Little Steps Childcare Centre to open in Gladstone in 2024
A new childcare centre right in the heart of Gladstone that plans to offer day and night care will open its doors next year, offering 40 places.
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A childcare centre right in the heart of Gladstone will open its doors next year, offering 40 places.
Local not-for-profit Integreat Queensland received seed funding for a new Little Steps Childcare Centre on Goondoon St.
The grant for the new centre came from Here for Gladstone a joint initiative of Rio Tinto’s Gladstone operations.
Upon opening the centre will have 40 place availability, with another 20 planned to become available within six months of opening.
It’s hoped by 2025 the new centre will have a total of 80 places.
Integreat Queensland General Manager Charmaine Bennett said the new centre would help meet community demand for childcare.
‘The demand for childcare services in the Gladstone region is substantial, and with the support from Here for Gladstone, we can start on the journey to bridge this gap,” she said.
“We are grateful for the funding from ‘Here for Gladstone’ and really excited about the project. We do know, however, that additional funding will be needed to sustain and expand our efforts.”
Rio Tinto Gladstone Communities Manager, Elle Pound explained Here for Gladstone was proud to continue its commitment to the region through the strong partnership with Integreat Queensland.
“Our partnership began by exploring ways to address challenges experienced by our community as a result of a shortage of childcare services and childcare workforce capability development,” she said.
“This next stage of our commitment to this project will see us invest in a new Childcare Centre in Gladstone to help address the shortage of childcare services and placements in our community.”
Little Steps Childcare is designed to cater to the unique needs of the region and families from all cultures, providing flexible and affordable childcare options while celebrating diversity and ensuring quality evidence-based care and education.
“We are excited to see Little Steps Community Childcare develop further and H4G and Rio Tinto are proud to continue to support this fantastic and innovative solution.”
It’s not the only new childcare centre on the cards for Central Queensland.
Plans were recently lodged with Rockhampton Regional Council for a new childcare centre on Denham St at the old Imbina Medical Centre site.
The proposed development would offer overnight care, as well as daycare, aimed at parents and guardians working nights and shift work.
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