Lavender Lane Early Learning Service Gungahlin

4.2 /5
31 reviews

Childcare and preschool in Gungahlin, ACT

Welcome to Lavender Lane Gungahlin Early Learning Centre. Our daycare and preschool centre is a convenient choice for local families in Gungahlin, Amaroo, Bonner, Casey, Forde, Franklin, Harrison, Moncrieff, Ngunnawal and Palmerston north of Canberra. Lavender Lane Gungahlin Early Learning Centre offers long day care and a preschool program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, with extended hours to suit busy families.

Our purpose-built childcare and preschool centre in Gungahlin offers innovative early learning programs in a safe, nurturing environment. Our outdoor environments are large and open, facing a small nature reserve at the back of the centre. Each outdoor space features a sandpit, climbing equipment, and engaging activities for the children. Our spacious indoor environments encourage children to learn and explore through play and engagement. Our diverse team of educators and teachers creates a warm, safe environment where each child feels comfortable to be their true self. Every educator works with the age group they are passionate about to support children’s learning effectively. Our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher delivers a preschool program that prepares children for a smooth transition to school. Children and educators enjoy community walks and excursions to locations like Yerrabi Ponds and the Gungahlin Library. Our daily program includes access to extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural, and relaxation/yoga programs.

Why you’ll love Lavender Lane Gungahlin

Spacious outdoor environments

Passionate, qualified educators

Nappies and wipes provided

Chef-prepared meals

Preschool program

Family communication app

Extended/flexible hours

Incursions/excursions

Sun protection aware

Allergy and anaphylaxis aware

Sports program

Yoga sessions

Meet our Centre Manager

Kiara

  • Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
“At Lavender Lane Gungahlin, we prioritise fostering independence, curiosity, and adventure, all while helping children develop the skills they need to thrive in the world.”

I began my journey in Early Childhood Education in 2015 as a trainee assistant educator. I have been working at Lavender Lane Gungahlin in 2017. Before I took on the role of the Centre Manager, I worked as the lead educator in the Nursery room for five years. In 2023, I transitioned into the Assistant Centre Manager position, working closely with the Centre Manager to deepen my understanding of the business side of running a service and managing a team.

My passion for working with children has always driven me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of their early years, guiding them through significant milestones and life skills. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that every child is unique, with individual needs, personalities, and learning styles. This insight has shaped my approach to education, where I embrace creativity and employ a range of strategies to support each child’s development.

At Lavender Lane Gungahlin, we prioritise fostering independence, curiosity, and adventure, all while helping children develop the skills they need to thrive in the world. We believe in the power of play-based learning, and our dedicated educators and teachers are passionate about being positive role models, both in the centre and in the wider community.

For families, I always emphasise the tremendous benefits of early childhood education and care. It’s a place where children learn to make friends, gain independence, and build the routines that will support their transition to school. Our team is committed to forming genuine, respectful relationships with each family, ensuring we provide the best support for every child’s individual development. Through open communication and mutual respect, we work together to create the best possible environment for children to grow and learn.

I look forward to welcoming you to Lavender Lane Gungahlin early education centre.

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Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Gungahlin, our experienced educators and teachers continually seek innovative ways to enrich your child’s education. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, we offer a variety of engaging and diverse learning experiences, including:

Sustainability

We have multiple recycling bins for mixed materials, cardboard, and paper. We also maintain worm farms and compost bins, which nourish our bush tucker garden. By engaging children in hands-on activities, we foster a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature.

Inclusion

We create a sense of belonging for your child to ensure they feel heard and empowered to make choices, fostering their independence. We celebrate each child’s unique strengths, helping them to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Music and movement

Our evidence-based Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program is designed to develop fundamental skills that help support children’s self-regulation, memory, and concentration. It is an innovative approach to holistic learning, development and well-being in early childhood.

STEM

We encourage your child to ask questions, experiment, and problem-solve, all while engaging their natural curiosity. By fostering this inquisitive mindset, we help them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Age-appropriate early learning

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(6 weeks – 12 months)

Infants 1

In the Infants 1 room, our main learning goals focus on developing children’s motor skills and building positive relationships. We provide activities encouraging reaching, grasping, crawling, and walking. Equally important, we nurture secure attachments with caregivers through consistent, responsive interactions, fostering a sense of trust and emotional security.

  Next: Infants 2
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(12 – 18 months)

Infants 2

For children in the Infants 2 room, the primary goals are enhancing social interactions and further developing motor skills. We offer opportunities for children to play alongside peers, promoting early social skills. Activities like climbing, walking, and using simple toys help refine their motor abilities while encouraging exploration and curiosity.

Previous: Infants 1 Next: Tiny Tots
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(18 months – 2 years)

Tiny Tots

In the Tiny Tots room, the focus is on fostering social interactions, self-help skills, and the development of verbal and non-verbal communication. Children are encouraged to participate in group activities, practice feeding themselves, and use words and gestures to express their needs and feelings. These foundational skills are crucial for their growing independence and social competence.

Previous: Infants 2 Next: Toddler 1 & 2
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(2 – 3 years)

Toddler 1 & 2

The Toddler 1 room emphasises emotional regulation, parallel play, and positive social interactions. We help children understand and manage their emotions through guided activities and routines. Parallel play activities allow children to play alongside peers, developing social awareness and beginning cooperative play, while fostering positive interactions and friendships.

Similar to Toddler 1, the Toddler 2 room’s goals include emotional regulation, developing a sense of parallel play, and fostering positive social interactions. Our educators design engaging activities that help children learn to manage their emotions, interact positively with peers, and build early social skills through play and guided interactions.

Previous: Tiny Tots Next: Junior preschool
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(3 – 4 years)

Junior preschool

In the Junior preschool room, we focus on emotional regulation, self-expression through positive outlets, understanding instructions, and basic school readiness skills. Children engage in activities that encourage them to express their feelings creatively, follow multi-step instructions, and participate in early literacy and numeracy tasks, setting a strong foundation for future learning.

Previous: Toddler 1 & 2 Next: Preschool
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(4 – 6 years)

Preschool

The preschool room aims to further children’s emotional regulation, self-expression, and school readiness skills. Led by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher, our preschool curriculum provides opportunities for children to communicate their ideas and emotions effectively, engage in structured learning activities, and develop skills necessary for a successful transition to school. This includes literacy, numeracy, social skills, and a sense of responsibility and independence.

Previous: Junior preschool  
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Preschool and school-readiness program

At our early learning centre, your child will benefit from our enhanced learning program in preschool combined with our play-based learning program. With the added convenience of long daycare hours, our preschool program runs all year round, perfect for busy families.

The added benefits of our preschool program include:

  • Extended long day care opening hours
  • Open all year round (excl. public holidays)
  • Programs developed and delivered by our qualified educators and teachers
  • Exclusive music and movement program for self-regulation
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We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating

Thanks to the in-house chef at our Gungahlin child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. We cater to all dietary requirements, including halal.

What a typical day looks like for your child

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Arrival at the centre

Your child will be welcomed by our team of educators, who will ensure the morning transition from home to centre goes as smoothly as possible. On arrival, share information about your child’s specific needs for the day.

  Next: Mealtimes
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Mealtimes

Our centre chefs prepare a nutritious menu for your child to sit down and eat. This is a great time for everyone to share stories from the day. Educators model healthy eating practices, social behaviours and support children’s growing independence with mealtime routines.

Previous: Arrival at the centre Next: Infant care
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Infant care

If you have an infant, we spend one-on-one time with them to establish a connection. Educators talk gently and respond to babies’ cues. We use songs, games, and conversations to strengthen relationships and build language skills.

Previous: Mealtimes Next: Play-based learning
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Play-based learning

Your child is naturally curious. They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals.

Previous: Infant care Next: Sleep, rest and relaxation
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Sleep, rest and relaxation

We match routines to your child’s individual needs. Opportunities for rest and relaxation help make them feel safe. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who no longer don’t sleep in centre.

Previous: Play-based learning Next: Heading home
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Heading home

As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

Previous: Sleep, rest and relaxation  

Communicating with families

We prioritise clear and consistent communication with families to foster a strong partnership in supporting each child’s development. We ensure families feel informed, involved, and confident in their child’s early learning journey.

Our families love hearing about their child’s progress and the experiences they’re having day to day. We share these moments through centre newsletters, our Xplor App, one-on-one meetings, and at various centre events.

Fees

The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.

  • Nursery0 – 2 years

    $185.00
  • Toddler2 – 3 years

    $185.00
  • Preschool3 – 5 years

    $185.00

Child Care Subsidy Estimator

Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.*

1-4 days = full day session; 5 days = 10 hour per day sessions

CCS Estimator results

  • Estimated subsidy

    $0.00
  • Total fees

    $0.00
  • Out-of-pocket cost

    $0.00

*This estimator provides an estimate only and is based on the following assumptions:

  • Accuracy and currency of family income information entered;
  • Family CCS entitlements include 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. Please note your family may be entitled to less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight – if you are unsure we recommend you use the comprehensive CCS estimator in the link below.
  • Where 1-4 days of care is selected, full day sessions apply (being full operational hours of the centre, which can vary between centres)
  • Where 5 days of care is selected, 10-hour per day sessions apply (ie, 50 hours p/w to optimise 100 hours of CCS subsidised care across the fortnight)

Where a family’s CCS entitlements include less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, please use the comprehensive CCS calculator as a guide via the link below.

For a more complete subsidy estimation, check out our comprehensive CCS calculator here.

Calculate my subsidy

Explore nearby G8 Education centres

Looking for other great childcare, kindergarten or preschool options? Discover more G8 Education centres near you!

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.

Our Family Support Team will add your child’s name to our waitlist if one of our childcare centres is currently full in your child’s age group. We will then contact you as soon as a place becomes available.

We also do monthly check-ins to review availability, and you will receive a text message confirming whether you’re still happy to remain on the waitlist each month. If you would like an update at any point, you’re welcome to reach out on our Web Chat or give us a call.

Our Family Support Team can also help you find more G8 early learning centres near you, with the same offerings at the Early Learning Services centre you are interested in that have immediate availability.

It’s common for a child to experience separation anxiety when they first start child care. When you’re getting ready to start child care, you can help your child overcome anxieties by visiting the child care service together for a Stay and Play session, and easing into new routines at home.

Read more tips about how to make the transition easier for your child.

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.