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In operation for 29 years
Care and Education
Leaders in Early Childhood Education and High-Quality Care
For over 29 years, Westernport Child Care Centre has proudly supported families with affordable, high-quality early learning childcare. Established in 1996 by Gerardo & Josephine Giacco, our child care centre has become a trusted part of the community, providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children feel a strong sense of belonging.
Our long-standing team of passionate educators and support staff create a “home away from home” that reflects the values of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF): Belonging, Being and Becoming. We honour each child’s unique identity, culture, and developmental journey.
Our Belief: Learning Through Play in an Early Learning Centre Setting
At Westernport Child Care Centre & Kindergarten, we believe that play is the foundation of all learning. As a community-focused early learning centre, we view play as the bridge between imagination and development. Our educators design experiences that nurture curiosity, encourage exploration, and support each child’s individual pace of growth.
Guided by the EYLF, we foster Belonging by creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and connected. Through meaningful play, they experience the joy of Being, living and learning in the moment, while developing the confidence and skills that shape who they are Becoming.
Why Choosing the Right Child Care Centre & Kindergarten Matters
Choosing the right child care centre & kindergarten is more than a practical enrolment choice; it’s about finding a place where your child will thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
Our inclusive and culturally responsive environment ensures every child feels seen and respected. We also offer a government-approved preschool kindergarten program that supports school readiness through intentional teaching and play-based learning.
Families are welcomed as partners in their child’s journey, with an open-door policy that encourages collaboration and trust.
A Day in Our Early Learning Childcare Environment
Each day at Westernport is thoughtfully planned to balance routine with flexibility, something families look for when exploring early learning childcare options.
Children engage in group games, storytelling, creative arts, music, and collaborative experiences that build communication and imagination skills. Rest times are tailored to individual needs, and our nutritious meals support healthy growth.
Arrival and pick-up routines are calm, structured, and reassuring, helping children transition smoothly between home and care. These daily rhythms support children’s Being, allowing them to feel secure, capable, and joyful in their learning environment.
Growing Together: Social Development and Belonging
We place a strong emphasis on social and emotional learning. Children are supported to build friendships, resolve conflicts, and express their feelings in healthy ways. Through shared experiences, they learn to collaborate, lead, and empathise with others. These skills are essential for developing resilience and a strong sense of Belonging within their peer group and the wider community.
School Readiness and Beyond
Our educators intentionally scaffold learning to prepare children for the transition to school. We focus on developing self-regulation, independence, and a love of learning. Children are encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, and engage in sustained thinking. Skills that continue long after their journey in our preschool kindergarten environment.
These experiences help them Become confident learners who are ready to embrace the next stage of their educational journey.
Connection to Community and Nature
We honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and embed them meaningfully into everyday learning. Nature-based play is a core part of our program, encouraging children to explore the outdoors, care for the environment, and develop an appreciation for natural spaces.
Community partnerships further enrich learning and strengthen each child’s sense of identity and Belonging.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can my child start?
From six weeks to school age.
Can I tour the centre before enrolling?
Yes, drop in or book a tour.
Are Government subsidies available?
Yes, via Child Care Subsidy (CCS) as well as state based Kindergarten funding
What should I pack for my child?
Spare clothes, nappies, comfort item.
What if I’m late for pick-up?
Can grandparents collect, change can family or friends collect?
Yes, if they have correct signed permission and valid ID with them.
Are you open during school holidays?
Yes, except public holidays and Christmas.
How do I know what my child did during the day?
Updates at pick-up and via app.
Blog Post
Reading at Home: Growing Young Minds and Hearts
Reading and storytelling at home play a vital role in early childhood development. According to the EYLF, literacy-rich experiences help children become confident learners, effective communicators, and emotionally secure individuals. Storytime builds vocabulary, strengthens memory, and enhances attention span—laying the...
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The Art of Dramatic Play in Early Childhood
Dramatic play is a powerful tool in early childhood education, fostering creativity, communication, and emotional development. Aligned with the EYLF, it supports outcomes such as confident learners, effective communicators, and children with a strong sense of identity and wellbeing. Through...
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Gross Motor Play: Building Strong Bodies and Minds in Early Childhood
Gross motor play is essential for young children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. In line with the EYLF, it supports outcomes such as wellbeing, confident learners, and children who are connected with their world. Activities like climbing, running, jumping, and...
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Testimonials
Learning and fun come together
We provide experiences and an environment where learning is fun and stimulating. As previously mentioned; we believe in learning through play, this ensures learning is fun, engaging and flexible, regardless of ability, strengths or the individual interest of each child
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