A room for every stage, from six weeks to school
Children are grouped by age into four rooms, each named after a flower. Every room has its own educators, its own rhythm for the day and time outdoors every day.
Daisy · 6 weeks – 12 months
Nurturing, responsive relationships are the heart of the Daisy room. The room is led by a Diploma-qualified educator with Certificate III educators, and we follow each baby's own routine from home as closely as we can, using what you tell us on your All About Me form.
- Sleeps, bottles and nappy changes happen when your baby needs them, not by the clock
- Safe sleep: babies sleep in cots, and we provide the bed linen
- Milk and formula: we provide cow's and soy milk; please bring formula powder in a labelled container, or labelled expressed breast milk, and at least two clean labelled bottles
- Starting solids: babies are only offered foods already introduced at home, prepared to a texture that suits them
- Play and learning: sensory play, tummy time, music, books and early conversations
Lily · 1 – 2 years
In the Lily room, your child's keen sense of discovery is supported by fun spaces that spark their curiosity. The room is led by a Diploma-qualified educator with Certificate III educators.
- Self-feeding: children are encouraged to feed themselves at meal times, building independence
- Rest: each child rests and sleeps according to their own needs
- Language and music: songs, stories and conversation through the day
- Outdoors every day, with room to walk, climb and explore
Tulip · 2 – 3 years
Toddlers in the Tulip room are encouraged to explore, build important social skills and grow in independence. The room is led by a Diploma-qualified educator with Certificate III educators.
- Group time and intentional teaching planned from children's interests, cultures and families' ideas
- Meal times: children serve and feed themselves with support
- Toilet learning when your child is ready, in partnership with you (please bring pull-ups if you use them)
- Rest time after lunch in a calm, comfortable space
Daffodil · 3 – 5 years
The Daffodil room is led by an early childhood teacher and a Diploma-qualified educator, with a challenging and insightful program that gives children a head start as they prepare for school. Eligible three-year-olds receive free preschool hours through the ACT Government's program.
- Small-group learning on children's interests, with early literacy, numeracy and problem-solving woven through play
- Our School Readiness program builds confidence, curiosity and independence for the big step to school
- Self-help skills: serving meals, packing bags and caring for belongings
- Outdoor play with open-ended, physically active and nature-based experiences
How free three-year-old preschool works →
Going to public preschool too?
Many Canberra four-year-olds attend free preschool at an ACT public school, for up to 15 hours a week. If your child does, talk to us about which days at Blooming Buds fit around it. ACT four-year-old preschool
Our day follows a rhythm, not a strict timetable
The routine changes with children's needs and interests each day, and babies always follow their own routine. This is the general shape of the day.
Drop-off
We open at 7.00 am. Sign your child in and tell an educator anything important about their night or morning, or message us on Storypark later.
Morning tea
Children feed themselves, building independence and self-regulation. Children who aren't eating play nearby.
Group time and intentional teaching
Educators gather children to build belonging, then small groups explore the day's planned experiences and children's own interests.
Outdoor play
Physical play every day in our outdoor learning spaces, with the fort and slides, sandpit, bike track and natural logs, and SunSmart protection whenever the UV Index is 3 or above.
Lunch, then rest
Children eat with their friends and serve themselves. Each room then has a rest period with soft music, in cots and beds. Children who don't need to sleep have quiet activities instead.
Afternoon tea and play
More indoor and outdoor play, with a late snack before home time.
Home time
Educators share your child's day at pick-up, and you sign your child out. We close at 6.00 pm.
Fresh, healthy meals cooked on site every day
Our seasonal two-week rotating menu is created by our chef with families and educators, with feedback from Nutrition Australia and its healthy eating guidelines. The current menu is on display at the centre and shared on Storypark.
- Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack
- Milk at morning and afternoon tea, and water all day
- All meat we serve is Halal, and we don't serve pork or beef
- Children with medical, religious or cultural dietary needs receive a menu tailored to them
Please don't bring food from home
To keep every child safe, including children with allergies, please don't bring food into the centre, including for birthdays. Tell us about any allergy or dietary need when you enrol, and give us your child's medical management plan.
Ready, confident and excited for school
Transitions, from room to room or from Blooming Buds to school, are planned with families so children feel secure at every step.
- Room moves are planned with you, so your child gets to know their new room and educators
- Our School Readiness program builds the independence, communication and social skills that help children settle at school
- Educators share your child's learning and development with you as they prepare for school
Stay connected with Storypark
Every family gets access to Storypark, where you can see:
- daily snapshots of your child's day
- individual learning observations and summative assessments
- stories from cultural celebrations and community events
- the weekly menu and centre news
You can message your child's room and comment on stories, and invite other family members to view them.