• A warm welcome from the educators.
• A quick chat about how the night and morning have been.
• Time to explore their classroom and play areas.
• A gentle introduction to room routines such as:
  • Morning tea.
  • Group time to read a book.
  • An engaging sensory activity.
  • Outdoor play with new friends.

One of our toddlers was very shy on his first day. He clung to his dad at drop-off, and when it was time to say goodbye, he burst into tears. We reassured dad that this was normal and actually a sign of a strong bond between them.

Within minutes, the gentle guidance of the educator helped calm the little boy down. Soon after, he was sliding down the playground slide with a new friend. Later that morning, he joined storytime, sitting beside the educator for comfort and clapping along with the songs. By the end of the week, the boy had bonded with his educator and was confidently joining group activities.

Stories like this remind us that while every child adjusts at their own pace, with the right support, they quickly thrive.

For parents, the first day at childcare can be just as emotional. That’s why we send extra updates through our secure parent-communication app, OWNA, with photos and stories of their child’s first day. Many parents tell us this helps them relax and focus on their own day.

Our morning began outdoors, where busy bodies stretched, climbed, balanced and swung. Gross motor play is often the first activity of the day, as children test their strength, build coordination, and gain confidence in what their bodies can do.

Before long, their attention drifted toward something quieter: The garden. We walked over to check on our growing vegetables. The children carefully touched the leaves, together we counted tomatoes, and we had a conversation on how our plants have grown since our last visit. A beautiful activity to teach children about responsibility, patience, and respect for living things in an enjoyable, engaging way.

Before heading back inside, we picked fresh mint — a small harvest that would later become something special to share.

When the Montessori-inspired work cycle starts, the room turns quiet as the children focus on the activity they selected. Some children worked on a puzzle, others built train tracks or expressed their creativity through art. In the home corner, we saw nurturing role play — babies rocked gently, meals prepared with care.

We then started to work on a really exciting project: making our own mint-and-orange “iced tea”.

Each child took part in the process:
– Washing hands,
– Squishing mint leaves,
– Juicing oranges,
– Mixing ingredients.

Simple actions, rich with learning.

After preparing the drink, the children practised something even more meaningful: serving one another. Carefully placing a cup on a tray, walking mindfully, and offering it to a seated friend.

In the Montessori philosophy, activities like this build grace and courtesy. It goes beyond manners, it’s about learning to notice others, to help, to give and is a key focus in Montessori childcare.

Moments like these build independence, confidence, and social connection all at once.

In the afternoon, the energy softened. With our yoga instructor, the children moved through gentle yoga poses, explored mudra finger holds, and practised breathing and meditation. 

Yoga classes help children calm down and tune into their bodies and emotions. It helps them notice how they feel and teaches them how to calm themselves.

In this weeks’ session, our yoga educator brought something very special: a singing bowl. As the children held the singing bowl, they focused on gently creating the calming sounds. 

As the yoga class came to an end, we shared Namaste. A small ritual of gratitude that brings the group together in calmness. 

Montessori-inspired Early Education and childcare

Days like this are what our Montessori-inspired educational program at Enrich Early Education is all about: nurturing independence, emotional intelligence, and confidence, here in our Gold Coast Early Education and childcare centre.

Each experience, from climbing blocks to picking mint, from serving tea to yoga breathing, is thoughtfully designed to support the whole child.

Their bodies. Their minds.Their hearts.

And perhaps most importantly, their growing sense that they are capable, caring members of a community.