Ready feels like “I can.”
Play-based preschool and school readiness at Integricare Early Learning Centres, within long day care.
Getting ready for school is about more than what a child knows on the first day. It is growing in confidence, independence and the ability to find their place in a group. At Integricare Early Learning Centres, our play-based preschool program gives children time to practise, explore and grow in those areas every day, as part of long day care.
Serving children and families
Our faith shapes how we care.
Every family is welcome
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the National Quality Standard
This is what ready looks like
Not everything children need for school fits in a bag.
A lot of it shows up in the small social and practical moments of the day.
“Can I play too?”
Joining a group takes words, timing and confidence. Through play, children practise finding their way in, taking turns and making room for someone else, with educators nearby to model language and help when needed.
“Can you help me?”
Being ready does not mean doing everything alone. Children need chances to try for themselves, with support close by when they need it. Over time, they learn to recognise when to ask for help, find the words and trust that someone will listen.
“I’ll have another go.”
Children do not need to get everything right the first time. With encouragement and support close by, they learn to test an idea, change their approach and keep going.
Finding the rhythm
Mat time. Stories. Packing away. Taking turns. Moving from one activity to the next.
By the time school starts, moving through a shared day with a group already feels more familiar.
Preschool learning. Without the 3pm dash.
Integricare Early Learning Centres bring a play-based preschool program and long day care together in one setting, so children can learn and prepare for school while families have the flexibility of extended hours and meals provided. Opening hours and holiday arrangements vary by location.
Learning built around play
Play is where preschool-age children test ideas, use language, solve problems and make sense of what they notice.
Our preschool program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework. Educators follow children’s interests, introduce new ideas and extend learning through conversation, stories, movement, creative work and hands-on exploration.
Educators know when to step in with a question or new idea, and when to leave children with the time and space to work something out for themselves.
Across the day, that builds communication, problem-solving, coordination and growing independence.
There is not one way to be ready
Children arrive with different strengths, interests and temperaments. Some throw themselves into new things. Others take time to watch and work out what is happening first.
Our educators look at the whole child: where they feel confident, what still feels unfamiliar and the kind of support that helps them keep growing.
Support changes with the child rather than pushing everyone toward the same version of “ready”.
The goal is growth from where your child is now.
A place to belong
Integricare is a Christian not-for-profit, and our faith shapes the way we see and care for every child.
We believe every child has inherent worth and deserves to be known, respected and included. That shapes the culture we create: one where children are encouraged to be kind, make things right when they get it wrong and understand that other people matter too.
Our Christian foundation is an important part of who we are, and families from every background are welcome, whether or not they share our faith.
Frequently asked questions
Integricare Early Learning Centres offer long day care, with hours varying by location. Visit your preferred centre page for opening hours, holiday arrangements and what is included.
Fees vary by centre. Your preferred centre can provide current fee information and explain what is included.
Eligible families can access the Child Care Subsidy for long day care. Your preferred centre can help with current fee information, and Integricare’s Child Care Subsidy information explains the next steps.
Choose your preferred centre below. From the centre page, you can see the available next steps, which may include booking a tour, making an enquiry or calling the centre.
Come and see what ready looks like
Visit your nearest Integricare centre to meet the educators, explore the learning spaces and ask the questions that matter to your family.
See the program in action before you decide.
Choose a centre below to take the next step.
