Bellmere Early Education Centre

Name: Angela Hardy

Tell us about your career in Early Childhood. How long have you been working in the industry?
I first starting my journey in Childcare in 2008, working my way through the roles in a Centre up to an Assistant Director. I was very eager to become a Centre Director and lead my own team supporting children and families within the community and have now worked as a Centre Director since 2010. I became a dual role Area Manager/Centre Director in 2023, and I am excited to join the Bellmere team and continue my journey in early childcare.

Tell us about the relevant qualifications you hold that assists you in your position?
I hold my Diploma in Children’s Services. I regularly up-skill and further my knowledge through professional development and training and hold all the necessary First Aid and CPR certificates.

When did you first join the QCCS team?
I joined the QCCS team in 2012, beginning my journey at our Glass House Mountains Centre. In 2019, I transferred to our Morayfield West Centre to continue my work with the company while we renovated that beautiful Centre. Now, I’m thrilled to bring my passion to Bellmere as the Centre Director.

What do you find most rewarding about your career in Early Childhood?
The most rewarding part of my role here is the opportunity to support families, children, and the community. As Early Childhood Educators, we have the incredible privilege of shaping and guiding young minds for the future, and I firmly believe it takes a village to raise a child. I feel truly gratified to be a part of the journey of the little ones in our community.

Why should families choose Bellmere Early Education Centre?
Families should choose Bellmere Early Education Centre because we offer a nurturing and enriching environment where children can thrive. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated Kindy Hub and innovative Wearthy playgrounds, provide the perfect setting for children to explore, learn, and grow. We are committed to supporting not just the children but also their families and the broader community, ensuring a holistic approach to early education. Our passionate team is dedicated to fostering each child’s development, making Bellmere a standout choice for early childhood education.

Why do you choose to work for QCCS?
I choose to work for QCCS because of its commitment to children, families, and the community. Their dedication to providing high-quality early education and its support for its educators align perfectly with my own values and passion for making a positive impact. Being part of a team that truly cares about creating meaningful experiences for young children is incredibly rewarding, and I am proud to contribute to such a forward-thinking and community-focused organisation.

Name: Colleen Warner

Tell us about your career in Early Childhood. How long have you been working in the industry?
I have been working in the Early years industry since 2007. I started as a Creche Co- Ordinator at a gym then moved into Long Daycare. I had a passion for working with children and have been able to fulfil that dream working in a variety of roles and positions over the last 17 years.

Tell us about the relevant qualifications you hold that assists you in your position?
I completed my Diploma of Children’s Services in 2011. To ensure I stay up to date with my own Professional Development I have attended training both in-house and through external providers to support in areas of Children’s development, Trauma and Attachment, Pedagogical Leadership, Mental Health, First Aid and more. I continue to attend Professional Development courses to support my own growth but also to support the development of our families, children and educators.

When did you first join the QCCS team?
I started with the Bellmere team as the Co- Director in September 2024.

What do you find most rewarding about your career in Early Childhood?
I believe that children are little learners and have loved working with a wide range of children of all ages and abilities throughout the years. Watching these children accomplish small learning goals and gain a sense of achievement is why I love what I do. I believe in creating a circle of security for children no matter where they are in their development stages which in turn supports them to build safe and secure relationships with those around them, creating some very rewarding interactions with peers, family and educators.

Why should families choose Bellmere Early Education Centre
Bellmere Early Education Centre offers a holistic approach to children’s education. We provide a curriculum that is based around the children’s interests, needs and family goals. The Educators work to embed sustainable practices with natural playgrounds where we can explore nature every day, recycling materials for loose part play and growing our own food. The centre supplies healthy, balanced meals and promotes learning about healthy eating and food which, as a parent, I believe is important to know that our children receive nutritious meals each day.

Why do you choose to work for QCCS?
I chose to work for QCCS because I sought a company that truly values and supports the growth of its team members. QCCS not only provides this support but also fosters a nurturing environment where both educators and children thrive. Being part of a leadership team that is committed to achieving excellence in early childhood education allows me to extend my capabilities while contributing to the success of our little learners.

Name: Teghan Moorfield

Tell us about your career in Early Childhood. How long have you been working in the industry?
I have been working in the early years sector since 2010. I have always loved helping to care for children as one of the oldest of 7. After studying my Certificate III in high school, I began to understand the importance that the first five years plays in setting a child up to meet their full potential.

Tell us about the relevant qualifications you hold that assists you in your position?
I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood and a Diploma in Business, along with certifications in first aid and child protection. To ensure I stay at the forefront of the industry, I actively participate in at least two workshops each year, continuously refreshing and expanding my knowledge to provide the best care and leadership possible.

When did you first join the QCCS team?
I joined QCCS in February 2024 as the Co-Director. 

What do you find most rewarding about your career in early childhood?
I cherish the special moments in childcare—the joy of comforting a child or guiding them to accomplish something they thought was beyond their reach, and then celebrating that achievement together. I’m passionate about advocating for each child’s rights, especially during the crucial first five years, as these experiences lay the foundation for their entire lives.

Why should Families choose Bellmere Early Education?
At Bellmere Early Education Centre, we create a holistic, home-like environment where relationships are at the heart of children’s growth and development. Our educators are dedicated to building strong, collaborative partnerships with families and the community to ensure each child thrives. We also offer a wide range of enriching experiences, including bush kindy, the veggie fun program, and a perceptual motor program led by our company dietician.

Welcome to Bellmere Early Education Centre and Preschool. We are located in the heart of Bellmere, on Bellmere Road, a short 200m walk from Bellmere State School.

Our aim is to provide the highest standard of care to you, the families, as well as to the children who are within our care. Our Centre celebrates diversity, welcoming families with different cultures and backgrounds.

Our hours of operation are from 6am to 6pm. We are open Monday through to Friday, 52 weeks a year (excluding public holidays). Our Centre opened in September 1994 and caters for 156 children aged from birth to school age. We provide before and after school care to school age children as well as vacation care in the school holidays.

We offer a free courtesy bus service which transports children to and from the local schools in the area. We also have the option to transport children to and from home for families who have no access to transport or in emergency situations (conditions apply). The school we currently service is Bellmere State School.

As security is one of our priorities, our Centre has a security door access system which only allows authorised parents/guardians to drop off and collect their child/ren from the Centre via a personal pin code.

At QCCS we understand the importance of building relationships with the Aboriginal Communities by valuing their histories, cultures and their people to help build a more respecting and understanding future for all Australians. Acknowledging Country is a common practice in our services where we respect the continuing connection of Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners and Custodians to the land on which our services stands.

Our Team:
Our team are qualified, friendly and caring staff who are committed to continually improving their skills and knowledge by frequently attending in-service training and seminars. All staff are required to have an up to date First Aid, CPR and Blue Card. All new employees of QCCS attend an Induction Session prior to commencing at any of our Child Care Centres; thus, ensuring they will be well equipped to step into their new role. In addition, we provide regular professional opportunities as well as monthly Centre Director and staff meetings to ensure that all our employees are up to date with industry developments.

Our Centre aims to be at the forefront of industry developments and trends. Therefore, at QCCS your child will benefit from an array of experiences:

• Interactive smart boards
• Dynamic Emergent Curriculum based on the Early Years Learning Framework and Kindergarten Guidelines
• Individual child portfolios. QCCS realises how important it is to be kept informed on your child’s progress and daily activities.
• Healthy nutritious meals including breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
• Sun Safety is a priority with a large percentage of the playgrounds covered with artificial and natural shade. Each Centre aims to avoid sun exposure between 9am-3pm to give the children that added level of sun protection.
• Transition to school programs along with transition statements

Sustainability Focus:
Our Centres are passionate about teaching sustainable behaviours, instilling the knowledge and values that help support sustainable environments. Just some of the sustainable practices that you can expect to see in our services include:

• Educating our children in the use of compost systems within their rooms
• Child tended vegetable and herb gardens, sharing our harvest with families and children
• Appointment of our children to monitor the electricity and water use within our Centre
• Use of recycled materials in our art and craft activities
• Use of donated items by our local communities and businesses
• Use of equipment made from recycled materials
• Optional nappy service for children 2 years and under

We are committed to the implementation of the National Early Years Learning Framework and operate an Emergent Curriculum. Our program is based on the individual needs of the children in our care. Our program is balanced and developmentally appropriate. It has variations, providing for a wide range of individual experiences. These experiences give the children the opportunity to make choices and take on new challenges. Our centre programs are based on the individual child, thus ensuring it does not exclude any one child. Our goal is to inspire delight, curiosity, and inquiry in the classroom. We are very proud to offer the below to all our families at no additional costs:

Kindergarten Program
Our Centre is pleased to be operating a Queensland Government approved Kindergarten Program with a qualified Early Childhood Teacher. This program is aimed at preparing our pre-prep children for primary school. Our Centre implements the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline and focuses on building upon children’s learning and development including literacy and numeracy skills as well as exploring the foundations of mathematics and science. We are committed to developing and building on community partnerships with local schools, Teachers and families to ensure children are being well prepared for their school years.

Families with eligible children attending an approved Kindergarten Program may be entitled to a QKFS Plus Kindy Support Subsidy to assist with the out of pocket expenses of attending the program. To be eligible, families must either:

• Hold a current Health Care Card, Veterans Affairs Card or Australian Government Pension Concession Card 
• Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 
• Have three or more children enrolled in the same year (must be the same age)

Your Centre Director can provide you with further information regarding this subsidy.

Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA)
Our Centre also boasts a second language program (French), we are proud participants in the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) initiative. ELLA is an Australian Government initiative aimed at reviving the teaching of foreign languages in Australian schools, with the aim of significantly increasing the number of Year 12 students studying a language other than English within a decade.

Hey Dee Ho Music Program
Our professional Music Program is facilitated by ‘Hey Dee Ho Educational Services’. Hey Dee Ho visits our Centre fortnightly. The program is an educational music experience where children learn the concepts of beat, rhythm, tempo, pitch and dynamics in a play-based environment. https://heydeeho.com.au/ourprograms/#music

Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words and is known to accelerate brain development, particularly in the areas of language acquisition. Dancing to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-expression.

Hey Dee Ho understands that each child has their own unique set of needs and interests. They have developed a range of activities to address the varied developmental needs of all children from birth. From relaxation and mindfulness to playing musical instruments to high energy dances, Hey Dee Ho programs engage and enhance children’s learning and fine motor development while giving them plenty of opportunity for fun.

Barefoot Nursery
Our Centre runs a ‘Barefoot Nursery’. Upon entry to the Nursery all Educators, guardians and visitors are required to remove their shoes or place a covering over them. Our babies are sensory explorers; therefore, it is important to us to keep our nursery room floors and environment clean and hygienic. The exceptional cleanliness of the ‘Barefoot Nursery’ concept allows our infants to freely investigate their surroundings without being exposed to unnecessary germs and bacteria.

Perceptual Motor Program
Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) activities form a part of our daily routine as your child’s Educators aim to help them become physically active and promote healthy growth as well as development of bones, muscles, flexibility, balance, posture and cardiovascular fitness. It can also help establish connections between different parts of the brain that develop memory and language.

Vegie Fun Program
Vegie Fun for Everyone is a 12-week food literacy program run in our Kindergarten Room, created by our very own Healthy Cooking Company designed to develop a positive attitude toward vegetables in children. The Kindergarten children will be encouraged to explore vegetables, leading to positive experiences and self-directed tasting.

Bush Kindy Program
Our children eagerly anticipate their weekly Bush Kindy sessions. Each session runs for approximately two hours and begins with a short walk to the Belle Air Drive Park. 

As part of our Bush Kindy Program we learn all about the world around us and connect with nature whilst always acknowledging the traditional landowners – the Gubbi Gubbi people. Children are given the chance to explore and learn new things, climbing, running and inadvertently expanding upon their gross motor skills. Exploring the plants, trees, rocks and water creates spontaneous conversation, interactions and valuable risk-taking opportunities. The sessions are unstructured and initiated by the children, to inspire problem solving and promote self-confidence.

Observing insects/animals in their natural habitat is often a highlight for the children, their excitement and intrigue is always evident in their laughter and smiles. The Educators encourage their inquisitive instincts and questions.

There are many known physical and social benefits to exploring nature and evidence shows that exposure to nature can reduce stress and increase academic performance. This is especially important in the technology driven world we live in where screen time is ever increasing for adults and children alike.

Little Scientists
Our Centre is proud to be a Certified Little Scientists House. This program is run daily by demonstrating our commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. It is designed to recognise services and schools that promote an active learning environment, incorporating best practice elements such as inquiry-based learning, metacognition and co-construction.

Swimming Program
Bellmere Early Education Centre has partnered with a local swim centre to provide swimming lessons for children aged 3 to 5 years. The aim of swimming lessons is to teach children how to be safe in and around water. The program runs weekly, all year round, in 5-week blocks and taught by fully qualified swimming instructors.

Intergenerational Program
The Intergenerational Program helps to bridge generational gaps by fostering understanding and building respect between generations. Bellmere Early Education Centre is proudly partnered with the local Nursing Home – New Directions. Once a month the children visit residents at the nursing home, where they participate in a range of activities including singing, arts and crafts and gardening.

We believe food ingredients should come from the kitchen, not from a lab. From this belief came the inspiration to open our own production kitchen, the Healthy Cooking Company. We aim to create and promote natural and wholesome food with a number of health benefits:

• Organic baby food
• Preservative Free
• No artificial flavours
• Low in sodium & refined sugar
• Naturally sweetened with honey

We promise that our nutrition labels will be free of numbers, so there will be no need to decipher nasty food additives. We are dedicated to providing delicious food that your children will love. Parents can rest assured that their little ones are being provided with a good start with healthy, nutritious morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea meals provided.

As Educators, we believe in teaching children that physical activity can be fun as well as good for our bodies and minds. As a result we coordinate exciting exercise programs within our centres that have been developed by our Sports Dietitian in consultation with Primary School Physical Education Teachers. We want the children in our care to experience the numerous health benefits that regular physical activity can provide such as:

• Stronger muscles and bones
• Long term positive attitude towards exercise
• Reduction in the likelihood of becoming overweight
• Reduction in the likelihood of developing illnesses and diseases

Through this we aim to incorporate at least three hours of physical activity each day into our room routines and programs with:

• Morning physical activity routine
• General indoor physical activity
• Outdoor experiences