Goodstart Early Learning Carina

26/05/2026

This year we are having Go Pink Week at Goodstart Carina. This will be from 22 June to 26 June. All educators and children will be invited to wear pink for the week to support this great cause. Last year we raised over $650 participating in the Mater Chicks on Pink Fun Run, can we beat that this year? Will you help us??

This June, we've made a pledge to WEAR IT, SHAVE IT or COLOUR IT and raise funds for world-class breast cancer research to help NBCF towards their vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.

01/05/2026

We’re often asked what being not-for-profit really means for our families.

Simply put, it means that our purpose always comes before profit. Every dollar we make is reinvested back into our centres, to provide children with enriching and safe learning environments.

We understand how important it is for children to be in a place where they feel safe and settled. And when families need to make a change - planned or unexpected - we’re here to help make that transition easier.

We’re here to support families when it matters most – because every child deserves a Goodstart! ✨

24/04/2026

Lest We Forget.

13/04/2026

🌟 Meet the Wonderful People Behind Our Centre! 👏

Hi, my name is Lana, and I am one of the Lead Educators in the Senior Toddlers Room at Goodstart Carina.

I have been working in the Early Childhood Sector for over 20 years, and I have proudly been part of the Goodstart Carina family since January 2015. I hold a Diploma in Children’s Services, along with a Food Handling Certificate, and I am currently completing my Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood Teaching through Swinburne University. Outside of work, I am a mother to two beautiful boys, aged 18 and 12, which enriches my understanding of children’s development, family dynamics and the importance of strong educator–family partnerships.

I believe that as an Early Childhood Educator, I play an important role in creating a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment where infants, toddlers and young children feel respected and supported. I strive to model patience, kindness and professionalism in all interactions with children, families and colleagues.

My practice is grounded in the belief that children learn best through play. I provide open ended opportunities that encourage children to explore, discover, imagine and create. I also love all things art and creativity, and I enjoy bringing this passion into my teaching. I value each child as an individual and aim to recognise and build on their strengths, interests and developing knowledge. Consistency, fairness and positive guidance are central to my approach, helping children develop confidence, self-esteem and a strong sense of belonging.

09/04/2026

🌟 Meet the Wonderful People Behind Our Centre! 👏

My name is Tracy, and I am the Lead Educator in the Senior Toddlers room as well as the Centre’s Assistant Director. I bring close to 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Care, with 20 of those years spent at Goodstart.

I began my professional journey intending to become a high school teacher, however, toward the end of my university studies I realised that pathway was not the right fit for me. This led me to transition into early childhood education, where I quickly discovered my passion and where I have remained ever since.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in every role within early learning, and I have genuinely loved each one. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of children, families, educators, and leadership, and have shaped my inclusive and reflective practice.

I believe that every child is a unique individual and deserves to be nurtured and educated as such. I am passionate about supporting children’s developing personalities, observing them grow and learn, and embracing the moments where I learn alongside them. I value each child’s strengths, interests, skills, abilities, and existing knowledge, and use these as the foundation to extend their learning in meaningful and respectful ways.

17/03/2026

🎨 GET CREATIVE 🎨

Have you ever wondered how our educators create amazing learning experiences? Well know you can try them at home 🏠

🩷These recipes are tried and tested and are sure to bring you fun, laughter and a wonderful time shared together 🩷

16/03/2026

Did you know that Goodstart has its own team of casual educators we can call upon when we are short-staffed?

These casuals have all completed a rigorous and comprehensive application and screening process. This means we avoid the uncertainty that can come with using agency staff. Our casuals are familiar with Goodstart Carina, our children, and our ways of working.

This is just one of the many reasons so many of us choose to work at Goodstart.
In addition, our leadership team at Carina would always prefer to invest our time directly into supporting the needs of our own service rather than bringing in external staff.

15/03/2026

Every day, our educators and teachers make hundreds of small decisions that shape a child's confidence, joy and sense of belonging.

We measure impact through research and outcomes — but children experience it in the moments that matter most.

How safe they feel.
How curious they become.
How confident they grow.

This is Goodstart, through the eyes and voices of the children we're here for.

📞 Contact our Family Support Team to discuss your family's needs - 1800 222 543
Find out more:

Goodstart Early Learning are here to give your Child the best start to Learning, from Kindergarten to Pre-School and Child Care. Book a Centre tour today.

14/03/2026

📚 Building Bright Futures Through Books 🌟

The first five years are a powerful time for children’s development — a period when their brains are rapidly forming connections that shape language, imagination, emotional understanding, and early literacy. Engaging with books during these early years opens the door to lifelong learning.

When children explore books, they are:
✨ Expanding vocabulary and language skills
✨ Strengthening memory, focus, and comprehension
✨ Developing creativity and storytelling abilities
✨ Building emotional awareness and empathy
✨ Growing confidence as independent learners

Across our centre, every room features a dedicated book area designed to nurture these skills.
From our Toddlers and Senior Toddlers rooms to our Kindergarten spaces, each environment offers inviting shelves, cosy corners, and accessible books that encourage children to explore stories at their own pace.

We also extend this learning beyond the classroom.

🌿 Our outdoor book area provides a calm, nature-inspired space where children can enjoy stories in the fresh air. Reading outdoors supports wellbeing, encourages curiosity, and helps children connect their learning with the world around them.

Together, these thoughtfully designed spaces ensure that books are always within reach — supporting language development, imagination, and a genuine love for reading.

🌈 A story shared today becomes a stepping stone for tomorrow.

13/03/2026

🛻 Monster Truck Mark‑Making 🎨

Our senior toddlers had an action‑packed week exploring mark‑making in the most exciting way — with monster trucks! By rolling the trucks, the children created bold lines, patterns, and tracks across the page.

This hands‑on experience supports early creativity, fine‑motor development, and cause‑and‑effect learning, all while letting the children express themselves through movement and play. The joy on their faces said it all.

🌈 Art, imagination, and big wheels — the perfect combo for curious little learners.