Enriching child care in Port Douglas.
Secure your child’s place at a premium, holistic child care centre in Port Douglas. Through play-based and outside experiences, your child will feel valued and have fun while learning.
Parents love Petit Early Learning Journey.
Johanna Gonsalves, Barton ACT
The centre is absolutely beautiful with plenty to keep my daughter happy and learning throughout the day. The educators, Emma, Helena and Yolanda are wonderful with the children, always engaging with them as if they were a part of one big family. The Centre Director, Jess, is not only an awesome leader but has always been loving, caring and closely involved with the parents and children. I believe the team at Barton Petit work really well together. My daughter took less than a couple days to settle as it didn’t take her long to feel safe and cared for. It would have been great if the centre had had capacity for babies under 15 months.
Christa A, Burdell 1 QLD
The facilities at the centre are amazing! Being a brand new centre, obviously things are nice. But one thing we have said each time new toys or equipment arrive – you provide great quality equipment from the beginning! The toys are fabulous, we LOVE the wooden toys, puzzles and the great outdoor play. The room is really well set up for the age group that are enjoying it
Chantelle Turner, Caloundra QLD
Jackson has been attending Petit ELJ Caloundra since early July and he loves it, as do I. From day one, Jackson has always had a smile on his face when I drop him off for the day and it’s always an effort to get him out to the car because he never wants to leave. He adores the centre manager and his teacher Miss Nicole. He has come leaps and bounds since starting at Petit.
The high-quality care your child deserves.
Extra-curricular activities
Daily activities at our Port Douglas child care centre include playtime in one of our three large play yards fitted with purpose built play equipment. We also have a large undercover outdoor play yard which is perfect for those rainy days! Other favorite activities at Port Douglas include playing with Legos and discovering new wild animals. We even have a dedicated home for our own animals that the children can care for.
Meals
Have peace of mind that your child is eating the freshest, most nutritionally sound meals as they are prepared on-site by our very own chef. We ensure that all children are eating a healthy and balanced diet with all allergies and intolerances catered for. Everyone loves our chef, Marlowe (the children call her Miss Yum Yum!).
Inclusions
A big part of our day care offering is making our families’ lives as easy as possible. All nappies, wipes and food are included in your daily fees, we also provide hats and sunscreen for all children.
Typical day at Port Douglas
| Time | Nursery (0-2 years) | Toddlers (2-3 years) | Pre-Kindy (3-5 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00am | Children + Parents are welcomed | Children + Parents are welcomed | Children + Parents are welcomed |
| 6:00am-9:00am | Indoor/outdoor experiences + Free play | Indoor/outdoor experiences + Free play | Indoor/outdoor experiences + Free play |
| 9:00am | Morning tea | Morning tea | Morning tea |
| 9:30am-11:30am | Nursery program Free movement Sensory experiences Exploration of natural world Music |
Toddlers program Creative experiences Peer interactions Literacy + Numeracy Music + Movement |
Kindergarten Literacy + Numeracy Creative arts Science + Natural world Technology Group experiences Physical development Community + Culture |
| 11:30am | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 12:00pm-2:00pm | Sleep/Rest/Relaxation | Sleep/Rest/Relaxation | Sleep/Rest/Relaxation |
| 2:00pm-3:00pm | Child interest led indoor experiences | Child interest led indoor experiences | Child interest led indoor experiences |
| 3:00pm | Afternoon tea | Afternoon tea | Afternoon tea |
| 3:30pm-6:00pm | Outdoor experiences + Free play Late snack provided |
Outdoor experiences + Free play Late snack provided |
Outdoor experiences + Free play Late snack provided |
Tailored learning & curriculum for each age group.
At Petit, we tailor an early learning curriculum for each age group and constantly reflect and evaluate our programmes to ensure they meet your child’s individual needs.
Babies.
0-2 years
Through a gentle, supportive approach, we help your baby develop in key areas from the very beginning. Above all, we provide a safe, warm environment for your baby to build confidence and feel secure and loved.
Toddlers.
2-3 years
Bursting with energy and curiosity, we welcome toddlers with love, creativity and patience. As 2 and 3 year-olds become more active and involved in their daily activities, we give them freedom and space to flourish.
Pre-school.
3-5 years
Preparing for the school years ahead, pre-schoolers learn and grow immensely from ages 3-5. Through structured and play-based learning, we let your child explore and learn in the way that’s best for them.
The perfect environment for your child to discover their creativity, confidence and love of learning.
Your child will be engaged in an honest, welcoming and friendly environment that is suited to their age and developmental needs. Our staff-to-child ratios ensure your child is getting the best care and attention they need and deserve.
Keeping you connected every step of the way.
To help parents keep track of their child’s day care experience, we use an online management tool called Storypark. This app allows you to discover and follow your child’s learning journey and you can also find documented stories about your child and their day.
Astrid CancriniCentre Director
1. Why did you get into early childhood education?
After working for a number of years as a Councillor I realised how important it is for children to learn and grow in a healthy and stimulating environment where they can learn how to be well-rounded little people.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Making a difference in the life of Families and their children 😊
3. What are you most looking forward to at Petit ELJ Port Douglas?
I look forward to further grow in my role and create an amazing team of inspiring educators
4. What are your hopes for Petit ELJ Port Douglas?
I would love to see the centre becoming a family hub to support both children’s and families alike
5. What would you most like to say to all our treasured families?
I am so blessed to have the pleasure to work for and with all of you. Your feedbacks and enthusiasm in everything we do here at Petit ELJ is just inspiring!!
Petit ELJ Fees 2020
Under 3 yrs
$87/day
Over 3 yrs
$84*/day
*Speak to our team regarding a $4 per day subsidy for eligible Kindergarten children from January 2020.
Included in the fees:
- Nappies and wipes
- All wholesome meals prepared by an in-house chef. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack
- Access to our secure, electronic sign in and sign out system
- Access to StoryPark – your child’s online learning portfolio
- Inclusion in our Early Childhood Teacher taught Kindergarten Program (if eligible)
- Starter Enrolment Pack (includes a sunhat and totebag)
- Access to Kindy Now App – a convenient platform to book
casual bookings and notify the centre of any absence days - Access to Safe Sleep Spaces parent program – Nourish
Port Douglas studios:
| Studio | Age Range | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Boulevard | 0-1 year | 12 |
| Burrows Lane | 1-2 years | 10 |
| Haven Place | 15 months – 3 years | 18 |
| Blossom Hill | 2.5 years – 4 years | 24 |
| Treasure Cove | 3.5 years – 5 years | 24 |
Child Care Subsidy Eligibility
These fees are before Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Petit ELJ Port Douglas is registered and eligible for CCS support.
You can obtain an estimate of the subsidy you may receive under CCS on:
Kindergarten Program.
Enrol your Child in a Kindergarten Program today to encourage a smooth transition and school readiness!
Benefits of attending a Petit ELJ Kindergarten Program:
- Socialisation and supportive friendships
- Develop a love of learning
- Better prepared to start school
- Interactive Smartboard and iPads to enhance learning journey
From Petit blog.
An inclusive practice in childcare promotes and encourages ALL children to participate in education and care. As Educators, we support an inclusive practice across our entire program, so that it embraces the right of every child to be, to belong and become in a diverse world. Often our understanding of inclusion is limited to children […]
by Petit JourneyDo you have crayon or pencil marks on your walls? Children as young as 2 make marks on all sorts of things to express their feelings. Toddlers and preschoolers begin to develop pre-writing skills as they scribble, draw and imitate letters in an attempt to communicate. Pre-writing skills are part of the foundational literacy skills […]
by Petit JourneyEducational leadership in early childhood education and care services, supports and develops teams to deliver the most desirable outcomes for children. Effective leadership builds a culture of reflective practice to support continuous improvement across every aspect of the service. Since the role of the Educational Leader commenced in 2012, it has revolved around guiding Educators […]
by Petit JourneyWhen it comes to encouraging a child’s development, parents ask a myriad of questions. How to teach a child to read is one of those hot topics. And no wonder, as reading plays a vital role in education and in life in general. It’s an essential skill for doing so many things. It might surprise […]
by Petit JourneyLatest news from Port Douglas.
Get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Are you Child Care Benefit/Child Care Rebate approved?
A. Yes we are! To aid in the payment of childcare fees, the Family Assistance Office (FAO) has provided access to Child Care Benefits (CCB) and the Childcare Rebate. Parents, please note it is your responsibility to apply for these schemes with the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50.
For further information:
http://www.familyassist.gov.au
https://www.mychild.gov.au/childcare-information/rebate
Q. When are my fees payable?
A. Fees are payable on the Friday of your child’s first week of care via Ezidebit. Fees are payable one week in advance so in your child’s first week of care, two weeks fees with be debited.
Q. Can my child and I have an orientation before commencing care?
A. Yes you are more than welcome to orientate your child to our Petit Centres.
We want to help make the settling in period as easy as possible — as new situations are often overwhelming for young children. A gradual introduction for your child into Petit Early Learning Journey centre works best.
Please contact our Centre Directors to arrange a suitable time for you and your child to visit our Centre and meet our educators.
Our orientation sessions are at no charge however all enrolment documents must be returned and parents must stay on the premises.
Q. Do you have a minimum number of days my child has to attend?
A. Yes, we recommend a minimum of 2 days as we believe your child will benefit from building strong trusting relationships with their educators and peers.
They’ll also settle in more quickly the more frequently they attend.
Q. What do I need to bring on my child’s first day?
A. You only need bring a spare change of clothing, a water bottle and linen for your child as we supply all meals, nappies and sunhats.
For families who have littles ones in the nursery, please bring bottles and formula/breast milk. If a comforter such as pacifiers, blanket or soft toys is required, please feel free to bring this along too.
Q. Can I please come in for a tour before deciding whether we enrol our child?
A. Yes you most definitely can!
Please call our Centre Directors to arrange a suitable time for you and your child to visit our Centre and meet our educators or request a tour here.
Q. I want to enrol my child, what is the process?
A. Please complete an online enquiry form or alternatively call your preferred Centre you can locate their number here and a Petit team member will be in touch with you to walk you through the next steps in enrolling your child.