Opening our doors in Ulladulla and what families can expect in the first weeks
This November, Early Learners Hub opens its fourth Centre at 10 Nurrawallee Street, Ulladulla. Families keep asking what the first few weeks will actually look like, so we have put it all in one place, from the first visit through to the point where drop off starts to feel ordinary.
A new Hub on the South Coast
Like our Centres in Albion Park and Blackbutt, Ulladulla is family owned and cares for children from 6 weeks to 6 years. The Centre has room for 80 children each day and sits a few minutes from Mollymook Beach, Ulladulla Harbour and the local public schools.
Most families notice the outdoor space first. It is big, with plenty of room to run and get properly muddy. Nature play, sustainability and outdoor exploration are a regular part of the week here, and the yard was designed with that in mind. You can read more about the Centre itself on our Ulladulla page.
Before the first day
Every family starts with an orientation visit. You can meet the educators who will care for your child and talk through how the day runs. Your child gets to play in the space while you are still there, which makes the first real morning feel familiar.
At home, talk about the Centre in a positive way in the days leading up to the start. Picture books help too. Our first day guide has a few we like, including Maisy Goes to Nursery and Llama Llama Misses Mama.
For the bag, pack a labelled change of clothes, bed linen, a comfort item if your child has one, and a family photo to go up in the room. Babies will need their bottles and formula from home. Nappies, a hat and a drink bottle are provided, so you can leave those out. The Parent Handbook covers the rest.
What the first weeks look like
Most children need a little time to settle, and that is normal. Our educators take their lead from your child. For babies, that means following the sleep and feed routine you use at home as closely as we can. Toddlers often like to watch for a while before they join in, and we let them.
A quick, warm goodbye usually works best. Tell your child when you will be back in words they understand, like after afternoon tea, and then head off. Some children are fine from day one. Others take a few weeks to feel at home.
Meals, hours and the everyday details
Our Centre Cook prepares five meals each day, starting with breakfast and finishing with a late snack, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea in between. The menu rotates, and babies moving onto solid food have their own Nursery menu.
The Centre is open from 7.30am to 6pm, and there is plenty of parking for drop off and pick up.
Learning from the start
Children are grouped by age across our Nursery, Toddler and Preschool programs. Each day grows from what the children are curious about, so if a group is fascinated by the ants on the path, educators might bring out magnifying glasses and a book about insects the next morning. Preschool children also take part in our School Readiness program, which works on the social skills and early literacy and numeracy that children carry into kindergarten.
All of it rests on the Teepee (Hub) Approach, the idea that children, families, educators and the wider community grow together under one Hub. Our About Us page explains it in more detail.
Securing a place
If you would like your child to start when we open, the first step is to register your interest and our team will be in touch about next steps. You can also call us on 1300 595 939 or email enrolments@earlylearnershub.com.au.
New to early learning? Our guide to early learning in Ulladulla covers what to look for in a Centre, and our post on when to join a waitlist explains timing. For fees, Services Australia explains how the Child Care Subsidy works, and Starting Blocks has independent information on quality ratings and choosing a service.
Frequently asked questions
When does Early Learners Hub Ulladulla open?
The Centre is set to open in November. Register your interest on the Ulladulla page to hear about orientation and start dates.
What ages does the Ulladulla Centre care for?
Children from 6 weeks to 6 years, across our Nursery, Toddler and Preschool rooms.
What are the opening hours?
The Centre is open from 7.30am to 6pm.
Are meals included?
Yes. Our Centre Cook prepares five meals each day, and nappies, a hat and a drink bottle are also provided.
Where is the Centre?
10 Nurrawallee Street, Ulladulla NSW 2539, a few minutes from Mollymook Beach and Ulladulla Harbour.