SDN Bluebell, Belconnen

"I am dedicated to promoting inclusion and ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or abilities, receives the necessary support and resources to thrive."

My qualifications and experience

I started my career in Early Childhood right here at SDN Bluebell back in 2009. I came in as an unqualified room assistant then went on to gain my Certificate 3 in children’s services. I then spent some time working casually between a variety of centres in Canberra, including those at the ANU and Parliament House, before returning to Bluebell in 2015. When I returned, I spent most of my time in the Preschool space, gaining my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. I was recently awarded a full scholarship as part of the ACT Government’s Set up for Success Strategy and I am currently working towards my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) through Swinburne University.

What I'm most passionate about in my role

I have always loved being in the education sector, but it wasn't until I had my own children that I truly understood the incredible impact that early childhood education can have on a child's development and future success. It was then that I realised that early childhood education was my passion.

I am enthusiastic about learning and sharing new knowledge and insights gained from my training with my team. I believe that when educators are supported and encouraged, they can make a profound difference in the lives of children.

I am dedicated to promoting inclusion and ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or abilities, receives the necessary support and resources to thrive.

What I love about working with SDN

Bluebell is my village, and I couldn't imagine raising my children anywhere else. SDN's values and philosophy align closely with my own. I appreciate SDN's dedication to promoting inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment, and fostering a nurturing atmosphere. The community at SDN Bluebell is accepting and safe, which I truly value.

A little bit more about me

Growing up in various country towns throughout South Australia and Queensland gave me the passion for nature I have today. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and recognise the numerous benefits it brings to children. In my spare time, I find joy in expressing my creativity through art, watching new movies, or immersing myself in a good book.

Growing bodies need movement and exercise. Growing minds need stimulus and exploration. Growing hearts need opportunities to play and mix with others.

At SDN we know that the best thing we can do for your infant or toddler is to support them to grow and develop in safe, unhurried, nurturing and challenging environments.

Because infants and toddlers are naturally curious, our centres have well-equipped indoor and outdoor areas that will keep your child moving and give them daily opportunities to explore their limits and grow their abilities.

Your child is unique and so we will devise a learning and development program within our curriculum pillars, based on what we know about your child’s interests, learning and development. Because they will always be changing and growing, we consistently review the program to ensure we are keeping up with your child’s development, providing them with the best learning opportunities.

Read more about our practice with children here.

Get more than school-ready, get life-ready 

Getting school-ready is a journey. It begins with your child’s very first day at our welcoming early education and care centres and continues with our dedicated preschool program.

Developed by university-trained early childhood teachers, our preschool program focuses on the whole child. Children learn to make friends and work together, while gaining the skills and independence they need to thrive through the big transition to school.

Our preschool program follows an evidence-backed, play-based learning approach. Children have fun and follow their curiosity, while we weave in vital skills and learning outcomes.

SDN uses Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework to explore a diverse curriculum from science to social justice. Our days are predictable but flexible, blending structured and spontaneous learning, free play, movement and quiet time.

Our curriculum pillars are:

Our centres have a transition to school program where our teachers and educators work together with local schools to prepare your child for a smooth transition, and support families through the process.

Read more about our preschool program here.

Families in our urban-based centres often call our outdoor areas their “green oasis”.

SDN's outdoor spaces provide opportunities for children to enjoy themselves and have adventures. They’re safe environments for children to run, jump and yell, make mud cakes, and use their energy.

Outdoor spaces provide more than physical benefits. Even though you may think that children only play outside to have fun, they're also improving their thinking, social, and emotional skills. When they’re playing outside, they’re inventing games, learning about the world at their own pace, and figuring out social customs like turn-taking.

These are just some of the reasons SDN invests in developing new, award-winning outdoor spaces with natural designs that inspire children’s curiosity, physical play, and social play.

The Ngunnawal People are the traditional owners of the Canberra area where SDN Bluebell is located.

Bluebell Child Care Centre opened its doors on 9 September 1996. The centre is geographically a long way from ‘head office’ in Sydney, but it is an important part of the SDN story.

A NSW-based organisation, SDN has been connected with the ACT since the 1950s, with SDN representatives often attending the Australian Pre-school Association meetings held in Canberra. SDN Bluebell was formed after SDN was invited to submit an Offer to Operate a new purpose-built early childhood education and care centre on behalf of a consortium of four Commonwealth Government organisations.

Since its beginnings, SDN Bluebell has always provided an inclusive and integrated approach to education and care. The centre has undergone many changes, always maintaining and reflecting a strong connection with the families in this vibrant and diverse community.

Read more about SDN Bluebell's history here.

From 1 July 2024, our fees will be $185 per day for children under three years old and $173 per day for children three years and over.

The majority of families in our centres do not pay the full daily fee because they receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS) from the government.

The subsidy you may receive through the CCS will depend on:

• Your combined family income
• The number of hours you work, study or participate in recognised volunteer work. This is called the ‘activity test’. If your child is in the year before school, if you are on a very low income, or if you are on parental leave, you will not have to pass the activity test to receive some CCS.

Your child will need to meet immunisation requirements and you will need to meet residency requirements to be eligible to receive the CCS.

You can also calculate what your out-of-pocket child care costs will be on the government’s Starting Blocks Child Care Subsidy Calculator.

ACT three-year-old preschool program

If your child is three years old, you could benefit from the ACT government’s three-year-old preschool program which provides 300 hours of free preschool for three-year-olds. According to the ACT government, this program saves the average family with a three-year-old preschooler $1,329 a year.

You can find more information on the ACT government website or talk to our centre director on your centre tour, or when you enrol.

If you’ve read this information and you’re still unsure about what you’ll pay, please call us or book a centre tour. We’re happy to answer your questions.

0-2 Babies

• Change of clothes x2
• Hat – sun safe  
• Shoes and Socks
• Warm clothes / Jacket (for outside play)
• Shoes and Socks
• Comforter – soft toy/blanket/dummy
• Bottles and milk formula/breast milk
• Blanket / Cot sheets

2-3 Toddlers

• Spare underwear
• Change of clothes
• Hat – sun safe
• Shoes and Socks
• Warm clothes / Jacket (for outside play)
• Drink Bottle
• Comforter – for rest time
• Blankets

3-5 Preschoolers  

• Spare underwear
• Change of clothes
• Hat – sun safe
• Shoes and Socks
• Warm clothes / Jacket (for outside play)
• Drink Bottle
• Blankets