CatholicCare Early Learning Centre Shellharbour

Welcome to CatholicCare Early Learning Centre Shellharbour, located at Shellharbour City Centre on College Avenue. Our brand new, purpose-built centre is designed to provide a welcoming and nurturing environment where children's learning and play are at the core of everything we do.

Our staff are experienced, qualified, and passionate educators who work collaboratively with families to support the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of the children. We understand that children's learning experiences come from their interaction and engagement with their environment and the people around them. That's why we have created a rich and varied environment that supports their learning and development, giving them the confidence to explore and learn in a secure and safe indoor and outdoor space.

At CatholicCare Early Learning Centre Shellharbour, we are committed to delivering an educational program that meets the highest standards. Under the National Law, our centre provides an educational program to all children between the ages of 2-5. We believe in fostering a love for learning and offer a range of activities and experiences that encourage children to explore, discover, and grow.

We understand the importance of nutrition in early childhood development. That's why our menu was developed in collaboration with the Department of Health through their Munch and Move program. We have also worked closely with families, children, educators, and nutritionists to ensure that our menu provides variety and caters to the needs of each child. All dietary and cultural requirements are respected, and children can even get involved in the creation of meals by helping in our kitchen garden or participating in small tasks in meal preparation.

We believe in building strong relationships with our local community, including state primary schools and our neighboring Catholic schools, Nazareth Catholic Primary School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School. Through these partnerships, we host Parent Information Nights, welcome visits from local kindergarten teachers and principals, and organize regular excursions to Nazareth Catholic Primary School during the school term. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive and smooth transition to school program, giving children the confidence they need as they move on to the next stage of their learning and development.

In addition to our school partnerships, we also collaborate with Shellharbour City Council to provide visits to the local library, museum, and playgrounds, including Yirran Muru and Collins Reserve. We are proud to be involved in initiatives such as Paint Shellharbour REaD, which encourages community-wide engagement in reading, talking, singing, and rhyming with children to prepare them for reading and writing at school.

At CatholicCare Early Learning Centre Shellharbour, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment that acknowledges, respects, and celebrates diversity through culture and ability. We understand that every child and family is unique, and we offer the right support for those with diverse needs. We work collaboratively with families, providing referral pathways for extra social and emotional wellbeing support when required. We also collaborate with professionals within CatholicCare and our local community, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure that every child has the support they need to thrive.

We invite all families in the local community to join us at CatholicCare Early Learning Centre Shellharbour, where your child's learning and wellbeing are our top priorities. Contact us today to arrange a visit and see firsthand the nurturing and engaging environment we have created for your little ones.