Our Commitment to Child Safety
At Holding Hands Early Learning, we are unwavering in our commitment to protecting and promoting the safety, rights, and wellbeing of every child. We believe children have the right to feel safe, respected, valued, and to have their voices heard at all times. Guided by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, we actively support children to understand their rights and empower them to speak up if they feel unsafe. We listen to children with respect and intention, encouraging them to confidently express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
We create safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments where strong, respectful relationships enable children to feel secure and confident. Child safety is a shared responsibility across our entire service and is embedded in our everyday practice. This commitment is reflected in how we design our learning environments, support and educate our team, and work in partnership with children, families, and the wider community to uphold the highest standards of child safety.
Our Philosophy
At Holding Hands Early Learning, our philosophy is reflected through our everyday practice. We believe that play is how young children make sense of their world. Our setting provides children with opportunities to engage in play-based, open-ended experiences that are meaningful and enriching, empowering them to recognise themselves as capable, curious, and competent learners. Our philosophy blends an intentional and spontaneous environment, with rich opportunities for children to explore, be creative, learn life skills, problem-solve and make choices through hands-on learning.
The Centre
Re-established in 2025, our service is proudly family-owned and operated, offering a warm and personal approach to early learning. As a small Centre, we value close connections and aim to make every family feel like part of our community.
Our service operates from 8:00am to 4:00pm in a family-oriented community, just minutes from the Wollongong CBD. Our service is licensed for up to 34 children each day.
Our program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0, which supports children as active contributors to their own learning. We intentionally nurture emerging interests while fostering secure relationships, inclusivity, holistic development, and respect for the diverse backgrounds of all children. We believe the environment acts as the third teacher and supports all areas of development.
The Preschool
The Preschool room caters to children aged 3 to 6 years, providing a stimulating, play-based environment for exploration and learning. Children are encouraged to follow their natural curiosity, explore hands-on materials, and engage in purposeful activities that support their individual development. We offer a rich variety of resources that promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while also nurturing independence and responsibility. Through carefully designed learning experiences, children build self-confidence, social skills, and a strong sense of autonomy. Our child-centered space supports individual strengths and empowers every child on their educational journey, helping them develop a lifelong love of learning.
The Cabin
The Cabin cares for children aged 18 months to 3 years, providing a nurturing and safe environment for their development. We create a home-like atmosphere where children feel secure and loved, supported by our beautiful team. Our programs stimulate curiosity through structured activities and free play, offering sensory-rich experiences that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth, laying the foundation for future learning.
Gallery
Outdoor Environment
We have carefully created a variety of learning zones that cater to different interests and developmental stages. Our generous outdoor space is inspired by the natural world, with rocky gardens, hands-on sustainability features like a water tank, composting and planting areas, and engaging zones that promote confident, safe risky play.
Learn & Play
Children learn best through play, exploration, and discovery, forming the core of our educational philosophy. We create a joyful environment that fosters curiosity and creativity, with vibrant rooms filled with interactive materials. Teachers guide children, helping them connect with their surroundings and support their unique learning journeys.
Cabin (18 months - 3 years)
Our cabin provides a thoughtfully designed, culturally inclusive environment where young children can explore, learn, and play in a safe and engaging setting. The indoor space features natural, child-sized furniture and soft play mats, encouraging imaginative play with books, puzzles, and educational resources that reflect diversity. Outdoors, children can enjoy a beautifully designed deck and garden offering rich sensory experiences, including a vibrant orange tree and a dedicated area for art and table-based activities.
Preschool (3-5 years)
The Preschool room is a welcoming and engaging space designed to support learning, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging. The environment reflects a culturally inclusive approach, with warm tones, natural furniture, and materials that celebrate diversity and different perspectives. The room is carefully designed with clearly defined learning areas. The walls proudly display children’s artwork, while a cosy calming space supports children's emotional development. Soft rugs create a comfortable space for group time, where educators engage children through songs, stories, and shared experiences.
Our Team
Our team of childhood educators are dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime. With a deep understanding of child development, we create engaging and inclusive environments where every child feels valued and inspired. Our educators utilise a variety of teaching methods tailored to meet the unique needs of every child, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. We believe that by creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment, we can help children build the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Kristen
Owner/Director
Sandra
Educational Leader
Vanessa
Early Childhood Teacher
Siarn
Educator
Lara
Educator
Chantelle
Educator
Xanthe
Educational Trainee
Jess
Educational Trainee
Kym
Educational Teacher
Gemma
Educator
Chelsea
Educator
Reviews
Heartfelt messages from our wonderful families.
FAQ's
Here are some common questions from families in search of care for their child.
Holding Hands can accommodate up to 34 children each day. We offer two learning spaces:
The Cabin (9 children): This separate dwelling caters to children aged 18 months to 3 years. Here, children engage in play-based activities and have designated time to rest or sleep. They also enjoy ample opportunities to explore our expansive outdoor area.
The Preschool (25 children): Throughout the day, children engage in planned learning experiences across our dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces, while also having opportunities for self-directed play and exploration.
Holding Hands Early Learning is open from 8 a.m to 4 p.m - Monday through Friday.
We do not supply nappies or meals for the children. Families provide their children's lunch boxes and drink bottles, and our wonderful Educators are there to help your child enjoy their morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
Rest and sleep routines are tailored to meet individual needs. Our goal is to create a calm and enjoyable environment during rest time for all children. We offer cots, beds, and sleep mats, while soft music plays gently in the background. Your child is welcome to bring a comfort item for rest time. We encourage you to discuss your child's specific rest or sleep requirements with our educators. Each day, we provide updates on the times your child rested or slept. For those who do not sleep, we also have quiet activities, such as puzzles and books, available.
The Cabin - Children 18 months and 3 years, the daily fee is $135.
Preschool - Children 3 to 6 years, the daily fee is $130.
Both CCS and Start Strong funding can help lower these costs. CCS is means-tested, and you can reach out to the CCS Helpdesk at 1300 667 276 to discuss your subsidy amount. For information regarding Start Strong eligibility, contact the The Early Learning Commission at 1800 679 113.
We are excited to share with our families that three of our dedicated Educators, the wonderful Sandra, Siarn, and Chantelle have been with the service for over 10 years, respectively. Additionally, Gemma, Lara, Chelsea and Vanessa have each dedicated 2-4 years of service to the centre and are deeply valued team members. Our amazing trainees, Jess and Xanthe, joined us in 2025, along with the wonderful Kym, who brings a wealth of knowledge as an Early Childhood Teacher. This remarkable group of Educators are a testament to the supportive environment and culture fostered within our team.
You may see the amazing Katie, Jo, and Chelsea at the Centre. Katie and Chelsea have been cherished members of the team for over 2-3 years and the wonderful and nurturing Jo, who previously spent many years at the Centre, has been warmly welcomed back.
Our service adheres to all child-to-staff ratios in line with National Regulations. We choose to staff above the minimum in both age groups (The Cabin & The Preschool). This means we schedule more Educators in each room than regulations require, ensuring closure supervision, and additional support for the children’s learning and emotional needs.
Nation child-to-staff Regulations:
Birth to 2 years: 1 educator for every 4 children
2 to 3 years: 1 educator for every 5 children
3 to 6 years: 1 educator for every 10 children
Acknowledgement of Country
Holding Hands Early Learning would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders here in Australia both past and present, their connections to the land, waters and sea. Their cultures, traditions, warmth and generosity are central to our history and story.
Contact Us
Address
Pre School, 21A Ryan St, Balgownie NSW 2519, Australia
Phone
02 4283 2879