Learning is the key to human development, but it is not a simple, homogeneous process. What to learn, when to learn, and how to learn are arrived at through a conscious and careful study of children as well as a comprehensive understanding of the human being through all stages of human development….”
— Rudolf Steiner
Our Story
Antara Childcare & Preschool originated as individual childcare services in the St George & Sutherland Shire since 2006. Over these years these Award Winning Childcare centres have been united in team spirit yet individually recognised in the community as The Little Cottage (Carlton), Giggles ELC (Bexley) and Wyralla Road Kindergarten (Miranda).
In December 2022, Antara Childcare & Preschool was launched. The restructure of the organisation has connected all services under one umbrella- with one vision of wholehearted educators, beautiful environments inspiring open minds.
Antara Childcare & Preschool has evolved with extensive inquiry and study of philosophies that cherish and honour the sacred nature of early childhood. This has informed our holistic approach to early learning and supports the development of children’s open minds.
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a National guide for supporting the development and learning of children aged from birth to five years and is a framework that Antara Childcare & Preschool utilise as a foundation to overlay our unique learning curriculum.
Nutrition
Healthy food, drinks and habits greatly impact the learning and growth of your child. We have wholesome nutritious home cooked prepared meals daily. We practice the art of mindful eating and children are taught to show reverence towards their meals. With relaxed mealtimes, your child will share their eating experiences with educators and peers.
Food Allergies
Traces of nuts may be highly dangerous to children who are allergic to them. Because of this, Antara Childcare & Preschool is a ‘NUT FREE zone’. If your child has other food allergies, please share them with us and we will make accommodations. We want your child to feel comfortable and receive the foods which are best for them.
Our Team
"Receive the child in reverence, educate them in love: let them go forth in freedom”
— Rudolf Steiner
As educators in children's lives, we understand the developmental needs of young children in order to truly meet them. These ‘vital years’ from 0-7 need urgent protection from the ever growing pressures of a fast paced modern world in order that children can unfold and flourish in a healthy way.
Children play and learn in a sensory rich environment where educators strive to be worthy of imitation in all they do, nurturing the young child’s sense of wonder for the world, creating learning spaces where children can fully engage in the present and enrich the possibilities of creative, imaginative, self-directed play. Once confidence in their capacities has been established, children are ready to commence the more formal learning of Primary School.
Every impression formed during the early years has the potential to form a solid foundation for future health, wellbeing and foster a life-long love of learning.
Our family of educators are dedicated and passionate professionals who are loving expressions of our highly effective philosophy, systems and processes.
We work together to connect and build learning environments and experiences that inspire curiosity, spark wonder and awaken each child’s imaginative and connective spirit.
Our educators encourage self-initiated learning through play that supports the development of problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and social skills.
As a unified and harmonious tribe, we regularly engage in ongoing professional learning and routinely critically reflect on all aspects of our program, practices and environment. Our concerted effort to be united in all we bring forth produces meaningful and productive engagement which lays the foundations for children to develop a love of learning and build skills to support a bright and joyful future.
Reviews
Antara Childcare has a strong commitment to continuous improvement, we highly value and are grateful to receive feedback that helps us to strive towards higher levels of excellence and meaningful connection.
Here are just a few wonderful testimonials that we have received from past and present clients.
We are truly lucky we found Carlton Childcare and Preschool. The staff are highly engaged and caring. The Director, Jing, is doing a great job with the School Readiness program. Post COVID they have now ramped up a great program of fun and educational activities such a Soccer Joeys, Happy Feet, Book Week, Science Incursion, Hatching chickens and regular walks on country and visits to many local playgrounds. It’s a very holistic and caring environment. My daughter will miss all the staff at CCP when she goes to primary school next year. Thanks for everything you do!
— Sarah C
Excellent educators who genuinely care for your child. They create a fun, safe environment for all and go above and beyond with new excursions, learning experiences and routines every week. My child has gone there for over three years now and is thriving in every way (mainly due to them!) I’m sure she will continue to visit for years to come. They have honestly been the greatest blessing for us both. Carlton Childcare and Preschool.
— Nicole
Wonderful and caring childcare centre. The staff are all brilliant miracle workers! They put a lot of effort and thought in their early learning programs and seem to be doing something new every week (Carlton Childcare and Preschool).
— Gloria
As a proud Wiradjuri mum, Antara Childcare and Preschool Bexley (Giggles) is a shining example of a childcare facility that beautifully incorporates Indigenous culture into its daily practices. I am incredibly impressed with the level of dedication and respect shown towards our traditions and customs. From the moment you walk through the doors of Antara Bexley, you can feel the warmth and inclusivity that is fostered within the centre. The educators are knowledgeable and skilled professionals who are passionate about creating an environment that celebrates
Indigenous culture. They go above and beyond to ensure that every child feels a sense of belonging and appreciation for Indigenous heritage. I am truly grateful to have found Antara Bexley, as it has provided my child with an enriching and respectful experience that celebrates culture. I highly recommend this centre to any parent who values diversity and wants their child to grow up with a deeper appreciation for Indigenous traditions.
Thank you to the team. You are all amazing!
— Jarna
Can’t speak highly enough of all the staff and care provided at this centre (Antara Bexley). After first having our daughter taken care of 10 years ago, it was without hesitation that we now have our son there. The care and education provided continues to be amazing. The comfort and ease provided by all educators especially during tough times like these we are all currently experiencing is something that as a working family has helped immensely and we are forever grateful.
— Paula
Our daughter started with Antara Bexley (Giggles Early Learning Centre) in June. All of the carers have been so good, and she has felt so comfortable with the transition. We are so grateful, and Eloisa has been so happy. Thanks so much to all the carers for all you do. The other thing which we love are the number of activities that they run. Our daughter absolutely loves it.
— Adrian
One of the biggest fears a parent faces is trusting their child is safe when they can’t be there with them. Never once have I felt trepidation or anxiety leaving our daughter at your door. The love, care and learning you provide is unsurpassable. Each time I pick up, I ask her who was there, and who she played with and the first names are always all of her ‘friends’ – her teachers. If there is any doubt of the impact on her little heart, on her days at home she always wants to walk past kindy to see her friends and show off her new things “Everybody’s going to love this”. Thank you for your continuing care, you deserve all the respect and appreciation for helping grow our littlest people.
— Alecia
Our daughter has been at Antara Miranda (Wyralla Road Kindergarten) for the last 3 years, she is about to finish up and head to big school. We have absolutely loved her time there. The educators are all amazing, so nurturing and kind. We love the outdoor play and focus on nature and the indigenous history of the area. Would highly recommend the centre, we will miss it!
— Corinne
We moved our son to Antara Miranda (Wyralla Road Kindergarten) about 2 years ago after problems at another centre. He settled in straight away, the staff are fantastic. They are loving, warm and genuinely interested in the children’s well-being and development. He is about to start big school and I can’t thank them enough for looking after him. If you want a childcare that focuses on the child’s needs, happiness and growth then this is the place for you. A true home away from home.
— Renee
I’ve never seen a childcare centre that consistently feels lively and makes everyone feel welcomed. The children are well cared for. The director and educators have a keen eye for detail, provides opportunities for the children to learn through play and has a natural caring nature.
— Rae
Carlton Childcare and Preschool (The Little Cottage) always goes above and beyond for the children. My daughter loves all the fun activities she does on a daily basis and comes home with great stories on what they got up to. I love how the educators really nurture and support my daughter.
Antara Bexley (Giggles) are always providing new activities, play areas, toys and great incursions to keep the kids interested and engaged.
— Fiona
On Grandparents’ Day in March, the smiles and delight of Dexter’s teacher were obvious when she was saying that he was ready for school, keen to learn, well behaved, and plays with many children
— Ai-Ling
I was impressed with how easily my eldest son transitioned from Antara Bexley (Giggles) to primary school. The Antara Bexley (Giggles) teachers were committed to ensuring each child was fully prepared for school
— Yvette
We would like to share our love and appreciation to all of the teachers and management who have made her first journey in life a fun and beautiful one. We couldn’t wish for a more caring and dedicated staff who in their busy day, find the time to learn a little about Sienna and the things she loves. Thank you for continuing to make our daughter’s journey memorable
— Tammy
As a dad, I’m very impressed with Carlton Childcare and Preschool (The Little Cottage). My son loves it. The staff there have helped bring out the very best in him. They provide so many different and varied activities that ensure no two weeks are the same.
— Ben
I’m so grateful for the fact that I have found Carlton Childcare and Preschool (The Little Cottage) for my two and a half year old daughter, where she goes there 5 days a week and loves everything in there. The most important thing when finding a childcare centre, that every parent would be concerned about, is the trust you have in them. The staff in Carlton Childcare and Preschool are nice and friendly, but most importantly, they all love kids and care for them.
— Jenny
We are so thankful to every single one of you for always being so supportive, kind and looking after Shreyana so well. Thank you for always listening to our concerns and working on it towards Shreyana’s journey. Without your guidance and support it wouldn’t be possible for us to raise Shreyana so well. Along with Shreyana, we miss you all and always will be grateful towards the teachers and centre
I am so happy with the girls at Antara Miranda (Wyralla) and my daughter absolutely loves it there! I could not recommend it enough. The girls make you feel so welcome!
— Hayley
Our children have been attending Antara Miranda (Wyralla) kindergarten for the past 3 years. We have nothing but praise for this professional, caring and friendly child care centre.
Excellence
National Quality Framework
The National Quality Framework (NQF) was introduced in 2012 and provides an approach to the regulation, assessment and quality of early childhood education and care across Australia.
We have achieved the highest quality rating of Exceeding the NQF standards upon numerous assessments by the Department of Education NSW. We continue to improve and exceed in all areas of the National Quality Framework.
Awards and Recognition
At Antara Childcare, our focus on ‘cherished connection’ has meant that we have been rewarded by being able to experience the children in our care growing in attunement with their natural and higher selves.
Whilst this alone is a big enough reward for us, our efforts have been formally recognised through local business awards as well. This recognition serves to provide further inspiration and determination to provide the very best early childhood services for families and children in each of our centres.
Community Engagement
By striving to achieve a culture where families can be active participants in the life of our centre, great value is placed on the sharing of customs, knowledge, strengths and interests of children.
We believe in creating a sense of belonging and community through our connection to the land and each other.
Our tribe maintains a commitment to the wider community and values the importance of charitable giving in the communities in which we operate.