ODE Test

Great Beginnings Gymea

Places available

Enrolment availability

The information below gives an indication of current availability at the centre.

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday

Childcare and Preschool in Gymea, NSW

Great Beginnings Gymea offers long day care and a Preschool program for children aged 6 weeks to school age, conveniently located for families in Gymea, Miranda, Kirrawee, Sylvania, Caringbah and Kareela in Southern Sydney. We are proudly rated Exceeding National Quality Standards.

Small centre with a community feel

With just 36 licensed places, our centre offers a welcoming, boutique environment where educators can build strong, personal connections with each child and family.

Thoughtfully designed environments

Children engage in rich learning environments across both indoor and outdoor spaces, including herb and vegetable gardens, a worm farm, sensory garden, sandpit, mud kitchen and stage, alongside indoor areas with natural and wooden resources, an interactive whiteboard and felt board walls.

Stable team of educators

Our low staff turnover means children are supported by familiar educators who build strong, lasting relationships with children and families.

Government-approved Preschool program

Our NSW Government-approved Preschool program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, helping children prepare for a smooth transition to school.

Individual Learning Plans for every child

We develop Individual Learning Plans for each child, reflecting their interests, strengths and developmental goals, and work in partnership with families to review and update each plan over time.

Exciting extracurricular programs

Children take part in a variety of extracurricular programs included in the daily program, including a twice-weekly sports program, Dharawal Language and Culture sessions, and regular excursions to local parks, libraries and schools.

Fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily

Fresh meals are prepared daily to support children’s energy and wellbeing, catering to a range of dietary and cultural requirements.

Supporting busy families every day

We support busy families by providing nappies, wipes and selected essentials, along with infant feeding support, and sharing regular updates and photos through our communication app.

Secure your place today

Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.

Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Gymea, our play-based curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), supporting children to learn through play, exploration and discovery.

Sustainability

We have a herb and vegetable garden, fertilised by our worm farm and banana peel tea from food scraps. We recycle materials for various activities and care for silkworms to learn about their lifecycle. Our bird, Blue, is cared for by the children, who help with his water, food, and cage cleaning weekly.

Community engagement

We host regular visits from local guests in Gymea to help familiarise the children with their local community. We also often walk to the local park to play sports games, participate in Clean Up Australia Day, have picnics, and explore the area. Our preschool children also visit our local school as part of our school-readiness program.

Social and emotional learning

Children develop a strong sense of identity as they feel safe, secure and supported, building confidence, resilience and a positive sense of self. Through group activities, conversations and play, children learn to interact with others with care, empathy and respect, building positive relationships and friendships.

Creative Arts

Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of creative experiences, including painting, drawing, drama, dance, storytelling,music and craft activities. These experiences encourage imagination, self-expression and confidence while supporting fine motor development.

Age-appropriate early learning

We provide learning experiences tailored to each stage of your child’s development. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and designed to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and growing independence.

babies-slider-centre

6 weeks – 2 years

Nursery

Nursery

babies-slider-centre
6 weeks – 2 years

In our nursery environment, educators focus on building strong, secure and respectful relationships so babies feel safe, settled and supported as they explore the world around them.

Children in this age group experience:

  • Responsive care and nurturing relationships that support emotional security and attachment
  • Sensory exploration through textures, sounds, music and movement
  • Early communication development through songs, stories, gestures and conversations
  • Tummy time and movement experiences that support physical development
toddler-slider-centre (2)

2 – 3 years

Toddlers

Toddlers

toddler-slider-centre (2)
2 – 3 years

Our toddler program encourages curiosity, independence and early social skills as children begin exploring the world with growing confidence.

Children in this age group experience:

  • Play-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity and problem solving
  • Language-rich environments with storytelling, songs and conversations
  • Opportunities to build independence, such as self-help skills and routines
  • Social learning experiences that help children practise sharing, cooperation and empathy
kindergarten-1

3 – 5 years

Preschool

Preschool

kindergarten-1
3 – 5 years

Our Government-approved Preschool program prepares children for school through engaging, play-based learning experiences that develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.

Children in this age group will build:

  • Early literacy and numeracy skills through play-based activities, stories, songs and everyday routines
  • Problem solving and critical thinking through play-based projects and exploration
  • Collaboration and teamwork through group learning experiences
  • Self-help skills that support school routines, such as opening lunchboxes, looking after belongings and getting dressed independently
gb-food-centre-page-648X432

We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating

Thanks to the in-house chef at our Gymea child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. Our menus are approved by Munch and Move. We cater to all dietary requirements, including halal.

What a typical day looks like for your child

typical-day-arrival-648x300-1.jpg

Arrival at the centre

Your child will be welcomed by our team of educators, who will ensure the morning transition from home to centre goes as smoothly as possible. On arrival, share information about your child’s specific needs for the day.

  Next: Mealtimes
typical-day-mealtime-2-648x300-1.jpg

Mealtimes

Our centre chefs prepare a nutritious menu for your child to sit down and eat. This is a great time for everyone to share stories from the day. Educators model healthy eating practices, social behaviours and support children’s growing independence with mealtime routines.

Previous: Arrival at the centre Next: Infant care
typical-day-infant-care-648x300-1.jpg

Infant care

If you have an infant, we spend one-on-one time with them to establish a connection. Educators talk gently and respond to babies’ cues. We use songs, games, and conversations to strengthen relationships and build language skills.

Previous: Mealtimes Next: Play-based learning
typical-day-play-based-learning-648x300-1.jpg

Play-based learning

Your child is naturally curious. They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals.

Previous: Infant care Next: Sleep, rest and relaxation
sleep-rest-slider

Sleep, rest and relaxation

We match routines to your child’s individual needs. Opportunities for rest and relaxation help make them feel safe. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who no longer don’t sleep in centre.

Previous: Play-based learning Next: Heading home
typical-day-slider-heading-home-648x300-1.jpg

Heading home

As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

Previous: Sleep, rest and relaxation  

Fees

The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.

Nursery

0 – 2 years

$207.75/day

Toddler

2 – 4 years

$192.45/day

Preschool

4 – 5 years

$184.85/day

Step 1: Family Information & Financial State

Child Care Subsidy Estimator

Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.

**1-4 days = 10.5 hour sessions, 5 days = 100 hours

Changes to CCS – The 3-Day Guarantee (Starting 5th January 2026)

The Australian Government is replacing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test from 5th January 2026, to provide a min. 72 hours per fortnight or 3 days per week of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) for eligible families.

2026 3-Day Guarantee

From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.

Total Fees

$0.00

Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy

$0.00

Preschool/Preschool Subsidy

$0.00

Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)

$0.00

Matrix Out of Pocket Cost

Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).

Child 1 1 Day 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days 5 Days

*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00

What our families say

4.8(55 reviews)
Source: Google Business Profile. Reviews are correct at the time of accessing this webpage.

Ashley Lowe

Such a beautiful daycare with the most wonderful staff! We have sent both our children to Great Beginnings and they have thrived. Lovely small centre means lots of one on one time and an environment where individual kids’ needs are considered. Would…. See more Such a beautiful daycare with the most wonderful staff! We have sent both our children to Great Beginnings and they have thrived. Lovely small centre means lots of one on one time and an environment where individual kids’ needs are considered. Would definitely recommend ✌️

Angela Dundovic

The greatest group of educators that put me at absolute ease. They are warm, lovely, bubbly, accommodating, and honestly, some of the sweetest people I've met. My kids are the happiest at Great Beginnings Gymea, and I cannot recommend the centre…. See more The greatest group of educators that put me at absolute ease. They are warm, lovely, bubbly, accommodating, and honestly, some of the sweetest people I've met. My kids are the happiest at Great Beginnings Gymea, and I cannot recommend the centre more highly. Happy kids, thrilled parents! Thanks for everything you do and the way in which you care for our kids.

Michelle Ellis

Easily the best decision we’ve ever made for our girls. Age 4 and 2.5. Gorgeous center but the magic is really in the staff. Very warm and loving. Their passion for the job is apparent and the care they give is above and beyond. My girls love it…. See more Easily the best decision we’ve ever made for our girls. Age 4 and 2.5. Gorgeous center but the magic is really in the staff. Very warm and loving. Their passion for the job is apparent and the care they give is above and beyond. My girls love it there so much they never want to leave at the end of the day. I will be very sad when they have both moved on to school. Great Beginnings Gymea had been such a big (and positive) part of our lives. I can’t say enough good things about this place.

Marissa Cooper

We chose this centre based on its positive reviews, but unfortunately our experience was very different. On our son’s very first day, lasting just 3.5 hours in care, included being involved in two separate incidents that resulted in injury. In one…. See more We chose this centre based on its positive reviews, but unfortunately our experience was very different. On our son’s very first day, lasting just 3.5 hours in care, included being involved in two separate incidents that resulted in injury. In one case, another child who staff acknowledged has a history of lashing out, scratched him across the face. Given this was known behaviour, closer supervision and preventative measures should have been in place. When I arrived around 11am to collect him, he was extremely distressed and had a visible injury causing bleeding. I had to ask a staff member what happened and they suggested he “may have scratched himself,” however that "scratch" later developed a bruise and now a scar. The incident was not witnessed, and no report was created until I requested it be documented the following day. I was also told the centre does not have cameras. What concerned me most was the lack of communication and care from management. There was no follow-up or check-in from the centre manager to acknowledge what had happened or to simply see how my son was after a first day that didn’t go so well.. Instead, I had to approach her..The situation felt minimised and I was largely ignored. After confronting her about it the next day, she said she was "on her way to a meeting" and of the belief that "he was having a good day" not being aware of the second incident at that time. The centre also responded referencing their solid policies and procedures, however our experience suggests there are clearly gaps. It is difficult to understand how two injuries could occur within such a short time frame, especially in a room with only two children present. While I understand that accidents do happen, it was the way the situation was handled, and the clear lack of genuine care, particularly given it was his first day, that led us to withdraw our son immediately. Children are highly sensitive to the vibe of their carers, and I’m confident this contributed to his distress. Since then, he has been in other care settings and has adjusted without issue or distress…says a lot.

Madison Gray

I cannot express enough how wonderful Great Beginnings in Gymea has been for my children. From the moment we started at the centre, we felt welcomed and at ease. The staff are incredibly caring, professional, and attentive to each students…. See more I cannot express enough how wonderful Great Beginnings in Gymea has been for my children. From the moment we started at the centre, we felt welcomed and at ease. The staff are incredibly caring, professional, and attentive to each students individual needs. The facilities are clean, safe, and well-equipped with engaging activities that promote learning and growth. I love how they incorporate play-based learning, which has helped my child develop social skills and a love for learning. Communication is clear, timely and excellent! I receive regular updates about my children’s progress and daily activities, which gives me peace of mind while I'm at work. I highly recommend Great Beginnings in Gymea to any parent looking for a nurturing and supportive environment for their little ones. Thank you to the entire team for your dedication and hard work!

Explore nearby G8 Education centres

Looking for other great childcare, kindergarten or preschool options? Discover more G8 Education centres near you!

Frequently asked questions

A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.

On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.

Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.

First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.

To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.

Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.

Read our step-by-step guide on how to enrol here.

Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.

Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.

When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

Learn more about our Settling-in Program.

Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.

For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits and spare socks.

For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits and spare socks.

Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.

It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.

Great Beginnings uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.

After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.

If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Great Beginnings is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.

Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.

Contact us

We look forward to welcoming your family.