Goodstart Dundowran crowned the Fraser Coast’s Best Childcare Centre
A recently renovated centre with fun and family at its core has won a popularity poll against 20 other childcare providers from across the region.
Fraser Coast
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Goodstart Early Learning Dundowran has been crowned the Fraser Coast’s Best Childcare Centre after edging out Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Maryborough by five per cent.
Goodstart Dundowran finished with 21 per cent of the vote, with centre director Christine Heit saying, “It’s really amazing for us to get the recognition.”
Now sitting at 75% capacity, the centre has gone through sizeable changes in recent years, including a full makeover of the outdoor area.
“We came from a low occupancy and we needed yard renovations,” she said.
“It was just a matter of sticking together as a team and making sure that the children are cared for no matter what.
“It’s a great team and we’ve got some great parents.”
Winning a region-wide poll means good rapport with the families that use it, something that Goodstart Dundowran has prided itself on.
“Our parents absolutely love us,” Ms Heit said.
“We’ve got some brilliant families.
“It’s important not to treat them like clients, but rather treat them like family.
“That starts when they walk through the door and they’re made to feel welcome.
“Families have their input into what they want their children to learn as well.”
The sense of community and welcoming atmosphere that Christine and her educators at Dundowran have created can also be credited to the many children who have come through their doors over the years, with the centre’s Facebook congratulating their class of 2024 who started prep last week.
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New centres that have opened in the area have not deterred Christine and her 20 educators from feeling proud of the service they provide.
“A lot of people want the shiny and new centre, but it’s not all about that,” Christine said.
“It’s about those relationships and the experience that comes with being an educator.
“Shiny and new is not always better.”
A clear mantra can be found at Dundowran that has empowered the educators and directors: have fun with it.
“Have fun with it,” Christine said.
“It’s not just about telling a child what to do.
“It’s about showing them how to do it and show them what they’re capable of.
“Celebrate the little days as well as the big ones.”
You can find Goodstart Dundowran at 26 Scrub Hill Rd, Dundowran.
The Fraser Coast’s best childcare centre top 5
First: Goodstart Early Learning Dundowran – 21%
Second: Imagine Childcare & Kindergarten Maryborough – 16%
Third: Busy Bees at Fraser Coast – 8%
Tied fourth: Seedlings & Co, Eli Waters and Maryborough Child Care Centre – 7%
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