Doolandella News

Your ELC explains the foods your child should be eating each day based on their age. Firstly, we would like to address the importance of healthy eating for your child’s development and overall health.   A healthy diet is more than the food a child consumes; it is also about staying active. However, the two…

Your ELC speaks on the benefits of imaginative play and how it changes as they grow Imaginative play takes many forms and for children, it changes as they get older.   From 18 to 24 months of age Your child will engage in effortless pretend play between these ages. For example, they often imitate everyday…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares the activity of the month… Mini Decorated Christmas Tree! ‘Tis the season! Let’s get crafty! Your children are going to love these DIY activities that you can do at home easily. These adorable little trees can be kept for years to come, providing a fond memory that you can…

This month we thought we would do a festive recipe because it is the season. Get in the Christmas spirit with these delicious Festive Puff Pizzas. These healthy and delicious pizza puffs are sure to have your children going back for seconds. Serves 4 | Cooking Time: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy  Ingredients: 1  ready-made…

Hello to our wonderful Doolandella Early Learning Centre families! From The Office Welcome to our new families who have recently started with us. We are in our busiest time of the year with only 7 weeks to Christmas. With the renovations taking shape and nearly complete in Junior Playground, the Kindergarten children have been busy planting vegetables…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… Festive cupcake liner tree garland! Since it is November, it is time to prepare the festive DIY crafts activities to get the kids excited as Christmas is fast approaching. These adorable cupcake liner trees are super easy to make even for the young…

This month’s newest recipe presents the super easy and super nutritious zucchini fritters that will have your kids begging for more veggie filled recipes! This recipe has been trialled and rated 4.8 stars by many other mums who have also suggested that these fritters are perfect for breakfast, lunch dinner or as an afternoon or…

Your ELC gives insight into how to effectively communicate with your child We are sure you’ve heard the saying “communication is key”, well that’s because it is, especially when it comes to your child. While words of affirmation are important, ensuring your child feels heard and understood is just as important in order to build…

Your ELC Explains why Solo Play is Important for Your Childs Development You might be thinking to yourself that you have to be around your child for them to learn, but that simply isn’t the case. Solo play can do wonders in making your child a more independent, curious, and confident child. It’s easy to…

Hello to our wonderful Doolandella Early Learning Centre families! From The Office Welcome to all our new families who have recently joined us at Doolandella ELC. The weather is warming up and the children have been taking advantage of the new playground water features. Please remember to dress your child appropriately. We have a ‘no hat no play’…

Try this super-efficient, child-proof recipe loaded with minerals and vitamins to fuel your little ones while aiding in healthy growth and development. This taste, the five-star rated recipe is sure to get your children excited about eating vegetables! Your children will be begging for this healthy, filling, and easy to make dinner recipe every night! …

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… Drive-In Movie! Your local early learning centre shares an activity that is sure to keep your children busy while at home! We are sure they will be very excited to try these new crafts every day!  What you’ll need to make the Carts: …

Your ELC explains the importance of encouraging your child to ask questions. When a child asks questions, it equips them with the ability to better understand the world, events, and occurrences happening around them. Being inquisitive comes naturally to children and I’m sure every parent can agree that their child loves to ask questions.   When children ask questions, it is helping the development…

Your ELC explains what makes social sports and activities so important for your child’s development. Social play is when children interact with other children or adults in group activities, for example, playing catch, friendly competitions, or reenacting make-believe scenarios. Social sports and activities offer so many benefits to your child’s development, they truly are a key…

Hello to our wonderful Doolandella Early Learning Centre families! From The Office Welcome to another month of news at Doolandella ELC. Playground Renovations Our playground renovations are coming along very nicely. We are getting close to having the senior side completed, possibly the end of next week. Keep an eye on the upcoming improvements and structures…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… Paper Bag Monster Puppets! Your local early learning centre shares an activity that is sure to keep your child occupied at home! We are sure your child will be begging to do it every day!   What you’ll need to make the Paper Bag…

Your local ELC explains the differences between fine and gross motor skills. Parents are often told about the importance of gross and fine motor skills, but sometimes, an explanation on what fine and gross motor skills are not given. Your local early learning centre is here to explain!   Fine Motor Skills  Fine motor skills involve…

Your local early learning centre shares a recipe your children are sure to love! This taste, the five-star rated recipe is sure to get your children excited about eating vegetables! Your children will be begging for this healthy, filling, and easy to make dinner recipe every night!  Serves 4 | Cooking Time: 15 mins |…

Hello to our wonderful Doolandella Early Learning Centre families! From The Office Welcome to all our new families who have recently joined us at Doolandella Early Learning. Thank you to our families who worked with us during the lock down period by keeping your children at home and following directives from Qld Health. As we…

Your local early learning centre shares this delicious vegetarian take on Spaghetti Bolognese! Your child won’t know how healthy it is – and they’ll be asking for seconds. Cutting back on meat and introducing plant-based meals to our diets has many environmental and health benefits. This lentil Bolognese recipe is a simple, affordable and delicious…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… Toilet Roll Rocket Ships Your local early learning centre shares this adorable DIY rocket ship craft using empty toilet rolls and other household bits and pieces. To make one rocket ship, you will need: Old toilet rolls  Sheets of coloured card (in 3…

Your ELC shares the following benefits of sensory play time for your child along with some fun and simple sensory activity ideas! From babies to early school age, children are constantly developing their senses and discovering countless new things. Our little ones love to explore new sights, smells, tastes, textures and sounds, and luckily, there is no limit to…

Your ELC shares an insight into the many benefits of fun, hands on learning throughout the first years of your child’s life. The first 5 years of a child’s life are some of the most important for their long-term development and well-being. A learning through play approach is a great way to help your child…

Hello to our wonderful Doolandella Early Learning Centre families! Child Care Subsidy (CCS) The Department of Education Skills and Employment (DESE) advised on the 30th of June that CCS and Annual caps would be resetting on the 12th of July. Child Care Subsidy (CCS) rates are adjusted at the start of each financial year based on…

Your ELC talks about how our Kindergarten program helps to get your child ready for Prep. At each of our centres, our long-term and experienced educators help each child prepare for school. We understand that every child is different, and every child’s transition into prep is different. While some kids can’t wait for their first day of school, others…

Your ELC shares these tips on what you can do to help your little one overcome their anxieties and get ready for big school. Transitioning from childcare or kindy into school can be quite scary for kids, and it can be hard sometimes, as parents, to know what role we can play in easing that transition. At each…

Your ELC shares this easy, delicious and budget-friendly meal that your child will love. This fuss-free salmon pasta salad is a perfect dinner option for your little one at the end of a long and busy day. The salmon is a healthier alternative to tuna, and a simple and delicious way for your child to…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… Paddle Pop Stick Bees! These paddle pop stick bees are made with everyday items and are fun for both you and your child.  To make one bee, you will need: 7 paddle pop sticks   Black and yellow paint   A black pipe cleaner  Glue  Scissors (parent…

Hello to our wonderful Doolandella Early Learning Centre families! Welcome to our June Newsletter As Winter has arrived and the mornings are cooler, you will see our children playing inside in the warm. We are currently in our Winter routines and the children will participate in outdoor play as the day warms up. Please remember to…

Your local early learning centre shares this simple, achievable guide to getting your little one off to bed without putting up a fight. In today’s world of artificial light, screens and – sometimes – a bit too much sugar; many parents will agree that getting your child to bed at a reasonable time can be…

Your ELC shares this simple, deliciously creamy vegetarian pasta dish that both you and your child will love! Loaded with mushrooms and yummy flavours, this creamy pasta recipe is quick, easy, and so tasty your child will want seconds!   Serves 3 | Cooking Time: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy  Ingredients: ½ pack of fettuccini   1 to 2 tablespoons olive…

Your local early learning centre speaks on the importance of story time with our kids, and the many benefits that come with reading. Our days get busy and let’s face it, bedtime can often be a rushed process. But finding a little time each day – either at night before bed or lounging around on the weekend…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… Egg Carton Ladybugs! These simple DIY egg carton ladybugs are perfect for a rainy day at home, or a fun activity for your little one to try with friends. And it’s a great way to use up old egg cartons!  For this activity, you will…

Hello to our wonderful Doolandella Early Learning Centre families! Welcome to our May Newsletter We hope everyone is having a wonderful month of May and settling into the change of weather.  The winter chills have definitely started creeping in, so don’t forget to pack some spare warm clothes for your child. With having some lovely sunny…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares the benefits of gardening with children and what you can do to get them involved. Introducing our kids to gardening at a young age has many significant benefits for their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Teaching your child or children how to garden and encouraging them to get…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares five simple, fun and creative activities to reduce screen time. Screens. What would we do without them? When our days are busy and our kids are at home with us, handing them a phone or iPad to play with can be an irresistibly simple solution. While a limited amount…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s recipe of the month…Vegetarian Chilli Con Carne! At the end of a busy day, nothing is more appealing than a meal that is not only simple, affordable and healthy, but that our children will actually eat. This delicious vegetarian take on chilli con carne is cheap, healthy,…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… Paper Plate Dinosaurs! Who doesn’t love dinosaurs! These simple and fun DYI paper plate dinosaurs are made with ordinary, everyday household craft items and your children will love them. For this activity, you will need: Paper plates, cut in half   Paints, a palette,…

Hello to our wonderful Doolandella Early Learning Centre families!   We hope you have all had a fabulous April. There are a few upcoming events and changes happening at the Centre in May so please continue reading for more information. Carnival Open Day We will be holding a Carnival themed Open Day at the Centre on Saturday…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s recipe of the month… Chicken Rice Paper Rolls!   At your local Early Learning Centre, we are always on the lookout for easy, healthy meals to make. Rice paper rolls are a simple meal to make for the whole family, even those picky eaters! Whilst we have listed some of our…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… Washable Chalk Paint!   Let your child’s creativity run wild with fun chalk paint that can be easily washed away later. With this fun and easy art and craft, let your child have the most fun with minimal cleanup – just let the…

Your Local Early Learning Centre Shares this Simple Guide on How to Make Mealtime Healthy and Fun for Your Kids!   We all want our children to be happy, healthy and strong. But kids, as we all know, can be fussy eaters, and maintaining healthy eating habits can be a challenge. Naturally, as parents and…

Your local Early Learning Centre shares the health and developmental benefits of gardening for children.   Outdoor play including gardening can not only be a new, exciting learning activity for children, but it can also have a great effect on the development of various skills for children. Here are some of the benefits: Improves Motor Skills…

Hello to our wonderful Doolandella Early Learning Centre families! Easter Events With Easter fast approaching we would like to remind everyone that we will be closed for the Easter Public Holidays. Centre CLOSED Friday 2nd of April & Monday 5th of April. On Thursday the 1st of April, each room will be having an Easter Egg Hunt…

Hello to our wonderful Doolandella Early Learning Centre families! We hope you have all had a great start to the year! The children are all settling into their new rooms well and have started their learning journey for 2021 with their new Educators.  We are excited for all the fun learning experiences we will share…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… Milk Bottle Piggybank!   As milk is a staple in almost every household, this Cow Milk Bottle Piggybank DIY is the perfect way to teach your children the value of reusing recycled items. Get creative and follow these simple steps to create your…

Your Local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s recipe of the month… Garden Focaccia!   Our fantastic Garden Focaccia recipe is pizza’s healthy cousin. This recipe is a great activity to get your children involved in the kitchen. It is cheap, simple, fast and tasty. This Garden Focaccia is not only a nutritious snack or…

Your Local Early Learning Centre Gives 5 Tips on How to Motivate Your Child to Learn!   Are you finding it hard to motivate your child to learn? Well, we have you covered. Your Local Early Learning Centre has done the hard work and the research for you, we have compiled 5 simple tips you…

Your Early Learning Centre Speaks on the Importance of Play to a Child’s Physical, Mental, and Social Development.   We understand how important your child’s physical, mental, and social development is to you, it is important to us as well. This is why your local Early Learning Centre encourages learning through play as it supports your…

Your Early Learning Centre shares the developmental benefits of outdoor play for young children.   Outdoor play gives your child the chance to explore the natural environment around them. Not only does this provide new, exciting learning environments to discover, but it also offers a number of developmental benefits. Here’s our top 5!   1.…

Your local Early Learning Centre shares four key benefits of children using their imagination.   Imagination transports children to a world that is their own, one where they can make beds turn into boats and a flashlight becomes the sun. Imagination is also a key facilitator for a child’s cognitive and social development, which is…

Your local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s recipe of the month… Rainbow Fruit Skewers!   Skip the ice cream and beat the heat with this quick and easy rainbow fruit skewer recipe! Serves 4 | Time: 5 mins | Difficulty: Easy Utensils: Various Cookie Cutters   Melon Ballers   Wooden Skewers   Yoghurt of choice (for dipping)  …

Your local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… DIY Wind Chimes!   There are endless possibilities with this fun, creative DIY activity! Not only is this DIY activity simple to create, but it also helps children to understand the importance of recycling and understanding the world around them. Explore different sounds,…

Your local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s recipe of the month… hidden veggie lasagne.   Trying to get your child to eat and enjoy veggies is an endless struggle for most parents. At your local Early Learning Centre, we are always on the lookout for fun, veggie-packed recipes for our families. This month, our…

Your local Early Learning Centre shares this month’s activity of the month… potato stamps!   Did you know that potatoes can be used to teach your child shapes and colours? In this blog, we’ll show you how potatoes can be transformed into an exciting new way to learn shapes and colours. At your local Early…

Your local Early Learning Centre shares tips to help you and your child settle into childcare   Sending your child to childcare is a daunting but exciting milestone for your child and family. All of you will be experiencing changes as your child settles into new learning environments, develops new friendships, and spends time with…

Your local Early Learning Centre shares the benefits of Kindergarten and how it can help the transition to school life.   We are strong advocates of the benefits and skills that an Approved Kindergarten Program can bring to your child before they transition into early schooling. At your local Early Learning Centre, we strive to…