Childcare and preschool in Symonston, Canberra A nurturing, welcoming environment where children learn through play and discovery
Bright Buds Early Learning Centre is a warm, purpose-built long day care and preschool centre on Wormald Street, Symonston, for children from six weeks to five years. A short drive from Narrabundah, Fyshwick, Griffith, Red Hill, Kingston and Jerrabomberra.
- Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack, freshly cooked on site every day
- Nappies, wipes, sunscreen and bed linen included in the daily fee
- 300 hours of ACT Government preschool a year for eligible families
- Five rooms, from babies to preschoolers, each led by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher (ECT)
Your family's place to call home
At Bright Buds we believe children are capable and competent learners who learn best when they feel connected to their environment. We encourage children to eat well, play well and sleep well, and we fill each day with child-led play, loose parts, physical activity and sensory exploration, indoors and out.
Our educators build respectful, reciprocal relationships with every family, and plan play-based learning around children's interests, guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0).
“We believe in scaffolding the children's learning through meaningful interactions and strong relationships, strengthening their independence and sense of agency.”Divya, Centre Director
Five rooms, named for Australian animals
Each room is set up for its age group, with its own educators, routine and outdoor time every day.
Wombat · Babies
Gentle, responsive care that follows each baby's own routine for sleeps, bottles and play.
Explore Wombat →Bilby · Young toddlers
First steps, first words and lots of exploring, with one educator for every four children.
Explore Bilby →Emu · Toddlers
Busy toddlers build independence, language and friendships through play and small groups.
Explore Emu →Wallaby · Three-year-olds
Our three-year-old preschool program, led by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher.
Explore Wallaby →Kangaroo · Four-year-olds
Confidence, curiosity and independence for the big step to school.
Explore Kangaroo →A day at Bright Buds
From family grouping at drop-off to rest time and goodbyes, see how the day flows.
See the day →
Everything your child needs for the day is included
Our fee is $150 a day before the Child Care Subsidy, with no bond and no hidden extras.
- A high-quality educational program that inspires children's curiosity, creativity and growth
- Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack, freshly cooked on site from our seasonal menu
- Milk for bottles and at morning and afternoon tea
- Nappies, wipes and sunscreen
- Bed linen for rest time
- Your child's online learning portfolio on Storypark
Everything you need to know, in one place
Choosing childcare comes with lots of questions. We have gathered the answers Canberra families ask us most.
Child Care Subsidy
How CCS works, the 3 Day Guarantee and how to apply through myGov.
Read more300 hours of preschool
How the ACT Government's preschool hours for eligible families work for three-year-olds at Bright Buds.
Read moreImmunisation
The immunisation records we need when you enrol, and why they matter.
Read moreIllness and exclusion
When children need to stay home, and the exclusion periods ACT Health recommends.
Read moreSettling in
Orientation and simple ways to help your child feel at home in their first weeks.
Read moreWhat to pack
A quick checklist of what we provide and what to bring each day.
Read moreCome and see Bright Buds for yourself
Meet our educators, walk through the rooms and the playground, and ask us anything.