A room for every stage, from six weeks to school
Children are grouped by age into five rooms, each named after an Australian animal. Every room has its own educators, its own rhythm for the day and time outdoors every day.
Wombat · 6 weeks – 12 months
Nurturing, responsive relationships are at the heart of Wombat. We follow each baby's own routine from home as closely as we can, using what you tell us on your All About Me form.
- Sleeps, bottles and nappy changes happen when your baby needs them, not by the clock
- Safe sleep: babies sleep in cots in a well-supervised cot room, and we provide the bed linen
- Milk and formula: we provide milk; please bring formula in its original tin, labelled with your baby's name, and clean labelled bottles
- Starting solids: babies are only offered foods already introduced at home, prepared to a texture that suits them
- Play and learning: sensory play, tummy time, music, books and early conversations
Bilby · 1 – 2 years
Bilby is full of first steps, first words and big discoveries. Educators follow each child's lead, with plenty of time to move, explore and play alongside friends.
- Self-feeding: children are encouraged to feed themselves at meal times, building independence
- Rest: each child rests and sleeps according to their own needs
- Language and music: songs, stories and conversation through the day
- Outdoors every day, with room to walk, climb and explore
Emu · 2 – 3 years
Toddlers in Emu build independence, language and friendships through play, small-group experiences and everyday routines. Emu is also where children from every room gather together at the start and end of the day.
- Group time and intentional teaching planned from children's interests, cultures and families' ideas
- Meal times: children serve and feed themselves with support
- Toilet learning when your child is ready, in partnership with you (please bring pull-ups)
- Rest time after lunch in a calm, comfortable space
Wallaby · 3 – 4 years
Wallaby is home to our three-year-old preschool program. Eligible children receive free preschool hours through the ACT Government's program, delivered by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher.
- Small-group learning on children's interests, with early literacy, numeracy and problem-solving woven through play
- Relaxation after lunch, which may include yoga, soft music or stories
- Self-help skills: serving meals, packing bags and caring for belongings
- Outdoor play with open-ended, physically active and nature-based experiences
Kangaroo · 4 – 5 years
In Kangaroo, children build the confidence, curiosity and independence they will take with them to school, through play, projects and intentional teaching.
- Group projects that grow from children's questions and ideas
- Early literacy and numeracy through stories, games, building and play
- Social and emotional skills: taking turns, solving problems and making friends
- Independence: managing belongings, routines and self-care
Going to public preschool too?
Many Canberra four-year-olds attend free preschool at an ACT public school, for up to 15 hours a week. If your child does, talk to us about which days at Bright Buds fit around it. ACT four-year-old preschool
Our day follows a rhythm, not a strict timetable
The routine changes with children's needs and interests each day, and babies always follow their own routine. This is the general shape of the day.
Drop-off and family grouping
From 7.00 am, children start the day together in the Emu room with the opening educators. Tell us anything important about your child's night or morning, or message us on Storypark later.
Morning tea
Children feed themselves, building independence and self-regulation. Children who aren't eating play nearby.
Group time and intentional teaching
Educators gather children to build belonging, then small groups explore the day's planned experiences and children's own interests.
Outdoor play
Open-ended, physically active play and games, exploration and connection with nature in our outdoor learning spaces.
Lunch, then rest
Children eat with their friends and serve themselves. Every child then rests or sleeps according to their needs, and rooms create their own calm rituals, including yoga.
Afternoon tea and play
More indoor and outdoor play, with a late snack before home time.
Home time
Educators share your child's day at pick-up. As the centre gets quieter, children come together in Emu until they're collected. We close at 6.00 pm.
Fresh, healthy meals cooked on site every day
Our seasonal two-week rotating menu is created by our cook with families and educators, using Nutrition Australia's healthy eating guidelines. The current menu is on display at the centre and shared on Storypark.
- Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack
- Milk at morning and afternoon tea, and water all day
- Children with medical, religious or cultural dietary needs receive a menu tailored to them
We're an allergy-aware centre
To keep every child safe, please don't bring food from home. Tell us about any allergy or dietary need when you enrol, and give us your child's medical management plan.
Ready, confident and excited for school
Transitions, from room to room or from Bright Buds to school, are planned with families so children feel secure at every step.
- Room moves are planned with you, so your child gets to know their new room and educators
- Our program builds the independence, communication and social skills that help children settle at school
- Educators share your child's learning and development with you as they prepare for school
Stay connected with Storypark
Every family gets access to Storypark, where you can see:
- daily snapshots of your child's day
- individual learning observations and summative assessments
- stories from cultural celebrations and community events
- the weekly menu and centre news
You can message your child's room and comment on stories, and invite other family members to view them.