Opened in February 2007 the Flinders Early Learning Centre is a purpose built facility specifically designed for 3-6 year olds that now delivers creative Kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs to 120 families in a magical rainforest setting in Buderim, Qld. It is state-of-the-art, consisting of a licensed Child Care Centre operating for 48 weeks of the year delivering Kindergarten and Pre-Prep educational programs with long day care options.

Director Vivienne Walsh ( Dip.Ed.(Early Childhood),B.Ed., M.Ed) leads a team of responsive Early childhood staff who possess a deep understanding of how young children learn and provide a curriculum that delivers vibrant Kindergarten and Pre-prep programs, that lead children on the path to happy and successful formal education by instilling a sense of wonder and excitement about the world.

The philosophy of Reggio Emilia is incorporated into the FELC learning environment as this philosophy supports a curriculum that caters to the needs of developing and enquiring minds.

The Reggio Emilia philosophy is a holistic approach incorporating a deep understanding of the dynamics of early learning.

The Spirit: Discover the Difference

Our FELC is a place where families, carers, children, teachers and college students want to be!

Play – based educational Kindergarten and Pre-prep programs based on current research eg. Play and enquiry, Brain based learning, Dimensions of Learning

Natural environments that engages the young child’s 5 senses
Provoking wonder, curiosity, and intellectual engagement.

Play Discover Learn

The welcoming foyer is the “heart and hub” of our community, a place where parents, children and community connect and interact with the children’s learning. Their learning is visible as their thoughts, ideas, and understandings are represented through a kaleidoscope of self expression. Documentation of their thinking and project work give a detailed “snapshot” of the processes of inquiry and investigation. There is also a sense of anticipation as the children lead their parents to their own special place “their classroom”. Our Discoverer’s, Explorer’s and Investigator’s classrooms are set up to inspire, nurture and encourage discovery.

Our passion for personalizing the Reggio Emilia experience has driven our FELC teaching team to create an environment that is inviting, fun, creative and most importantly "child centered". Light filled classrooms offer flexible learning spaces, access to outdoor learning areas and rainforest gardens, art studios, writing centre’s, discovery areas, reading nooks, interactive whiteboards and the latest in information technology.

Every corner of every space has an identity and purpose, and provides opportunities for a variety of learning experiences. Teachers carefully organize space for small and large group projects and small intimate spaces for one, two or three children Our FELC philosophy values PLAY as an instrument in stimulating and shaping child development and early learning.

Through planned and spontaneous play experiences children form relationships, share, co-operate, develop self control, test ideas and friendships, extend their range of experience and form associations among things, events and concepts. Our program has developed a balance between child-centred and adult-led play, plus we value extended blocks of time for children to make discoveries, to elaborate on projects, and to evolve a script in symbolic play.

Hours of Operation

Flexible Grouping and program delivery enable parents to select the education and care needs that best suit their family needs. Our centre is licensed for 48 weeks of the year and closes over the Christmas and /New Year period for 4 weeks.

Pre-Prep programs : 8.30am-3.30pm

Kindergarten programs : 8.45 am-3.15pm

Child Care Benefit applicable

Before session care : 7.30-8.30am
After session care : 3.30-6.00pm
Vacation Care : 7.30-6.00pm

For more information and centre tours please contact Vivienne Walsh (Director of Flinders Early Centre) on (07) 5477 2999 or email inquiries to earlylearning@mfac.edu.au.

Download Application for Waiting List