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3 day guarantee

Community Kids Empire Bay

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Enrolment availability

The information below gives an indication of current availability at the centre.

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Childcare and Preschool in Empire Bay, NSW

Community Kids Empire Bay offers long day care and a Preschool program for children aged 6 weeks to school age, conveniently located for families in Empire Bay, Bensville and Killcare Heights on the Central Coast.

Spacious outdoor environments

Children enjoy our ourdoor area with a performance stage, undercover sandpit, bike track, balancing beams and climbing equipment. We also have a mud kitchen, worm farm, garden beds, water play and imaginative play resources.

Inspiring indoor spaces

Our indoor learning spaces include books, creative materials and open-ended resources that encourage curiosity.

Experienced team of educators

We have a highly-qualified and experienced team of educators, who work closely with children and families to create a supportive and welcoming environment. Each child has an Individual Learning Plan tailored to their needs.

Government-approved Preschool program

Our Preschool program is delivered by a Bachelor-qualified teacher, including a dedicated transition program with an early literacy focus.

Fresh meals prepared daily

Nutritious meals and snacks are prepared fresh each day, with options to cater for allergies and dietary requirements.

Supporting families each day

Nappies, wipes and essentials are provided for your child’s care. Stay connected with updates and photos through our app.

Secure your place today

Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.

Meet our Centre Manager

Briony

  • Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
“I believe it is important to support children through both the highs and challenges, so they always feel safe, supported and understood.”

I began my career in early childhood education in 2015, completing my traineeship at Community Kids Empire Bay before returning in September 2025. I have progressed from Assistant Educator to Lead Educator, Assistant Centre Manager, and now Centre Manager. Being around children and supporting their learning and growth is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy seeing the world through a child’s eyes and sharing in their joy, curiosity and laughter each day.

Through my experience, I have learned that every child is an individual learner who needs connection and a strong sense of belonging. This guides my approach by ensuring our educators adapt their teaching to meet each child’s unique needs, creating supportive and inclusive learning environments. I believe it is important to support children through both the highs and challenges, so they always feel safe, supported and understood. When children feel secure and cared for, they are more confident to explore, learn and enjoy their learning journey.

When speaking with families, I emphasise the importance of children building relationships beyond the home. In a centre environment, children develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging. They also learn important social and emotional skills alongside foundational learning skills, helping prepare them for school and beyond. Our team is long-standing, caring and compassionate, with a strong focus on teamwork and building lasting relationships with families. Together, we create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels supported.

Building strong relationships with families is a key part of my role. I take the time to understand each family’s needs and work collaboratively with them to ensure they feel safe, supported and part of our centre community.

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Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Empire Bay, our play-based curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), supporting children to learn through play, exploration and discovery.

Sustainability

We focus on water and light conservation, recycling, and maintaining a worm farm. Children participate in planting seeds and using recycled materials in art, play, and construction. Through age-appropriate activities, we teach the importance of recycling, reusing, and reducing waste, fostering environmental responsibility from an early age.

Community engagement

We welcome visits from community services, including firefighters and police, and coordinate centre-based events and excursions that align with the children’s interests. These activities enrich their learning experiences and help them connect with the wider community.

Exploration and problem solving

Educators introduce open-ended materials and invitations to explore, such as building, measuring and experimenting. Through shared conversations and investigation, children develop curiosity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Social and emotional learning

Children develop a strong sense of identity as they feel safe, secure and supported, building confidence, resilience and a positive sense of self. Through group activities, conversations and play, children learn to interact with others with care, empathy and respect, building positive relationships and friendships.

Age-appropriate Early Learning

We provide learning experiences tailored to each stage of your child’s development. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and designed to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and growing independence.

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6 weeks – 2 years

Lorikeets

Lorikeets

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6 weeks – 2 years

In our nursery environment, educators focus on building strong, secure and respectful relationships so babies feel safe, settled and supported as they explore the world around them.

The primary goals for this room include fostering relationships with educators to ease drop-off, encouraging self-settling at sleep time, and supporting developmental milestones such as gazing, crawling, walking, and self-feeding. We also focus on helping children engage in group experiences.

Our nursery has two cot rooms, a dedicated meals room, a bottle warmer, a fridge for storing teething rings and breast milk, and a parent chair for breastfeeding.

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2 – 3 years

Magpies

Magpies

ck-centre-page-toddler
2 – 3 years

Our toddler program encourages curiosity, independence and early social skills as children begin exploring the world with growing confidence.

Within the curriculum framework, our main learning goals for this room focus on developing self-help skills, including dressing, putting on shoes, applying sunscreen, toilet training, emotional self-regulation, turn-taking, and sharing. It also creates the perfect environment to socialise and form friendships.

Our activities enhance language skills and promote collaborative group play, laying a strong foundation for their future learning experiences.

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3 – 5 years

Kookaburras and Emus

Kookaburras and Emus

kindergarten-preschool-ready-4.avif
3 – 5 years

In our Preschool rooms, our curriculum is tailored to accommodate your child’s individual learning and development needs, boosting their enthusiasm, motivation, and willingness to learn.

The main goals include fostering socialisation, encouraging cooperative and collaborative play, teaching children to look after their belongings, developing emotional regulation, following two-step instructions, promoting school readiness, and nurturing the qualities of being a good friend.

Through structured learning experiences, our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers are committed to supporting your child in gaining the necessary skills for a successful transition into school and beyond.

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Healthy, nutritious meals each day

At our Empire Bay child care centre, we provide healthy, freshly made meals prepared daily by our in-house cooks. Our meals cater to all dietary requirements and feature a rotating weekly menu reviewed regularly by nutritionists.

As an egg and nut-free centre, we ensure the safety of all children. All our educators hold ‘Food Handling’ qualifications to maintain the highest standards of health and safety.

What a typical day looks like for your child

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Arrival at the centre

Your child will be welcomed by our team of educators, who will ensure the morning transition from home to centre goes as smoothly as possible. On arrival, share information about your child’s specific needs for the day.

  Next: Mealtimes
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Mealtimes

Our centre chefs prepare a nutritious menu for your child to sit down and eat. This is a great time for everyone to share stories from the day. Educators model healthy eating practices, social behaviours and support children’s growing independence with mealtime routines.

Previous: Arrival at the centre Next: Infant care
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Infant care

If you have an infant, we spend one-on-one time with them to establish a connection. Educators talk gently and respond to babies’ cues. We use songs, games, and conversations to strengthen relationships and build language skills.

Previous: Mealtimes Next: Play-based learning
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Play-based learning

Your child is naturally curious. They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals.

Previous: Infant care Next: Sleep, rest and relaxation
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Sleep, rest and relaxation

We match routines to your child’s individual needs. Opportunities for rest and relaxation help make them feel safe. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who no longer don’t sleep in centre.

Previous: Play-based learning Next: Heading home
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Heading home

As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

Previous: Sleep, rest and relaxation  

Fees

The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.

Nursery

0 – 2 years

$162.00/day

Toddler

2 – 4 years

$157.65/day

Preschool

4 – 5 years

$156.05/day

Step 1: Family Information & Financial State

Child Care Subsidy Estimator

Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.

**1-4 days = 11 hour sessions, 5 days = 100 hours

Changes to CCS – The 3-Day Guarantee (Starting 5th January 2026)

The Australian Government is replacing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test from 5th January 2026, to provide a min. 72 hours per fortnight or 3 days per week of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) for eligible families.

2026 3-Day Guarantee

From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.

Total Fees

$0.00

Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy

$0.00

Preschool/Preschool Subsidy

$0.00

Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)

$0.00

Matrix Out of Pocket Cost

Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).

Child 1 1 Day 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days 5 Days

*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00

What our families say

4.9(13 reviews)
Source: Google Business Profile. Reviews are correct at the time of accessing this webpage.

Samantha Palmer

I highly recommend Community Kids Empire Bay! The highly trained team do an amazing job for my boy aged 3yrs. He is always greeted with a big smile when he walks in the door. He always comes home with a smile on his face and has plenty to tell me…. See more I highly recommend Community Kids Empire Bay! The highly trained team do an amazing job for my boy aged 3yrs. He is always greeted with a big smile when he walks in the door. He always comes home with a smile on his face and has plenty to tell me about his exciting day. My son’s room, the preschool room provides him with so many activities to do. he loves all his teachers especially his favourite Miss Alex. The outdoor area is large, spacious and had plenty of equipment. The kitchen staff provide a healthy varied meal plan that he loves to eat. Once again thank you for everything you do Empire Bay, you and your staff are amazing and very professional at your job.

chantell fozzard

CK Empire Bay is a great early learning preschool. My daughter started this year and loves it. She comes home singing new songs she has been taught, has learnt how to make friends, play well with others, expand her imagination, ask questions about…. See more CK Empire Bay is a great early learning preschool. My daughter started this year and loves it. She comes home singing new songs she has been taught, has learnt how to make friends, play well with others, expand her imagination, ask questions about the things she wants to learn about and has a really love for books and sensory and science exploration and has become more independent. The educators and teachers are passionate and dedicated to giving the children the education and care that they need. Great learning environments for the children. Highly recommend. The new CM and our Ed leader have made the centre a place you want to send your child too warm, inviting, welcoming and a real sense of community.

Scott Palmer

Ursula and the team at Community Kids, Empire Bay are fantastic – our son enjoys his time in the environment and has done since he started several months ago. We would gladly endorse the preschool to anyone wanting a brilliant atmosphere where they…. See more Ursula and the team at Community Kids, Empire Bay are fantastic – our son enjoys his time in the environment and has done since he started several months ago. We would gladly endorse the preschool to anyone wanting a brilliant atmosphere where they can see their children flourish from babies into fully fledged youngsters, armed with great values and ready to tackle the world of school and beyond.

Anne Robson

Both of my children have been enrolled in Community Kids Empire Bay. For the last 3.5 years, the team there have become our second family. We adore the centre and will definitely recommend to other families 🙂

Megan Jones

My boys (4 & 18m) love going here. All carers are so lovely and supportive. We love the Chickens, guinea pigs, insects, growing veggies etc. The big kids go on excursions to the library or nursery. Highly recommend

Explore nearby G8 Education centres

Looking for other great childcare, kindergarten or preschool options? Discover more G8 Education centres near you!

Frequently asked questions

A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.

On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.

Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.

First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.

To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.

Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.

Read our step-by-step guide on how to enrol here.

Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.

Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.

When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

Learn more about our Settling-in Program.

Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.

For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits and spare socks.

For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits and spare socks.

Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.

It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.

Community Kids uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.

After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.

If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Community Kids is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.

Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.

Contact us

We look forward to welcoming your family.