--- title: "Childcare Thornton" url: https://www.communitykids.com.au/our-centres/childcare-thornton description: "Get the best start to early learning with our child care and preschool programs at Community Kids Thornton. Enquire today to secure a place." type: page date: 2024-08-05 modified: 2026-06-29 --- # Childcare Thornton ## Community Kids Thornton Limited spots remaining [2 Darlaston Ave Thornton NSW 2322](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=2+Darlaston+Ave+Thornton+NSW+2322) [1800 411 604](tel:1800%20411%20604) [thornton@communitykids.com.au](mailto:thornton@communitykids.com.au) Monday - Friday 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Daily fees before CCS Nursery $181.05 Toddler $179.40 Preschool $176.20 [Calculate your out-of-pocket cost](.g8-centre-fees) [5 /5 19 reviews](.g8-google-reviews) ## Enrolment availability The information below gives an indication of current availability at the centre. - Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday Green – Places available now Orange – Limited availability   Availability can change quickly. For the most up-to-date information and advice, please contact our Family Support Team. [Book a tour](/book-a-tour?centre=community-kids-thornton) [Enquire now](/enquire-now?centre=community-kids-thornton) ## Childcare and preschool in Thornton, NSW Community Kids Thornton offers long day care and a Preschool program for children aged 6 weeks to school age, conveniently located for families in Thornton, Berry Park, Woodberry, Beresfield, Metford, Millers Forest, Sophia Waters, Chisholm and the Maitland area. #### Engaging spaces for play-based learning Children can explore adventure-filled outdoor environments featuring sandpits, a climbing fort, vegetable garden and engaging play equipment. Our indoor learning spaces are designed for play-based learning, with quality resources and a dedicated studio space for creative, hands-on experiences. #### Stable, long-standing educator team Our stable team of educators provides familiar and consistent care for children and families, with many team members having been with the centre since it opened. #### Government-approved Preschool program Our Government-approved Preschool program is delivered by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher. Children build confidence, independence, social skills and early learning foundations as they prepare for school. #### Individual Learning Plans for every child We create Individual Learning Plans for each child, based on their interests, strengths and developmental goals, and partner with families to regularly review and update each plan. #### Local community excursions Children enjoy excursions and community experiences that connect them with the world around them, including visits to the local zoo, gardens and the Maitland Show. #### Fresh meals and family app updates Fresh meals are prepared daily to promote children’s healthy growth, wellbeing and energy for learning, with menus that cater for allergies and individual dietary requirements. Families also receive daily updates and photos through our family app. ## Secure your place today Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child. [Book a tour](/book-a-tour?centre=community-kids-thornton) [Enquire now](/enquire-now?centre=community-kids-thornton) ## Meet our Centre Manager Amy ### 7 years with our centre - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care "Every child learns differently, and development is not always linear. My approach is centred on respect, connection, and fostering a strong sense of belonging." I have been working in early childhood education since 2016 and joined Community Kids Thornton in 2019. I began my career as a Certificate III educator and have progressed through roles including Room Leader, Assistant Centre Manager, and now Centre Manager. My experience across both not-for-profit and larger service environments has helped shape my leadership approach and commitment to high-quality early learning. What inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education was the opportunity to be part of the moments that shape a child’s confidence, identity, and sense of belonging. One of the most important things I have learned throughout my career is that children are capable and confident learners when they are given the time, support, and respect they need. Every child learns differently, and development is not always linear. My approach is centred on respect, connection, and fostering a strong sense of belonging. I am passionate about creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and confident to explore and learn at their own pace. I believe early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, and I strive to support children in developing the confidence, resilience, and curiosity that will carry them through their future learning journey. Early childhood education and care provides rich social, emotional, and learning opportunities that complement what children learn at home. Children benefit from building friendships, developing social skills, and learning how to navigate group environments. Educators can also observe children in different settings, allowing us to intentionally support their strengths and provide additional support where needed to help them thrive. We have a long-standing and committed team, with many educators who have been part of the service since it opened and others who have grown their careers within the centre. Several team members began as trainees and have progressed to Certificate III, Diploma, and Bachelor-qualified roles. This consistency helps create strong relationships with children and families and contributes to a stable, supportive learning environment. Building strong partnerships with families is a key part of my role. I believe in open, honest, and consistent communication, and maintain an open-door approach where families feel comfortable sharing questions, concerns, or feedback. By listening, building trust, and working collaboratively with families, we create positive relationships that support each child's learning, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. Read moreless ## Our innovative early learning programs At our early learning centre in Thornton, our experienced educators and teachers continually seek innovative ways to enrich your child’s education. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, we offer a variety of engaging and diverse learning experiences, including: #### Sustainability At our Thornton early education centre, sustainability is a key focus, with children actively participating in maintaining a worm farm. This hands-on experience teaches them about environmental responsibility and the importance of sustainable practices. #### Community engagement Our educators and children regularly explore our local community through excursions and walks, including yearly visits to the Maitland show and art gallery. We also welcome special guests and community members, such as librarians, to the centre based on the children's interests. #### 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. #### Music and movement Our evidence-based Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program is designed to develop fundamental skills that help support children’s self-regulation, memory, and concentration. It is an innovative approach to holistic learning, development and well-being in early childhood. ##### Book a tour to experience our centre today [Book a tour](/book-a-tour?centre=community-kids-thornton) ## Age-appropriate early learning ### 6 weeks – 2 years Nursery ### Nursery 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. Children in this age group experience: - Responsive care and nurturing relationships that support emotional security and attachment - Sensory exploration through textures, sounds, music and movement - Early communication development through songs, stories, gestures and conversations - Tummy time and movement experiences that support physical development [Our nursery rooms](https://www.communitykids.com.au/childcare-and-early-education/nursery) ### 2 – 3 years Toddlers ### Toddlers 2 – 3 years Our toddler program encourages curiosity, independence and early social skills as children begin exploring the world with growing confidence. Children in this age group experience: - Play-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity and problem solving - Language-rich environments with storytelling, songs and conversations - Opportunities to build independence, such as self-help skills and routines - Social learning experiences that help children practise sharing, cooperation and empathy [Our toddler rooms](https://www.communitykids.com.au/childcare-and-early-education/toddlers) ### 3 – 5 years Preschool ### Preschool 3 – 5 years Our Government-approved Preschool program prepares children for school through engaging, play-based learning experiences that develop confidence, independence and a love of learning. Children in this age group will build: - Early literacy and numeracy skills through play-based activities, stories, songs and everyday routines - Problem solving and critical thinking through play-based projects and exploration - Collaboration and teamwork through group learning experiences - Self-help skills that support school routines, such as opening lunchboxes, looking after belongings and getting dressed independently [Free Preschool in NSW](https://www.communitykids.com.au/family-information/funded-kindergarten-preschool/nsw) ## We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating Thanks to the in-house chef at our Thornton child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. We cater to all dietary requirements, including halal. Our chef loves to share her recipes with families and draw on families feedback. ## What a typical day looks like for your child ### 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 ### 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 ### 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 ### 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 ### 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 ### 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 $181.05/day Toddler 2 - 4 years $179.40/day Preschool 4 - 5 years $176.20/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. #### 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** *This estimator provides an estimate only and is based on the following assumptions: - Accuracy and currency of family income information entered. - Family CCS entitlements include 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. Please note your family may be entitled to less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight – if you are unsure we recommend you use the comprehensive CCS estimator in the link below. - Where 1-4 days of care is selected, full day sessions apply (being full operational hours of the centre, which can vary between centres). - Where 5 days of care is selected, 10-hour per day sessions apply (ie, 50 hours p/w to optimise 100 hours of CCS subsidised care across the fortnight). - Where a family’s CCS entitlements include less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, please use the comprehensive CCS calculator as a guide. - NSW Preschool Fee Relief is effective from 1st January 2026.   Kindergarten/preschool subsidy is subject to State Government specific requirements including child age eligibility criteria and the delivery of the funded program by an Early Childhood Teacher on the day the subsidy is claimed by the family. Calculations herein are based on the assumption all eligibility criteria is met. Please contact your centre for detailed information. Read more Book a tour ### Send your results by email Enter your email address and we’ll send you a copy of your calculation results. ## What our families say 5.0(19 reviews) Source: Google Business Profile. Reviews are correct at the time of accessing this webpage. ### Shannon White We have been part of the Community Kids Thornton family for 4 months now and honestly could not be happier. Amy, Eleanor, Christine and the whole team are absolutely wonderful. Our 2 year old daughter genuinely looks forward to going every single.... **See more** We have been part of the Community Kids Thornton family for 4 months now and honestly could not be happier. Amy, Eleanor, Christine and the whole team are absolutely wonderful. Our 2 year old daughter genuinely looks forward to going every single day, which tells you everything about the warmth and care they bring to the centre. Settling in took only a couple of weeks, which we were stunned by. The team made thoughtful accommodations for her from day one and quickly got to know her little quirks. They even remember the name of the toy cat she carries everywhere, and small things like that have made such a huge difference to how safe and seen she feels. She loves playing outside and there is nothing better than picking her up and hearing she got to read Pete the Cat again. Eleanor and Christine in particular have been amazing with her. Communication with families is another standout. The team uses the Xplor App and are incredibly consistent with daily updates, daybooks and photos every single day. We never feel out of the loop, even on the busiest days. The other thing worth mentioning is how healthy she has stayed. In 4 months she has only missed a couple of days sick, which is almost unheard of for daycare. That speaks volumes about how seriously this team takes hygiene and the wellbeing of the children in their care. We feel so lucky to have found Community Kids Thornton. Cannot recommend Amy, Eleanor, Christine and the team highly enough. ### Tahlia Harding Amazing centre! We have been here for 10 months and my son has absolutely thrived during this time. The educators and Tina, the Director, are all so lovely and accommodating. I 100% recommend them and will be sad to say goodbye. ### Caitlin Shone We love Community Kids Thornton! My son started in Nursery 2, 3 years ago and has made his way through each room to currently be in Preschool 1. The staff have always been welcoming and accommodating to our families needs. He has also been.... **See more** We love Community Kids Thornton! My son started in Nursery 2, 3 years ago and has made his way through each room to currently be in Preschool 1. The staff have always been welcoming and accommodating to our families needs. He has also been diagnosed ASD and ADHD and the centre received funding for an extra educator in his room to accommodate for the additional needs. My youngest son started care in Nursery 1 and is now in Toddler 1 and is absolutely thriving in this centre! The educators know us and welcome us by name as we arrive. They go on regular excursions or outings when weather permits, they've gone to the park for morning tea or walks to watch vehicles or road works happening nearby. There is very low staff turnover and they interact with each other as though they're family. The environment is calm and welcoming, it's always clean and the rooms are always well presented and packed away for the next day. The outdoors environment is a great layout, having separate yards for each age group (nursery, toddlers and preschool). We receive lots of communication throughout the day and when we are there for pickup the educators always have messages to pass on about their day - even if their own educators have gone home, they leave messages for others to pass on. I always recommend Community Kids Thornton to anyone looking for care in the area! ### Erin Leleu We cannot speak highly enough about Tina and the whole team at CK Thornton. Being teachers ourselves, we were extremely picky when it came to what we wanted in a daycare for our children. You could walk into any room of the centre and see children.... **See more** We cannot speak highly enough about Tina and the whole team at CK Thornton. Being teachers ourselves, we were extremely picky when it came to what we wanted in a daycare for our children. You could walk into any room of the centre and see children being lovingly cared for, offered multiple play and learning opportunities, as well as being taught vital self-help skills to help prepare them for life ahead. Tina and the team have worked alongside us as we’ve needed to increase and change days, and the admin team always do everything in their power to support us with the administration side of things so that we don’t have to stress about anything. As well as loving the educators, beautiful rooms and amazing outdoor play areas, we love the way that our girls talk about their day and only ever have positive things to say. We love the fact that they know everyone in the centre, the excursions and experiences they’ve had, and the knowledge they’re retaining about various learning topics (at the moment it’s space, Naidoc week and water conservation). There’s too many amazing staff to give a shout out to them all, but in particular our children’s room leaders Mel and Beck have made particularly strong bonds and demonstrated the highest level of skill and care that we could ever hope for. We highly recommend this centre to all families and would encourage anyone in the area to prioritise CK Thornton when it comes to childcare for their children. ### Megan Percival Community Kids Thornton is an amazing service. The educators are so friendly, welcoming and supportive of the children and families. Both my children love attending and are learning so much each day. We could not ask for a better service!! ### Source: Google Business Profile G8 Education does not control or endorse the content of individual reviews. We encourage families to contact the centre directly for the most up-to-date information. ## Explore nearby G8 Education centres Looking for other great childcare, kindergarten or preschool options? Discover more G8 Education centres near you! - [Kindy Patch Ashtonfield 4.72km](https://www.kindypatch.com.au/our-centres/childcare-ashtonfield) - [Kindy Patch Tenambit 5.05km](https://www.kindypatch.com.au/our-centres/childcare-tenambit) - [Kindy Patch Emma's 5.77km](https://www.kindypatch.com.au/our-centres/childcare-maitland) ## 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.](/book-a-tour) 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.](/family-information/how-to-enrol) ## 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.](/family-information/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](/family-information/family-communication). 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. [Book a tour](/book-a-tour?centre=community-kids-thornton) [Enquire now](/enquire-now?centre=community-kids-thornton)