Devonshire Street Children’s Centre

At the heart of the centre is our dedicated team of educators. Many have been with us for more than a decade, creating a strong sense of stability and belonging for children and families.

We have a strong, dedicated, long-standing team who have been working together for a long time. We invest in ongoing training and continuous professional development to ensure staff remain up to date with best practices and the latest developments in early year’s education.

Between the team, they have approximately 150 years of service to the centre.

At Devonshire Street Children’s Centre, we believe that children thrive when their curiosity is nurtured. Our learning environments are designed to inspire imagination, build confidence, encourage exploration, and develop a love of lifelong learning.

Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), our educational programs are centred around play-based and literacy-rich learning experiences. Our team of passionate educators tailor these programs to each child’s interests, strengths and developmental needs.

We are proud to hold an 'Exceeding' rating under the National Quality Standard, a recognition of our highly skilled educators, exceptional programming and ongoing commitment to quality. All team members engage in continuous professional development, ensuring our practices reflect the latest research and industry best standards.

Star Room: 0 to 2 years. Our infant’s room is about creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment tailored to infants and toddlers' developmental needs whilst providing children with enriched relationships.

Moon Room: 2 to 3 years. Our toddler room is all about inspiring curiosity, helping children master their emerging skills and independence and lots of imaginary play.

Galaxy Room: 3 to 4 years. Children participate in both structured and spontaneous play-based learning that considers children’s individual development and interests. We focus on developing children’s social skills, self-awareness and respect for others whilst encouraging children’s self-help skills and resilience.

Planet Room: 4 to 5 years. Our school readiness program is play-based and child-led, following the Early Years Learning Framework. Our focus is on preparing children for the next big stage in their life, ensuring they are ready to thrive at Primary School. We help them learn to negotiate, problem solve, build resilience and develop their social skills.

Highlights of our program:

• Play-based, literacy-rich learning tailored to each child.
• Strong school readiness program including partnerships with local schools.
• Regular incursions and excursions to connect children with the wider community.
• Inclusive practices and individual support for children with additional needs.
• Celebrations of cultural diversity and community traditions.

High-quality education and care

An 'Exceeding' rating means the centre consistently goes above and beyond the national benchmark in several quality areas, including educational programs, health and safety, relationships and leadership. This ensures your child receives enriched, developmentally appropriate learning experiences in a nurturing environment.

Experienced and skilled educators

Centres with this rating employ highly trained, dedicated educators and teachers who are committed to continuous improvement. They personalise learning, support individual growth and foster meaningful relationships with children and families.

Strong focus on wellbeing

Emotional and physical wellbeing are a top priority. Exceeding services maintain exceptional standards in safety, nutrition, hygiene and support for social-emotional development, giving families peace of mind.

Proactive family engagement

These centres value strong partnerships with families, encouraging collaboration and open communication. Your voice is respected and included in your child’s learning journey.

Innovative and reflective practice

Exceeding centres are forward-thinking and constantly improving. They reflect on their practices, stay up to date with early childhood research and innovate to offer the best possible outcomes for children.

We use StoryPark to communicate and interact with families on a regular basis. Children’s routines are also uploaded through the app daily.

We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with families. Daily updates, regular parent meetings and family events ensure that you’re always connected to your child’s learning journey.

Testimonials

'We’ve been part of the centre community for over six years and it has truly become like a second home to our family. From the very beginning, we were welcomed with open arms and that warmth has never faded. All of the educators have been at the centre for years, greet you by name, know your children deeply and genuinely care about their wellbeing. There’s a strong sense of familiarity and connection that makes every drop-off feel comforting and every pickup feel joyful.'

'The centre itself is fantastic - fun, safe and thoughtfully designed to support learning and play. The level of education and care provided is simply unparalleled. Our children have thrived here, not just academically, but emotionally and socially. It’s a place where kids are nurtured, families are supported and community is cherished. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of something so special.' - Fiona (parent)

Operating hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 6pm.

Meals and nutrition: nutritious meals and snacks are provided daily, accommodating allergies and cultural preferences.

Our menus are based on The Australian Dietary Guidelines for children, in line with the Munch & Move recommendations to ensure that each day a child is provided with all the foods and beverages they need to meet their nutritional needs.

We have a 4-week rotating menu, which is displayed, in the foyer and on StoryPark for families to see.

What to bring: nappies, spare clothes, comfort items, water bottle and any medications.

Facilities overview: we have a secure outdoor play space, herb gardens, sensory play, technology use and indoor learning zones.

Sustainability practices: we recycle what we can, we undertake gardening with children, using the herbs and veggies from our garden beds.

Community connections: we often undertake local excursions, such as to Chatswood library and to cultural groups at the Mosaic Centre.

Fees: see Council's fees and charges.