A successful staff recruitment drive has boosted capacity at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health’s (GLCH) Lakes Entrance childcare and kindergarten services, creating new enrolment opportunities for local families.
With GLCH’s two sites now fully operational, the not-for-profit has limited childcare and funded kindergarten places available each day, from Monday to Friday.
GLCH currently supports 175 children across its services, with a team of 42 educators and teachers working across the Carpenter Street and Coates Road locations.
For teacher Samadhi Sinhalage, who started in January after relocating from Melbourne, the difference in pace and environment has been noticeable.
“It’s much calmer here,” she said.
“The staff, the management are much more supportive.
“For the children, the program is much better at accommodating people’s needs. We take time to listen to the children. I like how spacious it is here, children get more space and we can breathe.”
Samadhi, originally from Sri Lanka, has embraced life in Lakes Entrance both inside and outside the classroom.
“I love how calm and quiet it is, everyone is so friendly unlike Melbourne. Everyone says hi and good morning, even my neighbours.”
Increased capacity has been made possible by completed renovations at the Children’s Centre on Coates Road and the opening of a second classroom at the Early Learning Centre on Carpenter Street.
The Children’s Centre now has four dedicated long day care rooms and GLCH also offers funded kindergarten at both the Children’s Centre and Early Learning Centre.
Early childhood educator Ash Van Rensburg joined the team four months ago, bringing with her 11 years’ experience.
“I love the strengths of each room and how creative everyone is,” Ash said.
She’s particularly drawn to sensory play, even when it gets a little messy.
“I don’t love the mess, but watching kids get creative with sensory play is so much fun.”
With both services now fully staffed and operational, families are encouraged to get in touch while places are available.
GLCH is unique in its early childhood offering in Lakes Entrance, as its programs include Nature Kinder, Coastal Kinder, established on-site vegetable gardens and an intergenerational program connecting children with older community members.
