Just over 10 years ago I completed some time teaching in Dubai and returned home with big dreams!
I was passionate about working with children and was at a crossroads - continue working in an early learning service and teaching or establish one on my own.
I choose the latter.
One problem, though.
I had never run a business let alone an early learning service before!
But what I lacked in business acumen, I more than made up for with experience, passion and determination.
I made a promise to turn my dream into reality.
Last month, we celebrated Willow Tree Kindergarten’s 10th birthday!
As it is our custom, we celebrated with a party for the children.
At Willow Tree, we’re big on “family”. Thus, we celebrate like a family would do too! The exciting part is that we pick a theme each year and everyone dresses up to match. This year, our educators dressed up as butterflies to symbolise our transformation over a decade. From figuring out our way with determination to spreading our wings and taking flight, we have evolved into a quality early learning service that I am so proud of!
Willow Tree Kindergarten has grown from 28 children to servicing more than 120 students in our Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) services in Rosemeadow and St Helens Park. The Willow Tree family has grown to 18 educators including the original five who have been with me from Day 1!
Why am I sharing this with you?
It is that time of the year again… Enrolment season for Early Learning services and with lockdown restrictions easing up, now is the time more than ever to be on the lookout for a high quality service provider for your children.
Doing your research!
If you are overwhelmed with choice or don’t know where to begin your search, here are some important factors to consider:
- Find out by asking:
- Centre policies and procedures - find out everything you can about how they operate
- How will the service program(s) support your child’s learning?
- How will your child’s progress be communicated to you?
- Find out by observing:
- When sessions are in progress, how are the educators interacting with the children?
- Are the children immersed in their learning activities? Do they look happy and busy?
- Does the service feel homely?
- Did they inspire confidence by ensuring you felt welcome and supported?
To complete your research, ask friends and family for recommendations. Posting a question on local Facebook community groups will reveal a wealth of information too!
We adhere to stringent regulatory standards
To ensure early learning centres operate with care and diligence, the Australian Children’s Education & Care Authority has mandated the National Quality Standard (NQS).
The NQS sets a high benchmark for 7 quality areas against which all services are assessed and rated. They are:
- Educational program and practice
- Children’s health and safety
- Physical environment
- Staffing arrangements
- Relationships with children
- Collaborative Partnerships with families and communities
- Governance and Leadership
We’ve grown to serve you in many ways
Having become a sought-after service during a decade-long journey, we wanted to reach a wider audience across Australia with products that complement our passions and philosophies in Education. Products that are more than “just toys”.
To ensure your children’s developmental needs are met in the most wondrous ways; through play, magical experiences and exploration, we launched Below the Willow Tree Educational Boutique.
Click the links below to find out how we can help you and your children.
