Waitara Early Learning and Care Centre (ELCC) provides a nurturing and welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued and confident to explore their world. Located within the Waitara Family Centre, our purpose-built centre supports children aged 6 weeks to 6 years in a warm, inclusive learning community where families and educators work together to support each child’s development.
Our centre was rated Meeting the National Quality Standard (NQS) in all areas in 2021, reflecting our commitment to quality education, safe environments and strong relationships with children and families.
Our team includes four qualified Early Childhood Teachers working alongside eight diploma qualified educators. Many of our educators have been part of the Waitara ELCC community for many years, with over 70% of the team working at the centre for more than five years, providing stability and continuity for children and families.
Important centre information
- We are a 67 place long day care service.
- We are located at 29 Yarley Avenue in Waitara.
- We welcome children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
- Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7.30am – 6.00pm.
- We are open 50 weeks of the year.
- Flexible attendance options available.
- We welcome children and families from all cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and we support children with additional needs.
- Enrolments are open to all members of the community regardless of religious belief or the primary school your child will attend.
For more information please contact 1800 324 924 or email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US
Community Connections & Giving Back
Our centre values strong connections with the local community. Each year we participate in initiatives that help children understand empathy, generosity and social responsibility.
One example is our Pyjama Week community fundraiser, where families and children support Dom’s Place, a CatholicCare drop-in centre that provides practical support to people experiencing hardship. Through activities like this, children learn the importance of kindness, helping others and contributing to their community.
We also maintain connections with the nearby Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, including visits to the school library. These experiences help children become familiar with the school environment and support a confident transition to primary school.
School Readiness Program
Children in their final preschool year participate in a school readiness program designed to support independence, confidence and early learning skills.
Through intentional teaching and project-based learning, children develop:
- Early literacy and numeracy skills.
- Communication and collaboration abilities.
- Independence and problem-solving skills.
- Confidence in group learning environments.
These experiences help prepare children for a positive transition to school.
Meaningful Learning Projects
Children engage in a variety of projects and experiences that support curiosity, creativity and exploration. Examples include:
- “All Around the World” cultural learning project, exploring different cultures through art, music, cooking and storytelling.
- Bunnings sustainability incursion, where children participate in planting and environmental learning experiences.
- Cultural celebrations and learning events that support children’s understanding of diversity and belonging.
These experiences help children develop a strong sense of identity, community and learning through play.
Family & Community Engagement
Families are an important part of our learning community. Throughout the year we invite families to participate in events that strengthen relationships and create shared experiences for children.
These may include:
- Easter Hat Parade
- PJ Week community fundraiser supporting Dom’s Place
- Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea
- Father’s Day Afternoon Tea
- Grandparents Afternoon Tea
- Book Week celebrations
- Cultural celebrations
- End-of-year Christmas celebration
These events help build a strong sense of belonging for children and families.
Learning Environments Designed for Children
Our centre offers smaller room sizes, allowing educators to develop strong relationships with each child and support individual learning and wellbeing.
Children also enjoy a large outdoor learning environment, with dedicated spaces designed for different age groups. These areas support active play, exploration, nature-based learning and physical development.
We'd love you to pop in for a visit
The best way to understand how we run our centre, is to visit and experience it in person.
We welcome families to tour Waitara ELCC, to meet our educators and explore our learning environments.
Tours are generally available at 10.00am or 3.00pm, however we are happy to arrange a time that suits your family if these timeslots do not work for you. Call 1800 324 924 or email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au to arrange a visit.
Fees & Funding Support
As a not-for-profit service, our fee structure supports the delivery of high-quality education and care.
Eligible families may access:
- Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
- NSW Start Strong for Long Day Care fee relief.
Through the Start Strong program, eligible children may receive:
- Up to $2,174 per year for children aged 4–5 years.
- $515 per year for eligible 3-year-olds.
Additional fee reductions (equity fee relief) may be available for children from priority cohorts including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
- Families holding a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
- Children with disability or additional needs.
Our team is happy to support families in understanding and maximising the fee relief available.
My child loves everything here, and so do we. Waitara ELCC has truly become part of our family. We are so glad we made the right choice.”