Early Learning Centre Shellharbour

Our Learning Environment

Children learn best through play and our environment encourages just that. Our Shellharbour Early Learning Centre is a space where children feel safe, inspired, and confident to explore.

The environment offers:

• A strong sense of belonging and emotional security
• Nature-based outdoor play areas
• Opportunities for safe risk-taking and discovery
• Stimulating, inclusive resources for all abilities
• Experiences guided by children’s interests and abilities

Our Program and Curriculum

We follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Version 2.0, ensuring every child receives an education that is:

• Grounded in a nationally approved learning framework
• Tailored to individual developmental needs, interests, and experiences
• Inclusive of each child’s abilities and differences
• Delivered with the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Our Early Learning Centre offers high-quality care and education at a competitive rate, with fees charged fortnightly in advance.

We’re a Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved provider, which means eligible families can receive government support to reduce their out-of-pocket costs. Calculate your Child Care Subsidy.

From January 2026, families across Australia will benefit from the Australian Government’s 3-Day Guarantee, providing access to three days (72 hours) of subsidised early childhood education and care per fortnight regardless of income or activity level.

Families may also benefit from Start Strong funding, a NSW Government initiative that helps make preschool more affordable.

Because every family’s situation is unique, we encourage you to get in touch with us directly for the most up-to-date fee information and personalised guidance on what support you may be eligible for.

We’re here to help make early learning accessible and stress-free for your family.

We have an active collaboration with our state primary schools as well as both our local Catholic Schools which are Nazareth Catholic Primary School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School. 

This engagement helps provide a comprehensive and smooth transition to school program to ensure children feel confident when moving onto their next stage in their learning and development.

We provide (included in daily fee):

• All meals (breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea)
• Nappies, wipes, sunscreen

Families bring:

• Bag, water bottle, spare clothes, hat
• Bed sheet & comforter (for rest time if needed)
• Preferred nappies/wipes/sunscreen if required

Our menu is developed with the NSW Health “Munch & Move” program to encourage healthy eating and active play.

Children enjoy:

• Fresh, nutritious meals created in consultation with families and nutritionists
• All dietary and cultural needs catered for
• Supported by health professionals, resources, and family-focused materials.

We know parents want to feel connected to their child’s day — that’s why we use the Xplor app.

The app keeps families connected to their child’s world, from daily photos and learning stories to meal updates and nap times.

You can manage bookings, mark absences, and send messages directly to educators, all in one secure, easy-to-use app. It’s the perfect way to stay part of your child’s learning journey, even on your busiest days.

We celebrate diversity, culture, and ability. Every child receives the support they need through:

• Inclusive practices and environments
• Referrals to specialist services when needed
• Collaboration with speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other health professionals

 Our centre offers a welcoming space for local families to connect and grow together.

Child-Safe First and Always

At CatholicCare Early Learning Centres, your child’s safety and wellbeing always come first. We are proud to be a Child Safe Organisation, where every child is valued, protected and heard.

Our educators and staff:

• Hold current Working With Children Checks

• Complete regular child safeguarding training

• Follow clear systems for supervision, reporting and accountability

• Promote a culture where children feel secure, respected and confident to speak up.

We believe child safety is everyone’s responsibility and families are always part of the conversation.