Your child’s first steps to learning begin at First Grammar Early Education Centre Freshwater. Our long day care and early education centre provides child care in Cairns. We are located near the Kuranda Scenic Railway Freshwater Station, with our courtesy bus (pick-ups) servicing the surrounding areas. We are open from 6:30am to 6:30pm for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
First Grammar EEC Freshwater
Spacious areas designed to inspire
From the moment you walk through the doors of our Freshwater child care centre, you’ll be immersed in a world where children are encouraged to learn and explore. Our adventure-filled playgrounds feature sandpits, natural gardens, vegetable gardens, cubby houses, climbing forts, and play equipment to engage all the senses. Children are provided the time and space for uninterrupted play as they explore the outdoors to test their limits and develop strength, balance, and self-confidence. Being outside supports children’s overall health and wellbeing.
Our indoor spaces invite exploration with quality resources and learning experiences. Children wonder, create, and test out their ideas as they play with a range of materials in purposeful play spaces. Our team of experienced educators plan play-based learning experiences around children’s interests and learning goals. Literacy and numeracy concepts are embedded in play-based learning, as children engage as architects, storytellers, scientists, artists, and designers.
Healthy meals freshly prepared in-house
Here at our Freshwater centre, you won’t need to worry about preparing lunch or snacks. Nutritious meals are made daily using the freshest ingredients by our in-house cook, catering for all dietary requirements. Shared mealtimes between children and educators strengthen relationships, with opportunities to share stories and experiences, and model healthy eating practices.
High-quality early learning programs
Every day presents a new opportunity for learning experiences at our Cairns Centre. Our 8 room centre flexibility for additional days, smaller classrooms provide more immediate flexible learning while forming close personal relationships with educators and peers. We are proud of our multi-cultured team that brings their own culture into the Centre through bi-lingual storytelling, singing, and weekly Japanese classes in all age groups, yoga and meditation incorporated into daily routines, as well as AUSLAN (Australia Sign Language) embedded into several rooms.
Educators and children venture out into the local community on excursions to nearby parks, library, and schools. We welcome special guests and community members to the centre based on the children's interests, including a monthly visit from Hey De Ho music. Our centre also celebrates regular cultural events reflecting the diversity in our local community. We support local charities including the Cancer Councils Relay for life and Christmas hamper for the pediatric ward at the local hospital.
As members of our First Grammar community, we look forward to partnering with you to provide information, support, and high-quality education and care in your child’s formative years.
Our Family Support Team are happy to chat through your childcare needs. Call them today on 1800 517 040 to book a tour at our centre, meet our team of educators, and learn more about why these first five years are so important for your child’s development.
Why you’ll love First Grammar Freshwater
These are just some of the highlights included in your child’s early childhood education and care experience at our centre.
Meet your Centre Manager
Yvonne Pitcher
“It is important to remember that the early years is not a race but a time to love learning through play. ”
A sneak peek inside our centre
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First Grammar Freshwater
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First Grammar Freshwater
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First Grammar Freshwater
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First Grammar Freshwater
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First Grammar Freshwater
Take a walk in your child’s footsteps
Every day is a different adventure with children, but there are some key elements that make your child’s time so enjoyable at our First Grammar child care centres. Scroll through the below to see what a typical day might look like.
Arrival at the centre
Experience a sense of belonging as you are welcomed by our friendly centre teams. On arrival, share information about your child’s specific needs for the day. Our experienced educators will support you and your child with the morning transition from home to centre.
Mealtimes
Your child enjoys a nutritious menu prepared by our centre cooks. Shared mealtimes between children and educators strengthen relationships, with opportunities to share stories and experiences. Educators model healthy eating practices and social behaviours, and support children’s growing independence with mealtime routines.
Infant care
Infants are held in educators’ arms for feeding. Bottle feeding with educators or breastfeeding with Mum provides one-on-one time for connection, talking gently and responding to baby’s cues. Everyday routines provide opportunities to strengthen relationships and build language skills through songs, games, and conversations.
Play-based learning
As your child plays, they develop dispositions for learning including curiosity, problem-solving, confidence and resilience. Educators plan play-based learning experiences around children’s interests and learning goals. Play-based learning supports all areas of children’s development, including language and motor movement, memory, concentration, emotions, and social relationships.
Sleep, rest and relaxation
Sleep, rest and relaxation routines match your child’s individual needs. Effective sleep practices help children feel safe and secure to support better sleep. Opportunities for rest and relaxation are always available across the day. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who don’t sleep.
Heading home
Experience a sense of satisfaction that your child has enjoyed and benefited from their day at the centre. As you prepare to head home, speak with our friendly educators about your child’s learning and experiences across the day. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.
Useful information
Opening hours
Convenient opening hours to support your busy family life!
| Monday | 6:30am to 6:30pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:30am to 6:30pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30am to 6:30pm |
| Thursday | 6:30am to 6:30pm |
| Friday | 6:30am to 6:30pm |
More about your centre
Even more reasons why families love our Freshwater child care centre:
- We offer an interest-based program guided by the national Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and a preschool program taught by a Bachelor-qualified early childhood teacher to prepare your child socially and emotionally for the next step in their early education journey.
- You’ll receive daily photos and updates through our all in one family app that will allow you to stay connected with your child and keep track of their learning, nutrition, sleep times and other updates. Our app also allows you to manage your bookings, organise payments, and more.
- Convenient on-site parking is available for easy pick-ups and drop-offs.
- Children learn how to care for the environment through our sustainability philosophy and program which is embedded in everything we do at our centre.
Call our Family Support Team today on 1800 517 040 to chat through your child care needs!
Vacation Care
Our centre also offers a vacation care program for children from 5-12 years old. We make life easier for our parents with extended operating hours and affordable fees. Our vacation care program has a variety of activities with a focus on fun and learning! Your child will have endless amounts of fun with a mix of in-centre activities, indoor and outdoor play and visits to the community. Don’t miss out on a spot in our vacation care this coming holiday, enquire today.
For your first day
| What we provide | What you'll need to bring |
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We’re always here to support you on your child’s learning journey. Read more about what to expect on your first day, and how you can prepare.
Your team
Our team of educators provide an unparalleled early childhood education and care experience for your child. They are trained, qualified and passionate about the importance of the first five years of learning, along with the positive impact this will have on your child’s future.
The learning programs your child will experience at our centre reflect modern educational research and practices as outlined by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) which our program is built from.
The learning programs your child will experience at our centre reflect modern educational research and practices as outlined by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) which our program is built from.
Fees
| Age Group | Daily Fee |
|---|---|
| Nursery | $139.00 |
| Toddler | $136.00 |
| Kindergarten | $133.00 |
Note: Fees effective from 10 July 2023.
Your family’s daily out of pocket cost will depend on your Childcare Subsidy (CCS) entitlements.
The above fees are before the Child Care Subsidy has been applied. To calculate your estimated subsidy, view our subsidy calculator.
We also offer 9-hour, 10-hour and full-day options at our centre which could help optimise your child care subsidy.
If this is your child’s first time in child care, or you’re unsure about the subsidy, learn more about how to apply for the subsidy. Our team of experts are always on hand to guide you through the process. Call 1800 517 040.
Start your journey with us
Contact our Family Support Team on 1800 517 040 or book a tour today to see everything we have to offer.
