Welcome to First Steps
At First Steps, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We believe children learn best when they feel truly known, understood and cared for. Our educators take the time to build strong, trusting connections with each child and their family, creating a foundation of security, confidence and belonging that supports learning from the very beginning.
We are proud of the warm, passionate teams within our centres. By supporting and valuing our educators, we ensure they are present, engaged and responsive — able to form meaningful partnerships with families and nurture each child’s individual journey. These relationships extend beyond the classroom, creating a genuine sense of community where families feel welcomed, heard and supported.
Our learning environments are thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique character of each location, from vast country spaces to the built environment of the city. We embrace the natural surroundings, local culture and community connections to create environments that are rich, engaging and deeply connected to place. These spaces invite children to explore, imagine and grow in ways that feel familiar, inspiring and authentic.
Through nurturing relationships and carefully crafted environments, First Steps offers high-quality, inclusive early learning experiences where every child and family feels valued, respected and empowered — from their very first steps.
Chef Meals
We provide freshly prepared, balanced meals at select centres, supporting each child’s wellbeing. In our nurturing, inclusive environments, mealtimes foster connection, independence and a love of healthy eating.
Playscapes
Our engaging playscapes are designed to inspire creativity and support holistic development. Created for children to explore, grow and thrive, building confidence and meaningful connections with peers and educators.
Play-based
We focus on play-based learning to support each child as a unique individual. Our educators provide time, space and inspiration for exploration, creativity and curiosity for social, emotional and cognitive growth in inclusive environments.
School Ready
Educators build meaningful relationships with children and families. By supporting children to develop confidence, resilience and independence we each child toward a smooth transition to school and lifelong learning.
Australia’s 3 Day Guarantee for
Early Childhood Education
From January 2026, the Australian Government is making early learning more accessible and affordable with the 3 Day Guarantee.
This means every child can attend & access at least 3 days of subsidised early learning each week with Government support and families don’t need to meet any work or study requirements to qualify.
What this means for families
- Universal access to early learning: Every family, no matter your work, study or volunteering hours – all can access three days of subsidised care.
- Cost-of-living relief: Families could save thousands each year on childcare fees.
- Extra support for First Nations children: Eligible families can continue to receive up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
- Families with higher activity levels or special circumstances can still qualify for up to 100 hours per fortnight, while those earning over $533,280 remain ineligible.
Why this matters
- Lower weekly fees and more certainty for your household budget.
- More time for children to learn, play and develop school-readiness skills.
- Ensures children who benefit most from early learning can attend regularly.
Next steps
- If you’re considering First Steps for your child, now’s a great time to book a tour and explore your options ahead of 2026 availability may vary by centre.
- If you’re already part of our community, chat with your Centre Director about how this change affects your family and current booking pattern.
Discover your nearest First Steps Early Learning Centre today.
Why Choose first steps
Families choose First Steps Early Childhood Learning Centres because we make childcare feel like family, we make childcare feel like a home away from home.
Families have said that when thinking about childcare they worried about who may be caring for their kids. However, once they stepped into First Steps they knew from the very first tour that they would be comfortable leaving their in the capable hands of our First Steps team.
Families often mention how much their children love our happy and passionate educators and they can see the learning and development that is displayed in their children. And, families always comment on the welcoming atmosphere and support that they receive from the moment they step through the doors.
We take pride in the relationships that we build. Each family is a special part of our centres and every child is cared for and nurtured.
Atherton
Our Centre is located 1 and a half hours south west of Cairns on the beautiful Tablelands. We pride ourselves in being a community of families and educators with a mission to see great outcomes for children and families.
Killarney
First Step’s Killarney is a privately owned with a purpose to provide early education and care that exceeds traditional care and education standards.
Cairns
Our aim at First Steps Gatton is to provide a home-like atmosphere within a caring and stimulating environment.
Parents or guardians are able to ask for information at any…
Gatton
Our aim at First Steps Gatton is to provide a home-like atmosphere within a caring and stimulating environment.