Early Childhood Education and Care

Annual Report 2024 – 2025

Giving Children the Best Start in Life

130
children and families supported

100%

trust CRCS to do the right thing

86%
said they’re treated with respect

93%
said wellbeing means learning

At CRCS, our early education and care programs nurture children’s learning, confidence and wellbeing from the very start.
Working with the ACT Government and the Children’s First Alliance ACT, we ensure every child – including those experiencing vulnerability – has access to high-quality early learning. These strong foundations help children start school with confidence, feel a sense of belonging, and build the skills that support lifelong learning and participation.

Safe, Supported and Thriving

Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of children. Safeguarding is not just a policy at CRCS – it’s part of who we are. Families place deep trust in our educators, and we honour that trust every day.

This year, our Education and Care families told us:

100%
said they trust CRCS to do the right thing

100%
said we meet or exceed their expectations

86%

said our team always treats them with respect.

These results reflect our unwavering focus on child safety, trust and respect. We’ve continued to strengthen our safeguarding measures in line with new ACT and NSW standards, introducing regular learning space audits, tougher reporting requirements and a strict “no personal devices” policy wherever children are present. Every new educator is fully checked, trained and supported before working independently with children.

What Parents Say

Embedding Wellbeing from the Start

In 2024–25, CRCS took a major step in shaping how wellbeing is understood and lived across our services. In partnership with the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY), we co-designed the first CRCS Child and Family Wellbeing Framework – built on evidence, guided by families, and grounded in daily practice.

Family Voices on Wellbeing

What Wellbeing Means to Families in Our Centres

Learning

93%

Health

86%

Identity & Culture

57%

Participation

57%

What Families Want to See in Centres

Outdoor play/nature

93%

Emotional expression through play

79%

Safe and supportive environments

79%

Healthy food options

71%

Mindfulness activities

71%

Exploring various ways to move our bodies and boost endorphin levels, including dance, yoga, and sports activities .” — Parent suggestion during wellbeing consultation

ECEC at a Glance 2024-25

3-Year-Old Initiative

40 children accessed two days a week of free early learning at our Ginninderra, Belconnen, Bruce Ridge and Bruce Centres. The program supports priority children experiencing disadvantage, helping them build confidence and connection before starting school.

Early Childhood Centres

Across our five Early Childhood Centres – Bruce Ridge, Bruce, Belconnen, Ginninderra and Budawang Early Learning Centre in Milton NSW – CRCS supported 478 children and 422 families in 2024–25, reflecting the strong trust families place in our early learning services.

Children’s Services Program

Through ACT Government funding, 90 children and 79 families accessed fully funded early learning places, using 848 days of care. These places supported families facing financial hardship, crisis, disability or other challenges, ensuring every child could learn and thrive.

Three-Year-Old Preschool

Over 35 children participated in the ACT Government’s free three-year-old preschool program. Through play-based learning aligned to the national Early Years Learning Framework, children built social, language and physical skills that prepare them for school and lifelong learning.

Start Strong NSW

At our Budawang Early Learning Centre in Milton NSW, 32 children benefited from subsidised preschool places, reducing costs for families while supporting access to quality education.

Highlights

Celebrating Children’s Week 2024

Children’s Week at Ginninderra Early Childhood Centre celebrated learning, connection and care for the environment, a reflection of our wellbeing framework in action. Guided by the theme “Every child has the right to a safe and clean environment,” children planted flowers and seedlings, discovering the joy of nurturing life. Volunteers Helen and Mariamme from our Living Well Involve social group joined in – with Mariamme, known affectionately as “Oma” to one of our preschoolers, helping make the activity feel extra special. We celebrated sustainability, belonging and the simple pleasure of gardening.

Book Week Fun at Belconnen Early Childhood Centre

Book Week at Belconnen Early Childhood Centre celebrated imagination, creativity and community connection. Children explored new stories daily, dressing up as everything from unicorns to safety workers. Thanks to our dress-up collection, everyone could join in. Educators brought stories like We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to life through sensory play with textures and sounds.

Mother’s Day at Budawang Early Learning Centre

Families at Budawang Early Learning Centre in Milton celebrated Mother’s Day with an afternoon tea filled with creativity and connection. Mums, grandmothers and carers joined their children for nail painting, bracelet beading and playdough portraits. These simple and fun activities highlighted nurturing, sharing and the importance of belonging within the Budawang community.

Holi Celebration at Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre

At Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre, children and educators celebrated Holi (the Festival of Colours) through bright powders, music and dance. The celebration offered a fun and meaningful way for children to learn about Indian culture and how different communities express joy and togetherness. With our diverse team leading the day, children gained a sense of connection and understanding of the world around them. Celebrating cultural events like Holi helps children learn respect, curiosity and where they see themselves in the world.

Case Studies

A Heartfelt Farewell to BECC and Bruce Early Childhood Centre

In May 2025, CRCS farewelled Bruce and Belconnen Early Childhood Centres after more than 40 years, supporting every child, family and educator through a thoughtful, caring and well-planned transition.

Learning and Wellbeing in the Natural World

Wellbeing grows naturally at Ginninderra Early Childhood Centre. Whether feeding Timmy the Turtle or planting in the Reconciliation Garden, children explore care, culture and connection while building skills for a strong start in life.

Explore More of Our Impact

Each part of our work is connected. Explore more stories, programs and results from across the Annual Report.

Child and Family Wellbeing Framework

Keeping Children Safe

CRCS Families Programs

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