Petit ELJ Port Douglas is now at the forefront of progressive Early Childhood education. Experiencing an evolving journey of our own, our leaders and the team of educators are committed to the continuous enhancement of our Centre and program evident by the beautiful indoor and outdoor environments.
Educators engage in monthly training exploring the latest research in Early Childhood Education to evaluate and implement new practices. Our team is passionate about helping your children grow into confident, creative and kind beings.
Astrid CancriniCentre Director
Hi, I’m Astrid Cancrini, Centre Director of Petit ELJ Port Douglas.
After working for several 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. During those years, I came to realise how important it is for children to grow and develop in loving, caring and stimulating environment where all aspects of the individual are considered and supported. When connection, trust and security are embedded, children flourish in magical ways.
Making a difference in the life of families and their children is essential to me; it is an honour watching the children grow and develop into amazing human beings.
I look forward to continuing to inspire our team to reach exceeding levels of care. To continue to create amazing curriculums that encourage our children every day.
Petit ELJ Port Douglas is a support for families and children alike in our community. It is a heartwarming feeling to belong to the Petit ELJ Family. I am so blessed to have the pleasure to work for and with all of you. Your feedback and enthusiasm in everything we do here at Petit ELJ inspire me to do more!!
The high-quality care your child deserves!
Extra-curricular activities
To complement our quality educational program and enrich your child’s early learning journey, we offer numerous incursions and excursions throughout the year. Some of which are inclusive within your daily fee. At our Port Douglas Centre, we offer weekly Yoga & Gymnastics. Throughout the year we’re excited to offer thrilling and enriching experiences such as Wildlife Habitats, Music & Magic shows, Healthy Eating Programs, Bush Kindergarten Program and Story Time featuring special guests just to name a few!
Meals
We love to make our families’ lives a little easier by offering all day to day necessities. All nappies, wipes and food are included in your daily fees. We also provide hats and sunscreen for all children. To enhance your child’s early learning journey with us, we are also pleased to include special extra-curricular activities within your daily fee.
Inclusions
Have peace of mind that your child is eating fresh nutritionally sound meals as they are prepared on-site by our very own chef. Collaborating with experts in nutrition and working alongside recognised nutritional bodies within each state on our menus, all meals are made seasonally to ensure we use quality ingredients. Included each day are breakfast, morning tea, nutritious lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack.
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.
Port Douglas Kindergarten Program
Enrol your child in a Kindergarten Program today to encourage a smooth transition and school readiness!
There is a strong focus on children’s social and emotional development to ensure that each child has the skills to become active and confident learners as they move onto school.
Here at Petit ELJ Port Douglas, we run a play-based program that stems from the children’s interests, strengths and needs.
We have a keen interest in the importance of families in the children’s kindergarten experience, and we work to nurture the link between home and kindergarten with all the families we meet. We are excited to share with you the learning of your child, and we look forward to the shared experiences of play and fun that we have in each session.
Petit ELJ Port Douglas Kindergarten Teacher Profile
Tammie Jennings
After my very first day at school, I told my Mum I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. My experiences with children spurred a lifelong career in teaching.
Genuine connections with children, learning about each child and how they learn is a rewarding aspect of my role. Identifying their needs and interests then catering for these in an enriching program and environment motives me.
Whilst general age developmental milestones are observed, each child has their own unique learning needs from which goals can be established. Children’ s own goals are really important for them to feel aspiration and success that can be derived from a genuine understanding of and discussions with each child.
Children have choices and access to a wide variety of resources and materials all throughout the day to explore. create and enjoy. These activities are linked to the QKLG curriculum and outcomes.
School readiness is about “Learning to learn”. What does a child need to function and develop in a more formal setting? How can their voices be heard? How can they be included in a school social setting? How do they learn best? Children’s voices form the crux of every project.
Benefits of attending a Petit ELJ Kindergarten or Preschool Program
Our qualified early childhood teachers guide children through a learning journey that provides the foundation for a successful transition to school and that aligns with the EYLF that ‘all children experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life’.
Through participation in our evidence-based pedagogy program which include elements of play-based, inquiry-based and project-based learning, children are encouraged to investigate and explore materials and ideas through play and purposeful interactions.
In attending a Petit ELJ Kindergarten, your child will:
- Build a sense of security, trust and a confident self-identity.
- Independence and perseverance are encouraged and nurtured.
- Learn to show respect for diversity and their environment.
- Build a sense of autonomy and explore ways to be healthy and safe.
- Develop confidence and involvement in their learning journey.
- Have the opportunity to use technology for learning and communication.
- Explore and expand their language and engage in literacy and numeracy in personally meaningful ways.
All of which we believe will support your child in a successful transition to school and set them up for future learning success.
Extra benefits we gift to you and your child
- Enriching and exciting incursions and excursions.
- Assess to interactive Smartboard to enhance learning journey.
Petit ELJ Port Douglas 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 tote bag)
- 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
Our 88 place centre has 5 studios and a separate sleep room attached to the nursery. Children are grouped in studios based on both age and developmental milestones and generally range no more than 16 months. The capacity of our studios ranges between 16 to 24 places.
Child Care Subsidy Eligibility
Our fees are before the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Petit ELJ Port Douglas is registered and eligible for CCS support. We offer flexible 12, 10, 9 and 6-hour sessions which may assist in maximising CCS entitlement hours. Our Centre Director can assist in determining the best session for you.
You can obtain an estimate of the subsidy you may receive under CCS.
Parents love Petit Early Learning Journey.
Lynnett Moyo Pollock, Port Douglas QLD
The best centre ever. Educators always in tune with children’s needs. Astrid is a fantastic manager! Always ready to assist families. Keep it up guys.
Bree Belfrage, Port Douglas QLD
So ecstatic to hear of the new Director Astrid!!!! Share this post far and wide as I highly recommend this day care centre to anyone with young children. Child focused and amazing management make for a brighter future.
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