The kindergarten year is a beautiful, pivotal milestone in a child’s educational journey. It is a time when young minds transform from timid learners into independent, resilient individuals ready to tackle the big adventures of primary school. Tucked away in the beautiful surroundings of Caloundra City Private School, CCPS Little Learners is redefining what early education looks like by blending a nurturing, play-based curriculum with the immense benefits of a private school campus.
Led by Centre Director Fabiola Maciel, the centre is seamlessly bridging the gap between early childcare and primary education.
A shared campus, a continuous journey
What sets CCPS Little Learners apart from standard early learning environments is its unique physical and cultural integration with Caloundra City Private School (CCPS). Because the centre sits directly on the school grounds, the children have daily access to premium school facilities. Far from being an isolated daycare, the kindergarteners are an active part of the broader school community.
“Our main difference from other early learning centres is that we are on school grounds where we have access to all the school facilities,” Fabiola explains. “The children from kindergarten are part of the big school assembly every three weeks, where they get recognition for their achievements.”
This connection extends to the school’s ‘Love of Learning’ program, where children regularly visit the CCPS library to borrow books and cultivate an early passion for literacy.
While this setup provides incredible resources, Fabiola notes there is a common misconception in the local community. “Many families think that this is private childcare only for the school, but it’s not,” she clarifies. The centre is warmly open to the public and welcomes all families from the wider region.
The perfect bridge to Prep
Because everything on campus is already familiar, the physical and emotional transition to Prep is completely natural. The learning environment is intentionally designed to foster this continuity. In fact, the Prep playground sits right across from the early learning centre’s own play area. “We often have the children from Prep come over to the fence and say hello to the educators,” says Fabiola. “It’s not a big change for them; it’s just a part of their continuous journey.”
By the time graduation arrives, the children don’t just feel ready for school—they already feel deeply connected to it.
Stepping into nature: The on-site Bush Kindy
Exciting changes are arriving at the centre, with the highly anticipated launch of an on-site Bush Kindy program. Months of careful preparation have gone on behind the scenes, including extensive risk assessments, management plans, and custom path construction completed by the school’s groundsmen.
Unlike other programs that require logistically heavy excursions, CCPS Little Learners offers nature play right at their doorstep. “Children don’t need to cross roads or take a bus to go to the Bush Kindy,” Fabiola notes proudly. “We have this on-site, which is a big advantage for us.”
The program is designed to get children learning directly from the natural environment. From exploring local flora to building gardening skills, the benefits to child development are profound. According to Fabiola, being out in the bush has been proven to support:
- Mental health and wellbeing: Providing a calming, open environment.
- Problem-solving skills: Navigating real-world, dynamic spaces.
- Independence and risk assessment: Learning how to identify boundaries and handle challenges safely on their own.
“Nowadays, we are so used to playgrounds with set, rigid structures,” says Fabiola. “The bush is open for spontaneity and creativity.” To ensure the fun doesn’t stop when it rains, the centre is even organising custom overall raincoats so the children can explore comfortably in all weather conditions.
A holistic, play-based philosophy
CCPS Little Learners operates on a five-day-per-week, play-based curriculum, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Educators take a genuinely holistic approach, nurturing fine and gross motor skills alongside social and emotional resilience.
The centre’s vision directly incorporates core CCPS values: learning, excellence, respect, inclusiveness, and integrity. By embedding these principles into daily interactions, stories, and intentional learning rotations, educators ensure that children grow into confident, capable, and empathetic individuals.
When early education balances emotional warmth with the freedom to explore the great outdoors, children don’t just prepare for primary school … they truly flourish.
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