Every child learns at their own pace, one interaction at a time
Cubs Corner Early Learning Centre was established on the lands of the Ngunnawal People in Greenway, Canberra. We are a purpose-built centre where children feel safe, valued and respected, and where families are always welcome.
Nurturing, inclusive and inspiring places to learn through play
Our play-based learning philosophy supports each child's learning and development through experiences that encourage them to eat well, play well and rest well. It is inspired by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: when children feel safe, well fed and rested, they are ready to explore, connect and learn.
We offer child-led projects, loose parts, physical activity and sensory play, both indoors and outdoors, and we embed the 8 Ways of Aboriginal learning alongside the Early Years Learning Framework.
Our philosophy is reviewed with families, educators and children. Families were invited to share their ideas in October 2026, and an updated philosophy will follow.
Eat well, play well, rest well
Healthy meals cooked on site by our chef, active play every day and calm rest times give children the wellbeing they need to learn.
Learning at their own pace
Every child is supported to achieve at their own pace, in a nurturing and unhurried environment. Their interests, strengths and needs shape our program.
An open door for families
We build respectful, reciprocal partnerships with families and have an open-door policy, inviting you into every part of your child’s learning.
Culture and diversity
Families share their cultures and traditions with us, and our Culture, Community and Celebrations Calendar marks days from Lunar New Year and Holi to Eid, Diwali and NAIDOC Week. We never use costumes or stereotypes to represent a culture.
Learning through play
Child-led projects, loose parts, physical activity and sensory exploration, indoors and out, build curiosity and confidence.
Reflective educators
Our team follows the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics, reflects critically on its practice and works on continuous improvement. We welcome feedback from families and our community.
Connected to Greenway and to Country
- Intergenerational visits: children make regular walking visits to Club Kalina in Greenway, a day club for adults living with dementia
- Local Yerrabi outings around Greenway, so children get to know their neighbourhood
- Reconciliation: our Reconciliation Action Plan (May 2026 to May 2027) guides how we embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and children have their own Acknowledgement of Country
- Caring for our environment with a herb garden, a mulch pit and rainwater tubs
Vivialyn Silvestre
“I believe that all children can learn when provided with proper resources and a diverse curriculum. Each child is supported to achieve at their own pace, in a nurturing and unhurried environment — one interaction at a time.”
Vivialyn leads the Cubs Corner team as our Nominated Supervisor. She works closely with our educators and families so that every child’s interests, strengths and culture are part of their learning, and she is always happy to talk with you about your child.
What our families and children say
“I really appreciate the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff are genuinely caring and it’s clear they know and understand my son. It feels like a safe and nurturing environment that my son loves to go to.”Bears Room family
“We love how quickly our child settled into the service, and we know it’s due to the wonderful educators.”Lions Room family
“We love the care provided to our child. She loves coming to the service and seeing her friends and educators.”Tigers Room family
“I like Cubs Corner because I like going to Club Kalina.”A., 3 years
A curriculum built on play, guided by the Early Years Learning Framework
Our program follows Australia's national learning framework, Belonging, Being and Becoming: the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0), which supports children's learning from birth to five years and through the transition to school.
The five learning outcomes
- Identity: children have a strong sense of identity
- Community: children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Wellbeing: children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Learning: children are confident and involved learners
- Communication: children are effective communicators
How we plan and share learning
- Child-led projects that grow from children’s questions, interests and cultures
- Intentional teaching in small groups, planned from what we see children exploring
- Learning stories and photos in your child’s portfolio on the OWNA app
- School readiness in our older rooms: early literacy, social and emotional skills, and STEM
- Conversations with your child’s educators at drop-off, pick-up and on OWNA
Qualified, caring and always learning
A consistent team
Each room has its own educators, so children build trusting relationships with the same familiar faces every day.
Safety first
Everyone who works or volunteers at Cubs Corner holds ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration and completes child protection training. Educators with first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training are on site whenever children are present.
Always learning
Our educators take part in ongoing professional learning and reflect on their practice together, so children benefit from new ideas every year.
| Room | Ages | Educator-to-child ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Leopards | 6 weeks – 12 months | 1 educator to 4 children |
| Lions | 1 – 2 years | 1 educator to 4 children |
| Tigers | 2 – 3 years | 1 educator to 5 children |
| Seals | 3 – 4 years | 1 educator to 11 children |
| Bears | 4 – 5 years | 1 educator to 11 children |
Ratios follow the Education and Care Services National Regulations for each age group and are met across the centre at all times.
Approved, regulated and always improving
Cubs Corner Early Learning Centre is approved under the Education and Care Services National Law (service approval SE-40014097) and regulated in the ACT by Children's Education and Care Assurance (CECA).
Every approved service is assessed against the National Quality Standard. Our current rating is displayed at the centre, and you can look up any service on StartingBlocks.gov.au. Our Quality Improvement Plan sets out what we are working on, and families help shape it.
Our policies
Our policies cover every area of the National Quality Standard, including enrolment, fees, medical conditions, medication, sun protection, sleep and rest, nutrition, child safety, privacy and complaints.
They are available to read at the centre, and we're happy to send you any policy on request.
Come and meet our team
Book a tour to see the rooms and talk with our educators about your child.