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During the toddler years, your child is learning to communicate, build relationships, test ideas, and assert their independence. They also need reassurance, security, and strong connections.
When you enrol your child in a toddler program at your local Goodstart, educators and early childhood teachers will support their development through play-based learning in environments thoughtfully designed to invite exploration, creativity and collaboration.
Everything we do is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and enriched by our Birth to 3 Practice Framework.
Book a tour of your local centre
What matters most for toddlers
From about 15 months to age 3, toddlers benefit from opportunities to:
- Explore independence within safe, supportive boundaries
- Build language through meaningful, everyday interactions
- Learn how to be with others and navigate emotions
- Test ideas through active, hands-on play
- Feel confident, capable and understood
Our toddler program responds to these needs, recognising each child as curious, capable and unique.
What toddlers experience at your local Goodstart centre
Your child’s interests, strengths and choices shape their experience. Each day, educators and teachers support their tailored learning through:
- Play that encourages exploration, imagination and problem-solving
- Intentional interactions that extend thinking and language
- Predictable routines, including meal and rest times, that support emotional security
- Opportunities to build friendships and social skills
- Indoor and outdoor environments
Your child’s learning program
The EYLF recognises toddlers as active learners who learn best through play, relationships and meaningful experiences.
In toddler rooms, educators use the EYLF to support:
- Growing independence and confidence
- Communication and early literacy
- Social and emotional development
- Curiosity, creativity and thinking
We developed our Goodstart Birth to 3 Practice Framework with in-house PhD researchers and early childhood experts. It builds on the EYLF, strengthens our nursery and toddler programs, and helps us maintain consistent, high-quality practice across centres.
For toddlers, educators use the Birth to 3 Practice Framework to extend learning within play-based experiences, support language, thinking and social development.
Partnering with families
You are central to your child’s learning journey. We value and respect your perspectives and culture. Educators and teachers work alongside parents and guardians to:
- Understand each child’s world,cultureand identity
- Share goals,progressand insights
- Support transitions and growing independence
- Build strong connections between home and early learning
Toddler program FAQs
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The toddler program supports children aged 2–3 years – sometimes enrolling from 15 months – with play-based learning experiences tailored by our educators to your child’s interests, strengths, and developmental stage.
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Educators encourage your child’s choice-making, self-help skills, problem-solving, and confidence, while providing a safe and supportive environment for exploration.
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A typical day includes a balance of intentional designed play-based learning opportunities, small-group learning experiences, stories, music, outdoor play, meals, rest, and social interactions.
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Educators use the EYLF and Birth to 3 Practice Framework to intentionally extend your child’s physical development, communication and language skills, emotional wellbeing, sense of self, and growing independence, while extending their social skills, thinking, creativity, and problem-solving through play and everyday routines.
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Educators partner with you to share insights, celebrate milestones, and support your child’s learning journey, always respecting family culture, routines, and values.
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The toddler program supports growing independence and social awareness, building communication, self-help skills, emotional regulation, and early problem-solving through play-based learning and secure relationships with qualified educators.
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Educators communicate with you every day, sharing insights about your child’s learning, routines and wellbeing, and making time to talk through anything important to you or your child.
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Your child is supported in a toddler room with a 1:5 educator-to-child ratio. This ratio allows educators to stay closely connected to your child while supporting learning, independence and wellbeing throughout the day.
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Yes. You are welcome to stay with your child during orientation so they can settle in feeling confident and secure. Educators work alongside you to support a smooth, child-led transition into the toddler program.
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Educators work with you to understand your child’s allergens, preferences and routines. Opportunities for rest or naps are available as needed, supporting your child’s wellbeing while gently encouraging independence as they are ready. This includes self-serving at lunch.
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Educators work closely with you to gauge the right time to begin toilet training for your child. When your child is ready, educators provide full support in-centre, following your child’s cues and offering consistency with home routines.
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Your child is encouraged to explore, climb and take on age-appropriate challenges in carefully designed environments. Educators supervise and support risky play and adventure.
To book a toddler tour at your local Goodstart, simply find your nearest centre or call 1800 222 543.
Discover why so many families trust Goodstart with their child's learning journey and care.