Goodstart stories
High quality early learning: Spotlighting the 2025 Goodstart Centre of the Year
Skilled educators and teachers shaping futures every day.
Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre Lara is a 122-place child care centre located in a commercial / residential area close to schools, shops and community facilities. Being on a main road and close to public transport, we make the daily drop-off and pick-up easy and stress-free.
We provide care for children aged six weeks to six years old – in rooms from Nursery to Kindergarten / Preschool. We also have a four-year-old kindergarten program overseen by a qualified kindergarten teacher.
Our curriculum is developed in line with the Early Years Learning Framework with careful attention paid to the children’s individual needs, interests and strengths. At the centre of everything we do is close and clear communication with parents and families. That is one of the reasons our Storypark platform is such a valuable tool in ensuring families are a core part of our centre’s programs.
We offer our families great continuity of care with the majority of our educators having worked at our centre for several years. Some of us have been with Goodstart Early Learning Lara since it opened in 1994. We all pay particular attention to setting up our rooms to engage the children in sensory and play-based learning.
Outside, our play area is open and large with lots of natural environments. Sandpits, mud and bark areas, vege patches, bike tracks and spacious shaded yards give children the opportunity to explore and imagine. Our worm farms and garden projects teach the children about sustainability while our pet turtle helps encourage responsibility and care.
When playtime and learning makes everyone hungry, we have a kitchen and qualified cook who serves up delicious, nutritious meals.
Committed educators combined with the close-knit community of Lara, allows us to provide a secure, friendly and caring environment for both children and their families.
So, come in and say hello! Have a look around the centre and let us explore how we can help give your child the best start in life.


I believe children learn best through play, curiosity, and connection. Our approach focuses on flexible, play-based learning, with rich outdoor environments and opportunities for nature and bush kindergarten experiences that support each child’s individual journey.
I’m especially proud of our strong sense of community, the way our team supports one another, and our commitment to educator wellbeing. I also prioritise maintaining safe and responsible digital practices across the service.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family into our community.

At Lara, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our early learning centre offers a Government-funded kindergarten program and long day care under the one roof. Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life.

At Lara, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our early learning centre offers a Government-funded kindergarten program and long day care under the one roof. Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life.

6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
6:30am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday

6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday

6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday