Frequently asked questions
Choosing an early learning centre is one of the most important decisions you make in your child’s early years. We understand it can be an exciting and challenging time and that you might have many questions.
To help you get started, we’ve gathered the questions that we get asked the most. If your question isn’t listed, please feel free to reach out.
General FAQ’s
What makes Enrich Early Education different from other child care and Kindergarten centres?
We’re the only early learning centre in Australia that follows the EQM approach. Our curriculum is based on the Early Years Learning Framework, which we enrich with the scientifically proven Montessori method and Emotional Intelligence approach. This sets the children up for success in school and life.
We create a warm, welcoming, supportive, and safe environment for the children, families, and the community. Our elevated building keeps the children safe from street traffic and prevents distractions from people who pass by.
What ages of children do you cater to at Enrich Early Education?
We offer an enriching educational program for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in our Southport centre along the Gold Coast.
We provide childcare, kindergarten, and pre-prep for children aged six weeks to five years.
What does a typical day look like?
Our days are full of nurturing, educational activities and outdoor playing time in our shaded rooftop play area. Each room follows its routine to ensure age-appropriate learning, nutrition and plenty of rest.
A typical day looks like:
- Outdoor play.
- Transition to the rooms.
- Mat time (group time).
- Children’s work cycle (educational curriculum).
- Extra curricular activities (Kindergarten room).
- Lunch and rest time.
- Afternoon tea and outdoor play time.
Do you offer part-time or full-time child care options?
Of course! Our centre is open Monday through Friday from 6 am-6 pm. We offer full days, 6-hour sessions, 9-hour sessions, and 10-hour sessions. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your daycare needs.
What are the centre opening times?
Our daycare centre in Southport is open Monday through Friday from 6 am to 6 pm. We offer full days, 6-hour sessions, 9-hour sessions, and 10-hour sessions. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your daycare needs.
Can I come for a visit?
Absolutely! We would love to show you around, let you meet our educators and tell you more about our educational curriculum. You can schedule a visit here.
Curriculum FAQ’s
What is EQM?
Our educational approach is called EQM. EQM is a unique blend of the scientifically proven Montessori method and the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) approach. This approach focuses on nurturing young learners’ emotional intelligence and their academic and practical skills, helping them prepare for school and life.
How does EQM benefit my child?
The EQM approach fosters essential life skills such as self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and social competence. These competencies give your child a headstart in school and life.
Children develop a strong foundation for academic achievement, emotional well-being, and lifelong learning by integrating emotional intelligence teachings with Montessori methodology.
What is the Early Years Learning Framework?
At Enrich Early Education, we follow the Early Years Learning Framework. This framework is part of the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care. It ensures high-quality care and education for young learners and their transition to school. You can read all about it here.
Do you provide nature-based learning and sensory play?
Absolutely! We love sensory play and nature-based learning. We use our garden for nature-based learning, fostering curiosity, creativity, and environmental awareness. Our sensory activities stimulate self-regulation and strengthen neural connections, enhancing the children’s academic success and well-being.
What are the qualifications of your educators?
Our highly qualified and experienced educators bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our centre. They’re trained in Montessori and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and receive ongoing mentoring and professional development to ensure their continued growth as early childhood professionals. Our team is certified in CPR and First Aid. They all hold current Working with Children Checks.
Do you communicate regularly and share pictures of the day?
We use OWNA, a secure, private online community, to capture children’s learning progression, friendships made and snapshots from the day.
What is the difference between a day care, child care, an early learning centre and an early education centre?
Day care and child care centres primarily focus on caring for children while their parents are at work or otherwise occupied.
An early learning centre and early education centre typically offer an educational program with developmental activities and experiences that prepare the children to succeed in school and life. We are an early education centre providing an educational curriculum based on the Early Years Learning Framework, which we enrich with teachings from the Montessori and Emotional Intelligence approach.
How does Enrich Early Education support children's emotional growth and independence?
Our EQM approach is focused on setting the children up for well-being and success in school and life. Our approach includes:
- Child-centred educational curriculum
Our educators provide a tailored curriculum that adapts to each child’s interests and developmental needs. The educators continuously observe the children to determine their interests and the milestones they’re working on and adjust the educational curriculum accordingly. All to foster independence and self-directed learning. - Emotion Coaching
Our curriculum is enriched with teachings from the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) approach, helping children navigate their emotions, build stronger self-esteem, and manage challenging social situations effectively. All our educators get ongoing EQ training from our EQ expert. - Nurturing environment:
We provide a warm, welcoming, supportive, and safe environment where children feel at ease, exploring and using their curiosity and imagination, promoting emotional well-being and independence.
What makes Enrich Early Education's Montessori-inspired and EQ-focused approach unique?
Our approach to early learning is unique because it enriches the Government’s Early Years Learning Framework, which all accredited child care and early learning centres follow, with the scientifically proven Montessori method and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) teachings. All our educators are, therefore, trained in Montessori and Emotional Intelligence (EQ).
Montessori method
Montessori is a child-centred approach to raising and educating children. It focuses on self-directed, hands-on learning through real-life experiences. Collaborative play within a carefully prepared environment encourages the children to explore, learn and grow at their own pace.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) teachings
Emotional Intelligence teachings provide the children with practical tools to recognise and manage their feelings and emotions. They also learn to recognise emotions in others and learn essential life skills such as empathy, kindness, and emotion regulation.
This integrated approach ensures that children at Enrich Early Education receive a holistic education, preparing them for academic success and personal well-being.
Questions about our centre
What facilities do you have?
We’re a full-service early learning centre. Our chef, Sasheema, prepares delicious, nutritious food for our children in our own kitchen. Our classrooms are equipped with hands-on Montessori teaching materials, allowing children to discover and learn intentionally. Our rooftop play area has a garden, where we provide nature-based learning.
How do you ensure the safety of the children at Enrich Early Education?
Our elevated building with a shaded rooftop play area ensures that your children are safe from traffic and people walking by.
All our educators are certified in CPR and First Aid and hold current Working with Children Checks.
Do you provide meals? What does your menu look like?
Our on-site chef, Sasheema, prepares fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals for the children. We also offer morning tea, snacks, and afternoon tea. Have a look at our current menu here.
What if my child is a fussy eater?
Fussy eating is a normal part of a child’s development. At Enrich, no child is ever forced to eat—we gently encourage healthy eating habits and work closely with families to support this transition.
If your child is very selective, you’re welcome to provide a healthy lunchbox. We’ll still offer our centre meals at mealtimes, providing them with a sense of belonging and the opportunity to explore new foods in a relaxed and positive environment.
Are nappies provided?
Yes. we provide nappies.
Enrolment questions
Do you have availability for new enrolments?
Yes, we have availability in our nursery, toddlers’ room, pre-prep and kindergarten centre in Southport, Gold Coast. If you want to secure a spot for a later date, you can sign your child up for the waitlist.
How do I enrol my child at Enrich Early Education?
Our friendly team will help you enrol your child in our centre and answer all your questions. We love sustainability and offer an easy online enrolment process.
Financial questions
How much does child care and Kindergarten cost?
You can find our fees here. The child care fees depend on several factors, such as how many days your child comes to our centre and your eligibility for government subsidies.
What happens if my child is sick, we’re on holiday, or it’s a public holiday?
Absent days are charged as per usual; however, Centrelink covers CCS entitlement for the first 42 absent days each financial year. We offer two weeks per year to support families taking holidays at a 50% reduced gap fee. This must be taken in full-week blocks. For example, if your child attends three days weekly, you’re eligible for six 50% reduced gap fee days per financial year. These must be used within the year and cannot be carried over.
Book a tour at Enrich Early Education
During a personal tour, you can view our Montessori-inspired rooms, meet our educators and feel the nurturing environment where your child will make new friends, learn new skills and thrive.
Book your personal tour today and discover how Enrich Early Education can support your child’s growth, well-being, and success.