Childcare in Gatton
CENTRE DETAILS
Welcome to First Steps Gatton
Our Gatton Centre is a vibrant, inclusive and community-focused early learning hub, located on the edge of Lake Apex Parks, offering inspiring views and direct access to nature for bush kindy programs. The large, nature-inspired play spaces provide children with opportunities for exploration, creativity and developing confidence.
Our culturally competent educators ensure all children feel valued, supported and included, reflecting Gatton’s diverse community. Families are at the heart of everything we do and the centre is actively involved in local events, programs and initiatives, creating strong community connections.
Children thrive here, supported by passionate, experienced educators, while exploring both the indoor and outdoor environments. Gatton is more than a centre—it’s a place to grow, learn and belong, where curiosity, play and community spirit come together in a nurturing, welcoming setting.
Our Rooms
Our Nursery Room welcomes babies from 6 weeks to 16 months into a calm, nurturing environment designed to meet each child’s individual needs. With qualified educators, we provide attentive care, supporting routines for sleep, feeding and play.
The room features a designated sleeping area and a large, fully shaded outdoor yard, allowing babies to safely explore and enjoy fresh air in comfort. Our educators focus on building secure attachments, fostering curiosity and encouraging early developmental skills through sensory play, gentle interaction and responsive care.
Our nursery environment provides a tranquil, nature-inspired backdrop, promoting wellbeing and connection to the outdoors from the earliest age. Families can be confident their children are in caring, experienced hands, where each day is filled with warmth, discovery and nurturing support.
Our Toddlers Room caters to children aged 15 months to 2.5 years, offering an engaging space for growing independence, curiosity and social connection. Qualified educators provide attentive, personalised care, supporting children as they explore, play and learn together.
The room opens onto its own outdoor yard, featuring a vibrant garden and views of the surrounding parklands, allowing children to interact with nature, develop gross motor skills and enjoy sensory-rich play experiences. Indoor learning areas are designed to promote creativity, problem-solving and early self-help skills, while routines support emerging independence, including early toilet learning if families choose.
Educators encourage exploration, imaginative play and social confidence, guiding toddlers to develop emotional awareness and resilience. With a strong focus on nurturing relationships and hands-on learning, our Toddlers Room creates a safe, stimulating and joyful environment for children to thrive.
Our Junior Kindy Room is designed for children aged 2.5 to 3.5 years, supporting growing independence, curiosity and early learning skills. Qualified educators provide a warm, responsive environment where children are encouraged to explore, make choices and develop confidence.
The room features a large indoor space for creative play, music and small group learning. Children also share access to a beautiful nature play-style yard with our Kindy children, complete with a majestic tree providing shade all day, allowing for outdoor discovery, risk-taking and gross motor skill development.
Programs are created using Rose Way. They are play-based and tailored to each child’s interests and abilities, promoting social-emotional growth, problem-solving and agency. With a strong connection to the natural environment, Junior Kindy children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning in a safe, stimulating and nurturing setting.
Our Kindergarten Room is a Government-funded program for children in the year before school, led by an experienced Early Childhood Teacher. The program focuses on school readiness, social-emotional skills and confidence in a play-based, engaging learning environment, with an introduction to numeracy and literacy.
Children have access to a shared nature-inspired outdoor yard, complete with a large, shaded tree and natural play spaces, encouraging exploration, physical development and risk-taking. Indoor spaces are designed for collaborative learning, creativity and skill-building, giving children the tools to thrive both socially and academically.
Educators work closely with families to tailor learning to each child’s strengths, interests and pace, fostering independence, resilience and a strong sense of agency. Our Kindergarten Room provides a rich, stimulating and nurturing environment where children develop the skills, confidence and love of learning needed to transition seamlessly into school.
First Steps Gatton 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 Gatton, we create a nurturing environment where every child is respected, valued and supported to thrive. We take pride in the strong, trusting relationships we build with children and families, recognising the important role these partnerships play in each child’s development.
Our philosophy is guided by kind and curious learning. We believe kindness is essential to growth, helping children build empathy, confidence and positive relationships. We also nurture curiosity by encouraging children to ask questions, explore and discover through hands-on, play-based experiences.
We celebrate each child’s individuality, interests and unique learning journey and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the diverse backgrounds within our community, ensuring every child feels safe, seen and supported. See more on our philosophy here.