Childcare and kindergarten in Cairns, QLD
First Grammar Early Education Centre Freshwater offers long day care and a Government-approved Kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, conveniently located near Kuranda Scenic Railway Freshwater Station for families in Freshwater, Stratford, Brinsmead, Kamerunga, Whitfield, Aeroglen, Edge Hill and Caravonica.
Large age-appropriate outdoor yards
Each outdoor yard in our centre has its own design, giving children spaces that suit their age, stage and confidence. With sandpits, swings, balance beams, obstacle courses, cubby houses and bike tracks, children have plenty of ways to move, create, take safe risks and enjoy active outdoor play.
Purpose-built indoor learning spaces
Our indoor spaces are designed for engaging, play-based learning. Children can explore resources, take part in group and independent experiences, and build new skills in rooms planned for their growth and development.
Multicultural educator team
Our multicultural, experienced educators and teachers bring different skills, languages and perspectives to the centre. They create exciting learning opportunities for children, including language classes as part of the program.
Individual Learning Plans
Individual Learning Plans are developed in partnership with families, reflecting each child’s strengths, interests and developmental goals. Educators use these plans to guide learning experiences that suit each child’s needs, routines and progress.
Government-approved Kindergarten program
Our Government-approved Kindergarten program is delivered by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher. Children build school readiness through play, routines, friendships, problem-solving and growing independence.
Incursions and tennis classes
Children take part in yearly incursions with Bravehearts, police, the fire brigade and the local council. They also enjoy weekly excursions to local garden centres and tennis classes.
Fresh meals prepared daily
Fresh meals and snacks are prepared daily, with menus planned for variety and balance. Allergies and individual dietary requirements are catered for.
Updates through our family app
Families can stay connected through our family app, with regular photos and updates about their child’s routines, learning and centre experiences throughout the day.
Secure your place today
Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.
Meet our Centre Manager
Age-appropriate early learning
We provide learning experiences tailored to each stage of your child’s development. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and designed to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and growing independence.
(0-2 years)
Nursery
In our Nursery environment, educators focus on building strong, secure and respectful relationships so babies feel safe, settled and supported as they explore the world around them.
Children in this age group experience:
- Responsive care and nurturing relationships that support emotional security and attachment
- Sensory exploration through textures, sounds, music and movement
- Early communication development through songs, stories, gestures and conversations
- Tummy time and movement experiences that support physical development
(2-3 years)
Toddlers
Our toddler program encourages curiosity, independence and early social skills as children begin exploring the world with growing confidence.
Children in this age group experience:
- Play-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity and problem solving
- Language-rich environments with storytelling, songs and conversations
- Opportunities to build independence, such as self-help skills and routines
- Social learning experiences that help children practise sharing, cooperation and empathy
(3-5 years)
Kindergarten
Our Government-approved Kindergarten program prepares children for school through engaging, play-based learning experiences that develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.
Children in this age group will build:
- Early literacy and numeracy skills through play-based activities, stories, songs and everyday routines
- Problem solving and critical thinking through play-based projects and exploration
- Collaboration and teamwork through group learning experiences
- Self-help skills that support school routines, such as opening lunchboxes, looking after belongings and getting dressed independently
We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating
Thanks to our in-house chef, your child can enjoy healthy, nutritious, and delicious meals at our Cairns child care centre. We offer a rotating seasonal menu with breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack, all freshly made daily to cater to all dietary requirements, including halal. Our chef prepares a variety of nutritional and cultural foods, using some vegetables and fruits from our garden. Children have access to fruit bowls throughout the day, and our community connection with local banana farmers ensures fresh fruit weekly.
Fees
The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.
Nursery
0 – 2 years
$160.95/day
Toddler
2 – 4 years
$157.65/day
Kindergarten
4 – 5 years
$154.40/day
Child Care Subsidy Estimator
Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.
2026 3-Day Guarantee
From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.
Total Fees
$0.00
Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy
$0.00
Kindergarten/Preschool Subsidy
$0.00
Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)
$0.00
Matrix Out of Pocket Cost
Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).
| Child 1 | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days |
|---|
*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00
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Frequently asked questions
A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.
On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.
Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.
First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.
To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.
Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.
Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.
When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.
For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits and spare socks.
For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits and spare socks.
Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.
It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.
First Grammar uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.
After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.
If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, First Grammar is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.
Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.
Contact us
We look forward to welcoming your family.