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Townsville teacher's tips on regional work and living
Early childhood teacher Kylie Ryan of Goodstart Kirwan Golf Links Drive shares her insights.
Goodstart Doncaster East
Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre – Doncaster East
Conveniently located near shops and schools, with easy access via public transport, Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre Doncaster East offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to thrive. Our centre benefits from a strong sense of community, with most of our educators bringing over ten years of experience and many families returning with younger siblings, highlighting their trust in our services.
Our team of educators is culturally diverse, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experiences that enrich the learning environment. Languages spoken at the centre include English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean, enabling us to connect meaningfully with families and support the development of children’s cultural awareness and inclusivity.
Our indoor spaces, from Nursery to Kindergarten/Preschool, are thoughtfully designed in alignment with the Early Years Learning Framework. These environments provide rich sensory and play-based learning opportunities, fostering children’s growth and development in colourful, engaging settings tailored to their needs. We embrace the concept of the environment as the third teacher, intentionally designing spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences while maintaining a warm, home-like atmosphere where children feel safe and valued.
We pride ourselves on strong communication with families, utilising tools like the Storypark platform, regular newsletters, and family events. This collaborative approach allows us to design programs that reflect each child’s individual interests, strengths, and cultural background, ensuring an inclusive and personalized learning experience.
Our outdoor play areas feature age-appropriate spaces designed to enhance environmental awareness and sustainability practices. Sandpits, a vegetable patch, a bee garden filled with flowers, and shaded areas provide children with opportunities to explore, imagine, and engage with nature.
Our qualified cook prepares fresh, healthy, and nutritious meals daily, including breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack, ensuring children receive balanced nutrition throughout the day.
At Goodstart Doncaster East, we are committed to fostering a home-like environment where children can build strong relationships, explore their world, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
We would be delighted to meet your family and discuss how we can support your child’s early learning journey.
Enrol now and create meaningful moments with Goodstart!
Penni Newsome
Centre Director
My name is Penni and I am the proud Centre Director here at Goodstart Doncaster East.
I have spent 20 years in the early childhood sector. My journey at my current centre began 19 years ago, where I worked across various age groups, starting as an educator in the Toddler room. I pursued further qualifications, including Certificate III and Diploma in Children's Services, an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management, and I am currently completing my Bachelor of Early Childhood at Deakin University. After 10 years as Assistant Director, I have recently stepped into the role of Centre Director.
I believe that each child should have access to a warm, nurturing, and safe environment that caters to their individual needs and the needs of their families. My goal is to create a home-like atmosphere that is both welcoming and inclusive. Every child deserves to be treated with equality, and I strive to embrace and acknowledge their cultural identities and diverse backgrounds. Recognizing each child as a unique individual with their own capabilities and interests, I am committed to supporting their growth and development to their full potential.
Guided by a play-based curriculum, I aim to provide learning experiences that support children’s development in the areas of Community, Wellbeing, Learning, Identity, and Communication. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, I view the environment as the "third teacher," intentionally designing spaces that promote curiosity, collaboration, and exploration. These environments are enriched with natural materials and open-ended resources to foster creativity and respect for the world around us (Gandini, 2012).
Incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives is integral to my practice. I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and embed their rich cultural heritage into our curriculum through storytelling, art, music, and the celebration of significant cultural events. I strive to build meaningful relationships with local Elders and community members to ensure authenticity and respect in these practices. This approach not only enhances children’s cultural awareness but also fosters a deep respect for the diversity and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (Early Childhood Australia [ECA], 2020).
My practices are guided by the Child Safe Standards, ensuring that every child feels secure, respected, and valued. I actively promote a culture of safety, where children’s voices are heard, their rights are upheld, and their wellbeing is prioritized. By fostering open communication and creating transparent policies, I work to maintain a safe environment where children thrive and families feel confident in our care (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2021).
Sustainability is another cornerstone of my philosophy. I am committed to reducing our carbon footprint and instilling environmental responsibility in the children. Our Sustainability Plan includes initiatives such as maintaining a compost bin, worm farm, water tank, and recycling systems for paper and cardboard waste. By embedding these practices into daily routines, children develop a sense of stewardship for the environment and learn the importance of sustainable living.
Overall, I am dedicated to creating a learning community that values inclusion, cultural diversity, and respect for all. By fostering meaningful connections between children, families, and the wider community, I aim to provide an environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
I believe that each child should have access to a warm, nurturing, and safe environment that caters to their individual needs and the needs of their families. My goal is to create a home-like atmosphere that is both welcoming and inclusive. Every child deserves to be treated with equality, and I strive to embrace and acknowledge their cultural identities and diverse backgrounds. Recognizing each child as a unique individual with their own capabilities and interests, I am committed to supporting their growth and development to their full potential.
Guided by a play-based curriculum, I aim to provide learning experiences that support children’s development in the areas of Community, Wellbeing, Learning, Identity, and Communication. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, I view the environment as the "third teacher," intentionally designing spaces that promote curiosity, collaboration, and exploration. These environments are enriched with natural materials and open-ended resources to foster creativity and respect for the world around us (Gandini, 2012).
Incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives is integral to my practice. I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and embed their rich cultural heritage into our curriculum through storytelling, art, music, and the celebration of significant cultural events. I strive to build meaningful relationships with local Elders and community members to ensure authenticity and respect in these practices. This approach not only enhances children’s cultural awareness but also fosters a deep respect for the diversity and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (Early Childhood Australia [ECA], 2020).
My practices are guided by the Child Safe Standards, ensuring that every child feels secure, respected, and valued. I actively promote a culture of safety, where children’s voices are heard, their rights are upheld, and their wellbeing is prioritized. By fostering open communication and creating transparent policies, I work to maintain a safe environment where children thrive and families feel confident in our care (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2021).
Sustainability is another cornerstone of my philosophy. I am committed to reducing our carbon footprint and instilling environmental responsibility in the children. Our Sustainability Plan includes initiatives such as maintaining a compost bin, worm farm, water tank, and recycling systems for paper and cardboard waste. By embedding these practices into daily routines, children develop a sense of stewardship for the environment and learn the importance of sustainable living.
Overall, I am dedicated to creating a learning community that values inclusion, cultural diversity, and respect for all. By fostering meaningful connections between children, families, and the wider community, I aim to provide an environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Government Funded Kindergarten Program
At Doncaster East, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our early learning centre offers a Government-funded kindergarten program and long day care under the one roof. Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life.
Government Funded Kindergarten Program
At Doncaster East, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our early learning centre offers a Government-funded kindergarten program and long day care under the one roof. Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life.
Nearby centres
6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Kindergarten
7:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Kindergarten
6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Kindergarten
