that strengthens our sector.

Join us at Gaia’s Nest Community Fair 🌿

🗓️ Saturday 14th March
⏰ 10am - 2pm
📍 375 Pass Road, Mornington

Free entry, live music, food trucks, face painting & local stallholders - fun for the whole family! 💚✨