Childcare in Atherton
CENTRE DETAILS
Welcome to First Steps Atheron
Nestled in the quiet suburb of Atherton on the Tablelands, our centre is a welcoming, community-focused space for up to 80 children. Backing onto Cuda Park’s vast grasslands and scrub, the location offers endless opportunities for bush kindy adventures, nature exploration and outdoor discovery.
We pride ourselves on being a true part of the community. Our children and families participate in local events such as ANZAC marches, the Maize Festival, Scare Crow Festival and much more. With long-standing, passionate educators, some of whom have been with the centre since it opened in 2006, we provide consistency, care and a strong sense of belonging.
At Atherton, every child is supported to explore, play and grow within a nurturing, engaging environment, while families feel connected, informed and welcomed. Our centre blends early learning with community spirit, creating a space where children flourish and families are part of the journey.
Our Rooms
Our Nursery Room (Possum Patch) provides a calm, nurturing environment for babies aged 6 weeks to 16 months, where safety, comfort and individual care are our highest priorities. Designed to feel like a home away from home, the room supports each child’s unique routine, including sleep, feeding and play.
The nursery features two dedicated sleeping spaces, allowing educators to respond flexibly to each baby’s rest needs in a quiet, soothing setting. Our qualified and experienced educators build strong, secure attachments with every child, ensuring they feel safe, loved and supported throughout the day.
Babies also enjoy access to their own private outdoor space, which can be adapted for all weather conditions. This allows for daily outdoor play, fresh air and sensory exploration in a safe and age-appropriate environment.
Through responsive care, gentle routines and play-based learning, our Nursery Room supports early development while giving families peace of mind that their babies are in caring, capable hands.
Our Koala Court Room is a warm, engaging environment designed especially for children aged 15 months to 2 years. This stage of development is full of curiosity, growing independence and big emotions and our room is thoughtfully set up to support children as they explore the world around them.
With the guidance of our experienced educators, children are encouraged to develop confidence, social skills and emerging independence through play-based learning and consistent routines. The room is equipped with high-quality resources and age-appropriate facilities that support physical development, language growth and early self-help skills.
Koala Court also enjoys access to its own adaptable outdoor yard, allowing children to engage in outdoor play and sensory exploration in all weather conditions.
For families who choose to begin toilet training, our educators work in partnership with parents to provide gentle, consistent support tailored to each child’s readiness. Koala Court is a nurturing space where toddlers feel safe, supported and excited to learn.
Platypus Place is a vibrant and welcoming room for children aged 2 to 3 years, supporting this important stage of growing independence, confidence and self-expression. Our fully qualified educators take a holistic approach to learning, nurturing each child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in a caring and engaging environment.
Music plays a meaningful role in the daily program, supporting language development, emotional regulation, creativity and connection. Through singing, movement and rhythm, children are encouraged to express themselves and build positive relationships with peers and educators.
The room opens onto a spacious outdoor yard that backs onto local parkland, creating a sense of openness and connection to nature. This environment encourages exploration, active play and curiosity.
Daily routines in Platypus Place are thoughtfully designed to support toilet training, self-help skills and the development of a strong sense of wellbeing. Educators work closely with families to ensure each child feels supported, capable and confident as they continue their learning journey.
Wombat Hollow is a dynamic and engaging learning environment for children aged 3 to 4 years, where independence, confidence and a strong sense of agency are at the heart of the program. With the support of our fully qualified educators, children are encouraged to make choices, share ideas and take an active role in their learning.
The room enjoys access to a large, natural outdoor yard, along with a shared gross motor space designed to support physical development, coordination and age-appropriate risk taking. These environments allow children to challenge themselves, build resilience and develop confidence in their own abilities.
Learning experiences are play-based and responsive, supporting children to problem-solve, collaborate and express themselves. Educators intentionally create opportunities for children to lead, explore their interests and develop a strong sense of self.
Wombat Hollow is a space where children are supported to become capable, confident learners, building essential skills and dispositions that prepare them for the next stage of their early learning journey.
Kangaroo Corner is our Government-funded Kindergarten room, designed for children in the year before school. Led by an experienced Early Childhood Teacher, this room provides a rich, play-based program that fosters independence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Children in Kangaroo Corner benefit from access to thoughtfully designed indoor spaces, their own private outdoor yard for hands on learning, as well as a shared outdoor area for gross motor development and risk-taking, encouraging confidence, resilience and physical skills. Educators intentionally create opportunities for exploration, problem-solving and collaboration, supporting children to take an active role in their learning.
The program balances structured learning with child-led experiences, focusing on social-emotional growth, agency, independence and an introduction to literacy and numeracy. Kangaroo Corner nurtures capable, confident learners, equipping them with the skills and dispositions they need to thrive in school and beyond.
First Steps Atherton Fees
These fee amounts are the maximum amount before the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) has been applied. The Family Assistance Office will issue you a CCS percentage depending on your family’s combined gross weekly income. A fee amount will then be worked out on consultation with the Administration Officer at the Centre for the amount of fees you will be required to pay.
*Fees are reviewed from time to time and are subject to increases. Any concerns or questions regarding fees should be directed to our Administration Officer or Director.
Childcare Subsidy
The Commonwealth Government Childcare Management Scheme (CCMS) is designed to ensure all families can afford quality childcare. Access to this scheme can be obtained by contacting Centrelink prior to your child’s first day at the Centre.
Childcare fees are paid for the days your child is booked into the Centre, including public holidays and times when your child is absent due to illness, holidays or any other reason.
All families must use the Xplor Home App with Direct Debit set up, including a $50 deposit before your child’s first day (credited to fees). Fees can be paid by Direct Debit (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) or one-off payments, with transaction fees charged by Debit Success. The centre closes at 6:00pm, and a $15 late fee per 10 minutes applies if children are collected after closing time.
Our Philosophy
At First Steps, we believe every child is capable, curious and full of potential. We provide a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where children feel respected, valued and supported to grow in their own unique way.
Our play-based learning approach supports children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, building strong foundations for lifelong learning, confidence and resilience. You’ll find calm, welcoming spaces filled with laughter, exploration and meaningful connections, guided by caring and responsive educators.
We value strong partnerships with families and recognise the important role they play in each child’s learning journey. Together, we create a connected and supportive community.
We celebrate diversity, embed equity and inclusion across all practices and respectfully honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Child safety, wellbeing and sustainability are central to everything we do. See more on our philosophy here.