Childcare in Killarney
CENTRE DETAILS
Welcome to First Steps Killarney
Our boutique Killarney Centre offers a cozy, country-style environment where every child and family is known and valued. Set in a welcoming, community-focused town, the centre provides access to a range of extra-curricular experiences including bush kindy, swimming and visits to the local library. Killarney is a close-knit, nurturing environment, where children thrive through play, learning and community connection.
Children enjoy spacious rooms and a shared outdoor yard with views of the racecourse and cattle yards, encouraging exploration, play and connection with the surrounding landscape. The Government-funded Kindy program, led by our experienced Early Childhood Teacher, prepares children for school, while the Schoolies Program provides before and after school care and vacation care.
For families, the centre offers convenience with a daily door-to-door bus service to and from Warrick, ensuring access for children across the region. Service areas include Murrays Bridge, Morgan park, Warwick, Tannymorel, Emu Vale, Yangan, Swan Creek & Freestone. The bus is subject to availability* Contact us to find out more.
Our Rooms
Our Joey’s Room welcomes children aged 16 months to 3.5 years into a spacious, nurturing environment where curiosity, confidence and independence flourish. Qualified educators provide personalised care, supporting each child’s developmental needs and helping them build early social, emotional and cognitive skills.
Children in Joey’s Room enjoy a shared outdoor yard with plenty of space for exploration, play and imaginative learning, all with scenic views of the racecourse and cattle yards. Play-based learning, sensory experiences and structured routines help children develop confidence, resilience and emerging independence, while educators foster a warm, caring environment where every child feels valued.
Joey’s Room is a space where children can explore, discover and grow at their own pace, building the foundation for lifelong learning and social connection in a safe, welcoming and country-inspired setting.
Our Kindy Room caters to children aged 3.5 to 5 years and is a Government-funded program led by an experienced Early Childhood Teacher. The room combines play-based learning with structured experiences that build literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills and school readiness.
Children benefit from access to the shared outdoor yard, where they can explore, play and connect with nature, all while enjoying the unique rural views of the racecourse and cattle yards. The program also includes enriching extracurricular experiences, such as swimming, bush kindy and creative projects, designed to nurture curiosity, confidence and a love of learning.
With a strong focus on individual growth, independence and agency, our Kindy Room prepares children to transition confidently to school, while fostering resilience, social skills and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
Our Schoolies Program provides before and after school care and vacation care for primary-aged children, offering a safe, engaging and flexible environment for busy families. The program combines structured activities with time for free play, creativity and social connection.
Children have access to indoor and outdoor spaces designed for exploration, games and skill-building, including craft, sport, nature activities and group challenges. Experienced educators supervise and support children, ensuring a nurturing environment where friendships, independence and confidence can grow.
The Schoolies Program is tailored to meet the needs of families in Killarney, providing a fun, reliable and stimulating setting that complements school routines and holiday schedules. It’s a space where children can play, learn and make memories, all under the care of our attentive, experienced team.
First Steps Killarney 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 Killarney, we welcome all families and provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where children feel a strong sense of belonging. Our program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and enriched through play-based learning that supports children’s communication, language, social and emotional development.
We believe children learn best through play connected to their interests and everyday experiences. Our caring educators take the time to know each child individually, creating safe and stimulating environments where children are encouraged to explore, take risks, solve problems and build confidence.
We value strong partnerships with families and the wider community, recognising that shared knowledge and collaboration strengthen children’s learning. We celebrate diversity and respectfully incorporate families’ values, cultures and beliefs into our curriculum.
Through positive relationships, reflective practice and ongoing professional learning, our educators support children to become confident, capable and involved learners. See more on our philosophy here.