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.
Petit ELJ Fees 2019
Under 3 yrs
$87/day
Over 3 yrs
$84/day
Included in the fees:
- Nappies and wipes
- All meals. Wholesome, prepared by in-house chef
- 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)
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
Kindergarten Program Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Do Petit ELJ provide a Kindergarten Program?
A. Petit ELJ provide a kindergarten program for children in the year before Prep (children who are 4 by 30 June in the year they start). Our kindergarten program is play-based and is delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher.
Q. Is your kindergarten program funded and supported by the Australian Government?
A. Yes our Centres based in QLD and VIC run a kindergarten program that is recognised and approved by their respected Governments. These Centres also receive additional funding to enhance the kindergarten program.
Q. What is the difference between your Kindergarten Program and Council Kindergarten’s/Private Schools?
A. The difference is that our program runs within long day care hours so we operate from 6.30am to 6.30pm* Monday to Friday, are open 52 weeks a year and open all school holidays which allows us to cater to all family/work situations.
*Please check operating hours with individual Centre.
From Petit blog.
Make healthy meals for children that the whole family can eat. When you sit down to dinner, show your children that eating the right food is good for them and you too. You can also make eating healthy meals more enjoyable by preparing it together. Young, growing bodies need proper nutrition as nutrients develop babies’ […]
by Petit JourneyWhen our children have a runny nose or cough, we only want to make them feel better. What can we do to ease their discomfort? Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as applying the same medicines that work for us but in smaller doses. Natural remedies for children are often better. Advice from Australia’s Therapeutical Goods […]
by Petit JourneyAre you interested in working as an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)? Under the National Quality Framework (NQF), individuals working in an early learning centre must hold recognised qualifications. At Petit Early Learning Journey, you need a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or equivalent). This is also true when applying to lead our approved kindergarten program as […]
by Petit JourneyPicture books promote a love for learning. You can start reading aloud to your child before they’re two. It will stimulate their development and ignite their imagination. Much of the enjoyment of a children’s book comes from reading it aloud. Children’s picture books combine images and symbols with words, pop-ups, sounds and textures to create […]
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.