Childcare in Cairns
CENTRE DETAILS
Welcome to First Steps Cairns
Our Cairns Centre is a freshly renovated, modern space designed to provide comfort and learning in Cairns’ tropical climate, with air-conditioned rooms and shaded outdoor areas throughout. Located on Aeroglen Drive opposite the airport, the centre offers easy access for families living north of Cairns, commuting into town for work.
Inside and out, the centre reflects a warm, contemporary design that supports children’s development and independence. Our passionate educators provide attentive, play-based learning in a safe, nurturing environment, fostering curiosity, confidence and resilience.
Whether it’s exploring the outdoor spaces, engaging in sensory activities, or connecting with friends indoors, children enjoy a stimulating environment tailored to their interests and developmental needs. Cairns is a place where children thrive, families feel supported and every day is filled with opportunity, care and discovery.
Our Rooms
Our Baby’s House provides a calm, nurturing environment for our youngest children, aged 6 weeks to 16 months. Set in a cosy, homely space designed especially for babies, it offers a serene environment where little ones can settle, explore and feel secure.
The room features two dedicated sleep rooms, allowing each child’s routine to be individually supported. Qualified educators provide attentive, responsive care, focusing on building strong attachments and supporting early developmental milestones through gentle, sensory-rich experiences.
With air-conditioned interiors and a shaded outdoor, deck play area, babies enjoy comfort and fresh air even in Cairns’ tropical climate. Thoughtful design, calm routines and experienced educators ensure that Baby’s House is a nurturing space where babies feel safe, cared for and able to grow at their own pace.
Toddler 1 caters to children aged 15 months to 2.5 years, providing a vibrant, stimulating space where curiosity, independence and social skills flourish. The room is bright, spacious and fully air-conditioned, offering comfort and flexibility in Cairns’ warm climate.
Children enjoy a dedicated outdoor yard with plenty of shade, where they can explore, play and engage in sensory-rich activities safely. Qualified educators focus on fostering emerging independence, creativity and confidence, while supporting routines such as early toilet learning and self-help skills.
The room’s design encourages exploration and discovery, with age-appropriate resources promoting problem-solving, imaginative play and social connection. Toddler 1 is a lively, joyful space where children develop confidence, curiosity and foundational skills in a nurturing, supportive environment.
Toddler 2 is designed for children aged 2 to 3 years, offering a dynamic, engaging environment to support growth and development. The room is spacious, air-conditioned and thoughtfully equipped with resources that encourage creativity, collaboration and exploration.
Children have access to their own shaded outdoor yard, where they can safely develop gross motor skills, engage in imaginative play and enjoy time outdoors in comfort. Experienced educators guide learning through play, helping children build confidence, independence and social-emotional skills while fostering curiosity about the world around them.
Daily routines are flexible and responsive to each child’s needs, balancing play, learning and rest. Toddler 2 is a warm, lively space where children are encouraged to explore, experiment and grow in a safe, supportive and engaging environment.
Tweenies caters to children aged 3 to 4 years, bridging the transition from toddlerhood to pre-kindergarten. The room provides a spacious, air-conditioned environment that encourages curiosity, independence and playful learning.
Children have access to their own shaded outdoor area, where they can explore, take safe risks and develop gross motor skills. Play-based learning experiences are designed to promote problem-solving, creativity, social-emotional development and agency.
Qualified educators support children to make choices, engage with peers and develop confidence as emerging learners. Tweenies is a lively, nurturing space where children are encouraged to explore their interests, build resilience and gain the skills and confidence they need for a seamless transition to Kindergarten.
Our Pre-Prep Class is a Government-funded Kindergarten program for children in the year before school, led by an experienced Early Childhood Teacher. The program focuses on school readiness, fostering literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills and a love of learning.
Children enjoy a balance of indoor and shaded outdoor play spaces, allowing for active exploration, risk-taking and gross motor development. The air-conditioned classroom provides a comfortable learning environment, while play-based experiences encourage agency, problem-solving, collaboration and creativity.
Educators work closely with families to tailor learning experiences to each child’s strengths and interests, building confidence, resilience and independence. Pre-Prep is a stimulating, nurturing space where children are supported to thrive, develop essential skills and make a confident transition to school.
First Steps Cairns 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 our centre, we believe children learn best through relationships, play and meaningful interactions. We provide a secure, trusting and inclusive environment where every child feels a strong sense of belonging socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.
Play is at the heart of our learning, supporting children to explore, ask questions, build understanding and follow their natural curiosity. Our educators foster positive, respectful interactions, guiding children to develop confidence, self-esteem, independence and empathy, while supporting them to navigate challenges in a calm and supportive way.
We value the whole child and create flexible, stimulating environments shaped by children’s interests and strengths. We celebrate cultural diversity, honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and welcome all families regardless of background, ability, gender or belief. See more on our philosophy here.
Strong partnerships with families and open communication are central to our practice.