Catholic Early EdCare
 
 
 
 
 
  • Home
  • Julia Cumming Community Child Care Centre

Julia Cumming Community Child Care Centre

  • icon-long-day-care

    Long Day Care

    7:00am - 6:00pm

  • icon-kindergarten

    Kindergarten

    8:30am - 2:45pm

Tucked away in the heart of Graceville, Julia Cumming’s small class sizes and extensive outdoor play areas provide children with a unique learning environment that encourages creativity and exploration and rewards curiosity.

We have capacity for just 44 children, from six weeks to kindergarten age across our three rooms. In our open play spaces, where children engage in mixed aged play, our educators get to know every child. As your child transitions through our service these established relationships will help them feel supported and at ease and allow our educators to program to their needs and interests.

We are fortunate to be located opposite Christ the King Primary School and have a close relationship with the school. In kindergarten, children make regular visits to the school and participate in a buddy program with the senior students. During each visit your child will become more familiar with the school grounds and learn new skills such as how to use the water bubblers and where to find the toilets. Our educators will watch your child’s confidence grow as they become part of our broader school and parish community and prepare for prep.

At Julia Cumming we offer a Queensland Government approved kindergarten program for children in the year before prep. As well as being located opposite Christ the King Primary School, we are conveniently just around the corner from both Graceville State School and the Graceville train station. We supply morning tea, afternoon tea, wipes, sunscreen and cot linen. All you need to bring is nappies, sheets for rest time, a packed lunch, a hat and a spare change of clothes. We are supportive of special dietary requirements and encourage families to discuss their child’s needs with us.

  • centre-address-icon
  • 12 Addison Road
  • Graceville QLD 4075

Our iconic fig tree with decking around its base provides the perfect opportunity for a tea party with friends, a game of hide and seek or some quiet time watching the native fauna come and go.

Children in long day care test their strength and mobility on our everchanging climbing structures, fostering their mobility and self-confidence.

We help children grow individually by encouraging them to use resource materials in their own way and giving them time and space for quiet play.

Children enjoy making their own play spaces, putting together different equipment to have fun and explore.

"Thirty years ago I sat under the same fig tree and played in the outdoor play area at Julia Cumming. I'm now a working mother of three children and am privileged to send my children to Julia Cumming. Each afternoon, as their happy faces run over to greet me I can't help but reminisce about my own experience at the centre. The play areas are so open and welcoming, the staff warm and dedicated and there is a real community family feel lead by the director, Janice. "

Alison

Building little friendships 

Every day, the children make friends and connect with others during play. They learn about friendship and emotions while hanging out with fellow children, away from home and family. 

Our goal is to help children become kind, understanding, and empathetic. These skills are not just for the moment; they’re like valuable social and emotional tools that aid children in dealing with conflicts and competition in their relationships. It’s not just about now; it’s about giving them what they need to grow and succeed in the future. 

Connecting with nature through outdoor play 

Outdoor play is a big part of our daily routine in our expansive outdoor playground, and it’s not just about fun; it’s also about fostering social connections. Here, children have a blast playing in the sandpit, exploring the natural gardens, climbing the rocks, hopping across stepping stones, testing their balance on the beam, and swinging to their hearts’ content. 

 

While they’re having all this fun, they’re also learning valuable social skills. Children interact with each other, share items, and take turns on the swings. They’re learning cooperation and respect for one another, and allows children to connect with the natural world, teaching them to appreciate their surroundings and care for the environment.  

Natural play

In our outdoor play environment children foster a connection to the natural world. The children enjoy building their own gardens, selecting a range of fruits, vegetables and flowers to plant in the gardens and care for throughout the year. At different times they harvest their crops to share or to start new crops. Through these experiences the children begin to understand where our food comes from, the life cycles of plants and the importance of caring for our environment.

A space for quiet reflection 

We have fashioned our prayer table to provide a place for quiet reflection. Each morning the children start the day with an acknowledgement of country, group prayer and moment for quiet reflection. Children are encouraged to participate in this experience in their own way based on their personal and family traditions and how they are feeling that day.

Meet Our Staff

Janice

Director

I’ve been an early ed teacher for:
More than 30 years.
My favourite thing about being an early ed director is:
I enjoy building relationships with the children and families. I love being a part of the children’s lives during such an important time in their development. I really enjoy seeing the joy on their faces as they accomplish something they have been attempting for some time. The hugs I receive each day make it a pleasure to come to work. I enjoy helping and mentoring the educators at my service to be the best they can be, to provide a wonderful learning experience for the children in our care.
Something I like to tell all mums and dads is:
We are more than happy for you to come and spend as much time as you wish at our service before your child starts. Feel free to call as often as you like during the day to check on your little one, we will of course give you a call if your child is not settling in, as we want to make this a positive experience for them and your whole family.
My favourite way to relax is:
Walking, yoga, reading, spending time with my family and of course spoiling my grand children!!

Jodi

Kindergarten Teacher

I’ve been an early ed teacher for:
10+ years.
My favourite thing about being an early ed teacher is:
Seeing children blossom as individuals.
Something I like to tell all mums and dads is:
Your children learn best through play.
My favourite way to relax is:
Watching my favourite movie.

Current Fee Schedule

Fees are reviewed annually and may be increased each year. Quality care for children, affordability for families and financial viability of the service are the key elements in determining fees.

Related Articles

Prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children

This Child Protection Week, Catholic Early EdCare is reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding children and young people.

All Saints’ OSHC at Boonah now open to serve local families

We are excited to announce the official opening of All Saints' Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) at Boonah in the Scenic Rim.

Creating cultural connections through everyday learning

Exploring shared culture is part of the everyday at Catholic Early EdCare. This NAIDOC Week, the kindergarten children from services on Quandamooka land proudly showcase all the ways they honour First Peoples of Australia.

Why developing social skills is important for young children

In this article we look at the importance of developing a range of social skills from a young age, to equip children with the skills they’ll need later in life.