At Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, our commitment to providing exceptional Early Childhood Education at our Illawarra-based centre begins with our Approved Provider, Annaliese, the driving force behind our dedication to excellence. As the visionary leader, Annaliese plays a pivotal role in shaping the philosophy and standards that define the service.
Annaliese provides a wealth of experience and expertise in Early Childhood Education, with her background as an Early Childhood Teacher. With a deep understanding of the importance of these formative years, Annaliese ensures that our centre adheres to the highest standards of care, education, and safety. Annaliese uses her profound knowledge to support educators in designing and creating an inclusive learning environment reflecting the core values of the service. Annaliese completed her Bachelor of Education in 2018 and has been working directly with children ever since. Annaliese’s passion for children has inspired her to create Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, where children can continue to develop and grow into young individuals.
A Family-owned business established in the Illawarra in 2025, Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre has developed its commitment to positively contribute to the foundations of each child’s learning and development. We empower to support children and families through the implementation of Child Safe Standards, which is vital to creating an inclusive and child-safe environment. These standards contribute and serve as our guiding principles, fostering a culture of respect, transparency, and vigilance, ensuring that every child feels secure and valued in our care. Furthermore, we take a holistic approach to early childhood education and care, followed by our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum.
At Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, our core value is families. We strive for all children, families, and educators to develop a strong sense of belonging, providing a space that feels like a home away from home. “We Are Family” is more than a statement; it’s a guiding principle that shapes the very essence of our philosophy. Family values and beliefs are at the heart of everything we do. From the moment children and families enter our service, we aim to ensure they are welcomed and feel a sense of security to communicate freely with all educators.
We believe in fostering open, transparent, and respectful communication between educators and parents, creating a partnership that nurtures the child’s holistic development. We encourage families to actively participate in their child’s learning journey, sharing insights, goals, and milestones to create a harmonious and enriching experience.
Through the strong foundations of our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, we provide a space where the environment is seen as ‘the third teacher.’ Our purpose-built centre in the Illawarra provides children with opportunities that are flexible and branch from their ideas and thoughts, promoting each child’s sense of agency. Through engagements with the physical environment, children are seen as active contributors, supporting them to make their own decisions and act independently. Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre provides learning spaces that reflect the identity and culture of all children, families and educators.
At Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, We deeply value and honour the community of the Dharawal land on which our service is built, recognising the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of the local Indigenous community. We believe a strong sense of community is the cornerstone of a child’s holistic development. Our philosophy is grounded in the idea that a supportive and inclusive community provides a nurturing backdrop for children to learn, grow, and thrive.
We see our centre as more than just an Early Learning service; instead, it’s a vibrant space where families come together, share experiences, and form lasting connections. In our community, every child is valued for their unique qualities and contributions. We strive to create an environment that fosters a sense of belonging, where children feel accepted, understood and encouraged to express themselves authentically.
At Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, we embrace and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of diversity that enriches our community. Our philosophy is founded on the belief that every child is a unique individual deserving of respect, understanding, and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an environment where diversity is acknowledged and celebrated as a fundamental strength.
In our inclusive space, children encounter a world that reflects the richness of different cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives. We believe that exposure to diversity at an early age lays the groundwork for empathy, compassion, and an appreciation for the beauty that exists in our differences. Our educators are dedicated to creating an atmosphere encouraging curiosity and wonder to spark children’s ideas and abilities to participate actively in our educational program. We encourage children to share their identity, culture, and experiences and build upon these by making them the foundation of planning.
At Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, we acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the land on which our childcare centre stands, the Dharawal People. We recognise their enduring connection to this land, their rich cultural heritage, and their deep spiritual relationship with the Country.
We appreciate the Dharawal elders, past, present, and emerging, for their custodianship of this land and the wisdom they share with us. We honour their traditions, storytelling, and the continued resilience of the Dharawal community.
Explore our FAQs to find answers to common questions about enrolment, programs, and daily routines at Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre.
We’re here to provide the information you need to make the best decisions for your child’s early learning journey at our Illawarra-based centre.
Before your child begins their exciting journey at Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, there are a few essential steps to ensure a smooth transition. First, complete the enrolment process by filling out the necessary forms and providing critical documents, including your child’s medical records and emergency contact information. Additionally, schedule a visit to our centre to familiarise you and your child with our environment, meet our caring educators, and address any specific concerns. Don’t forget to pack a labelled bag with your child’s essentials, including spare clothes, water bottle, hat and any comfort items your child may require. Our wonderful educators are here to support you through this process, ensuring a positive and comfortable start for your child at TGELC.
At Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, we are committed to providing convenient and reliable childcare services. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 6 pm, ensuring flexibility for working families. We are here for your child 50 weeks per year, offering a consistent and nurturing environment for their growth and development. With only a brief closure during the Christmas holidays, all families will be informed of the closure dates at the beginning of each year.
A Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, the safety and well-being of your child are our main priority. Our centre is fully committed to implementing rigorous safety measures aligned with our service policies and procedures. From secure entry points to emergency protocols, we have comprehensive measures to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for every child. Our dedicated educators are trained to uphold these standards, providing peace of mind as your child embarks on their enriching journey with us.
Once your child is enrolled at our service, we believe in keeping families well-informed and engaged. You can access all our policies and procedures conveniently through our user-friendly parent portal. This digital platform provides a transparent and efficient way to stay connected with our centre’s guidelines, ensuring you are well-acquainted with our practices and have the necessary information at your fingertips. We’re dedicated to fostering open communication and transparency, making it easier for you to participate actively in your child’s early learning journey. A copy of all service policies and procedures will also be available for families on-site at the service.
At Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, we understand the importance of nourishing young minds and bodies. Our service proudly caters nutritious meals for your child, carefully considering individual dietary requirements, religious considerations, and allergies. A well-balanced menu that meets nutritional guidelines and accommodates our little learners’ diverse needs will always be provided and on display. We believe that mealtimes are an opportunity for nourishment and for children to explore different flavours and develop healthy eating habits.
To ensure each child’s utmost safety and well-being, we kindly request families whose children may have any dietary requirements to complete a risk minimisation form regarding their child’s nutritional requirements. This enables our educators to be fully aware of any specific needs or allergies, allowing us to tailor our meal plans accordingly. Additionally, families with children allergic to a particular food must provide a completed anaphylaxis action plan endorsed by their child’s doctor. Your child’s safety is our top priority, and these measures help us create a secure environment where every child can enjoy their meals with confidence and joy.
If you have any further questions or require additional information, we welcome all families to contact us. Your inquiries are important to us, and our dedicated educators are ready to provide prompt and informative responses. Click the ‘Get in Contact’ button below, and we’ll gladly assist you. Our service values open communication and is committed to ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your child’s journey with us.
