Whitsunday’s best childcare centre and kindergarten rankings | full list

Whitsunday’s childcare centres and kindergartens have been ranked based on government audits and parent feedback. SEE HOW YOUR LOCAL CENTRES FARED.

A long-running Bowen centre has been crowned Whitsunday’s best childcare provider, beating services in Proserpine, Airlie Beach and beyond in a ranking of quality, performance and customer satisfaction.

Bowen Childcare and Early Education topped the list of Whitsunday’s 26 ACECQA-registered childcare providers, receiving a score of 8.72 out of 10 in an independent national survey based on government audits and family feedback.

Possible ratings in the KindiCare Quality Index ranged from ‘excellent’ to ‘fair’, with scores between 8.50 and 8.99 placing a provider in the ‘very good’ category.

Eight Whitsunday providers achieved a ‘very good’ rating, while five were rated ‘fair’ as of January 18, 2022.

Overall, the region’s childcare was rated ‘good’, with an average score of 7.99.

Bowen Childcare and Early Education administrator Kate Taylor believed her centre came out on top because of its commitment to maintaining the sense that it is “run by families”.

Ms Taylor has been part of the Bowen centre for 11 years and in her current role works closely alongside director and teacher Tina Rowe.

A passionate parent-led volunteer committee supports the team of 18 staff in ongoing efforts to improve the service such as securing grants for professional development.

Bowen Childcare and Early Education director and early childhood teacher Tina Rowe with her kindergarten class. Picture: Supplied

Prospective families are welcome at any time to pop in, meet the educators and discuss their needs for giving their children the best start in life.

This contributes to an atmosphere of openness and community collaboration.

Bowen Childcare and Early Education's Miss Losi Futuna and Miss Lily Newberry with the toddler class. Picture: Supplied

“I love that the families have a say,” Ms Taylor said.

“If they want to see something change or have ideas, they can put it across and we can improve on that.

“They get a say in the centre and they get their voice heard.

“And they love that it’s community-based and everything we make goes straight back into the service to upgrade it and better it – so they see where their funds are going.”

Elsie Miller, Samuel Watson, Hunter Yasso, Ezra Ward and Romi Willis enjoying water play at Bowen Childcare and Early Education. Picture: Supplied

Narrowly missing out on the number one spot was St Catherine’s Kindergarten at Proserpine, which came a close second with a score of 8.68.

Director Kylie Sinclair said the St Catherine’s philosophy was simple, but undeniably effective.

“We’re all about the children,” Ms Sinclair said.

“We structure our environment, routine and activities around the children and their needs.”

Dedicated staff with more than 40 years’ experience in early years education between them, plus close ties to the neighbouring St Catherine’s College help kindy kids become curious, confident learners with a strong sense of community.

Established in 2017, St Catherine's Kindergarten, Proserpine caters for children aged three to five, with 22 children on site per day. Picture: Supplied

Visits from parents, community organisations and learning specialists including a speech therapist and literacy and numeracy screener complement a weekly program that combines the children’s interests, spontaneous activities, teacher-initiated activities and intentional learning.

“We have a variety of chances for children to share their home life with us which has allowed for some very interesting show and tell items such as horses, goats, incubating turkey eggs and deer antlers from Tasmania,” Ms Sinclair said.

“Overall, we take our time to develop a nurturing and inclusive environment for our children to feel safe and competent within themselves to become their own individual.”

St Catherine’s kindy kids Abel and Kayden finding adventure in the playground. Picture: Supplied

To see how Whitsunday providers stacked up against the rest of Australia – according to official Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority assessments, online reviews, and parent ratings – check out KindiCare’s interactive list below.

Originally published as Whitsunday’s best childcare centre and kindergarten rankings | full list