Calling northside parents! Urban Education’s second early education centre is coming soon!

Posted on 10 January, 2023

In what will be music to the ears of parents, beloved Deakin early education provider Urban Education has opened a second centre in Gold Creek—and enrolments are now open.

The brainchild of Kylie Pearce (pictured above), who has been an educator for over two decades, Urban Education’s dynamic, child-focused care has been a hit with parents and mini humans alike since their Deakin centre opened just 18 months ago.

“At Urban, we understand the importance of viewing a child holistically,” explains Kylie. “Giving special consideration to the context of their family and community.”

Safe to say this fresh approach has been a success. There’s a waitlist across all age groups and it’s easy to see why. When I visited the Deakin centre it’s all smiles in the Possum Room as toddlers crowd the home corner to make ‘sandwiches’ from wooden food ingredients before a real-life lunch of lasagne and fresh corn on the cob is served. Next door, older kids craft LEGO houses, practice drawing or sprawl on the carpet building towers from blocks, with Urban Education’s large team of educators by their side.

It’s all part of Urban Education’s play-based program that’s developed by educators. shaped by children, consulted about with families and governed by the Early Years Learning Framework.

“We know that every mini human is precious and unique and deserves to be nurtured to their full potential,” says Kylie. “So, through the combination of our own unique abilities, perspectives and lenses, we are able to encourage and drive each individuals’ growth, interests and passion along with strongly supporting and encouraging them to become influential lifelong learners.”

Urban Education Gold Creek will offer new opportunities for both the centre’s families and Urban Education’s team—the ultimate win/win—with a convenient northside location. With care hours of 6:30 am – 6:00 pm, Urban Education Gold Creek is perfect for families of shift workers or those using the Barton Highway to commute to and from Hall, Murrumbateman and Gungahlin. The new centre will have five ‘rooms’ and a capacity of 62 children in total, aged six weeks old to school age.

“It’s a hidden gem that’s 20 minutes from Murrumbateman and one minute off the Barton Highway, in the Gold Creek Country Club. For ease of drop off and pick up it will be ideal for a lot of families.”

Vitally, the centre will allow Urban Education’s team to grow and develop, retaining their beloved team members.

“We wanted to develop our leadership opportunities and to do that, we needed a second centre to maintain the continuity and quality of our team,” says Kylie. “It’s always been my focus to provide better and better for them.”

This commitment to continuity is echoed by early childhood educator and new Gold Creek Nominated Supervisor, Leah Bartlett, who has been with Urban Education Deakin from the beginning.

“When I started Urban Education with Kylie and the team, I was absolutely elated, because it’s a small, privately owned boutique centre. And I know that the children that start off in our baby’s room can go right through to preschool and be able to share that journey with us and their families.”

“It’s also a consistent team, so the children don’t have to keep getting used to new staff. Our educators are all in it for the long haul, and we have a shared vision for our community, which makes such a difference for the children.”