Childcare and preschool in Parramatta, NSW
St Marina Early Learning Centre Parramatta offers long day care and a preschool program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, conveniently located for families in Parramatta, Epping, North Ryde and Ryde in Sydney.
Outdoor play with room for independence
Children have space to ride, dig and play outdoors, with a bike track, large sandpit and outdoor toilets. The indoor-outdoor program gives children choice in where they play and learn, helping them feel more confident with routines and their environment.
Kitchen window and open-ended indoor learning
Indoor rooms include open-ended materials, role-playing spaces and an interactive kitchen window where children can watch and chat with our centre chef. These everyday moments give children natural chances to ask questions, imagine and connect with the people around them.
Long-standing multilingual educators
Many of our educators have been with the centre for 5 to 16 years, giving children and families familiar faces over time. Every educator speaks 2 or more languages, helping many families feel more comfortable as they settle in.
Individual Learning Plans
Each child has an Individual Learning Plan based on their interests, strengths and developmental goals. Educators work with families to review and update the plan, so it continues to reflect each child’s learning and needs.
Government-approved Preschool program
Our Government-approved Preschool program is delivered by two Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Separate rooms for 3 to 4 year olds and 4 to 5 year olds help children take part in learning suited to their age, confidence and school readiness.
Community visitors and monthly incursions
Children welcome visitors such as police, fire department representatives and Aboriginal Elders, helping them learn about community, safety and culture. Monthly incursions are planned around children’s interests, with examples such as soccer and health programs.
Munch & Move meals by our in-house chef
Our in-house chef prepares breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack each day. The 4-week rotating menu is reviewed and approved by NSW Health’s Munch & Move program, with halal meals, allergies and dietary requirements catered for.
Updates through our family app
Families stay connected through regular conversations with educators and updates shared in our family app. Photos and updates help families follow their child’s routines, learning moments and centre experiences throughout the day.
Secure your place today
Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.
Meet our team
Age appropriate early learning
0 to 2 years
Nursery
In our nursery room, children are supported to build independence and reach key cognitive and developmental milestones.
Educators use responsive, nurturing interactions to help children develop early skills such as walking, self-feeding and simple communication.
In this room, children are encouraged to:
- Build independence through everyday routines
- Develop early communication skills
- Practise walking and movement skills
- Build self-feeding skills
- Reach cognitive and developmental milestones at their own pace
2 to 3 years
Toddlers
In our toddler room, children are supported through the “me” phase as they explore their identity, emotions and growing independence.
Educators focus on social development, emotional expression and toilet training, while helping children learn to share, take turns and build friendships.
In this room, children are encouraged to:
- Explore their identity and sense of self
- Express and understand their emotions
- Practise sharing and turn-taking
- Build friendships and social skills
- Develop toilet training and independence
3 to 5 years
Preschool
Our two Preschool rooms, for children aged 3 to 4 and 4 to 5 years, are tailored to each age group while preparing children for a smooth transition to school.
At our Parramatta early learning centre, our Preschool program focuses on independence, new concepts and school readiness through everyday tasks such as opening lunch boxes, serving meals, managing belongings and following group instructions. Children also take part in School Lunchbox Month and other readiness activities that help them feel confident for school.
Our teachers and educators work closely with families to align expectations and support each child’s transition. We also maintain a strong relationship with Parramatta East Public School, with traditions such as reunion teas with past graduates, where children learn firsthand about school life. At the end of the year, we celebrate with a large family event that brings our whole community together.
In our Preschool rooms, children are encouraged to:
- Build independence and self-help skills
- Practise school readiness routines and group instructions
- Open lunch boxes, serve meals and manage belongings
- Explore new concepts through age-appropriate learning
- Learn about school life through transition experiences
- Build confidence for a smooth transition to school and beyond
Inclusive support for every child
Our Parramatta early learning centre supports each child’s learning journey through individual learning plans tailored to their strengths, interests, and developmental needs. Our educators observe and document progress regularly, adapting experiences and routines to ensure every child is challenged, supported, and engaged at their own pace.
For children with additional needs or those learning English as an additional language, we work closely with families to create a smooth and supportive transition. We learn and use key words in the child’s home language, incorporate familiar gestures, and use a range of communication tools to build trust and understanding. This collaborative approach helps each child feel safe, confident, and included.
Fees
The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.
Nursery
0 – 2 years
$178.35/day
Toddler
2 – 4 years
$163.15/day
Preschool
4 – 5 years
$155.45/day
Child Care Subsidy Estimator
Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.
2026 3-Day Guarantee
From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.
Total Fees
$0.00
Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy
$0.00
Preschool/Preschool Subsidy
$0.00
Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)
$0.00
Matrix Out of Pocket Cost
Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).
| Child 1 | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days |
|---|
*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00
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Frequently asked questions
A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.
On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.
Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.
First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.
To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.
Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.
Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.
When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.
For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits and spare socks.
For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits and spare socks.
Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.
It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.
Early Learning Services uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.
After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.
If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Early Learning Services is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.
Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.
Contact us
We look forward to welcoming your family.