Education and Care
From first friendships and community excursions to child-led learning and family partnerships, 2025–26 was a year of connection, growth and belonging across CRCS Education and Care services.
Through our Early Childhood Centres (ECC) and Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) programs, children were supported to feel safe, valued and heard while developing skills, confidence and strong relationships. Partnerships with families, schools and support services – alongside our commitment to child safeguarding, inclusion and cultural learning – helped create environments where every child could participate, belong and flourish.
“The best thing about CRCS is having people you trust with your care. The support is person-centred and empathetic.”
– Participant, Aged Care Supports
Connection and Belonging
Strong connections help children feel safe, confident and ready to learn. Across ECC and OSHC programs, CRCS creates welcoming environments where children and families can build relationships, participate in their communities and develop a genuine sense of belonging.
Reflecting this impact, 96% of Education and Care participants said CRCS helps them connect to and engage with their community most or all of the time. Through trusted relationships with educators, partnerships with families and access to additional support when needed, children and families become part of a connected and supportive community.
93%
of surveyed ECEC families said CRCS helped them connect with their community.
100%
of participants surveyed trust CRCS to do the right thing by them
100%
would recommend CRCS to family and friends
Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre children developed an ongoing connection with North Canberra Hospital through cards and visits.
At Ginninderra Early Childhood Centre, regular excursions to Tiny Tumblers in the Belconnen Community Centre helped children build confidence and social skills in community settings.
Family celebrations such as Mother’s Day were an opportunity to bring children, families and educators together to create community.
Purpose and Wellbeing
A strong sense of purpose helps children build confidence, independence and a positive sense of self. Across ECC and OSHC, children make choices, explore their interests, develop new skills and contribute to their learning communities. Child-led learning, play, meaningful relationships and responsive support help children feel capable, valued and heard, while building foundations for wellbeing, resilience and lifelong learning.
Families are supported alongside their children. Child and Family Practitioners from CRCS Family Foundations worked with families accessing our Education and Care services to address challenges early, strengthen family wellbeing and connect them with additional support when needed.
At Ginninderra ECC, the educators prepare thoughtful learning activities and engage children in them. At pick-up, I see most children involved with an educator or choosing their own activity. This is in contrast to other daycare centres I’ve experienced, and makes a huge difference in creating a safe space for exploring and learning.
— Parent, Ginninderra Early Childhood Centre
Among surveyed Education and Care families:
100%
said they get the services they need most of the time or always
100%
said employees are appropriately skilled
100%
trusted CRCS to do the right thing by them.
Tiny Tumblers supported children to develop movement skills, coordination and confidence.
OSHC children explored safeguarding, children’s rights, speaking up and knowing where to seek help.
Tailored strategies and visual supports helped children participate confidently and navigate shared spaces.
Gardening, recycling and sustainability projects encouraged responsibility and contribution.
Participant Voice
At CRCS, children and families help shape the experiences, relationships and opportunities that matter to them. Children’s interests, ideas and choices guide learning and play, while families contribute valuable insights that help educators tailor support and continuously improve services.
This shared approach to decision-making helps create environments where children feel confident to express themselves, pursue their interests and take an active role in their learning. Families are respected as experts in their children’s lives and trusted partners in achieving positive outcomes.
Our programs at a glance
These highlights show the scale and breadth of our work during 2025–26. They complement the impact and outcomes shared throughout this report, providing a fuller picture of what we delivered.
Early Childhood Education and Care
CRCS Education and Care supported children and families through Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre (Bruce ACT), Ginninderra Early Childhood Centre (Belconnen ACT) and Budawang Early Learning Centre (Milton NSW). Our centres provided safe, inclusive and play-based learning environments where children could build relationships, build confidence and develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Throughout the year, we continued to strengthen outcomes for children and families through targeted support services, workforce development initiatives and partnerships that enhanced participation, wellbeing and educational opportunities.
- 325 children enrolled across our early childhood centres, and 291 families supported
- Delivered the ACT Three-Year-Old Preschool Program to 30 children.
- Supported 10+ families through the CRCS Family Foundations Child and Family practitioners.
Outside School Hours Care
CRCS Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) supported children and families at Charnwood-Dunlop School and Florey Primary School. Across both services, children enjoyed safe, inclusive and engaging environments before and after school, where they could connect with peers, explore their interests and participate in activities shaped by their own ideas and feedback. Educators used children’s voices and observations to develop responsive term-based programs, while creative, recreational, physical and social-emotional learning experiences supported wellbeing, confidence and connection. Individualised supports, visual resources and strong partnerships with families and schools helped ensure every child could participate and feel included.
- 298 children enrolled
- 220 families supported throughout the year
Real People, Real Connections
Behind every program are real stories of growth and resilience: people discovering purpose, rebuilding confidence and finding new ways to strengthen their wellbeing.
Building a Mother’s Confidence in the Early Years
Emergency care at a CRCS early childhood centre supported Lydia to build confidence, while her children formed strong relationships and made encouraging progress in their learning and development.
Choice and Creativity at Outside School Hours Care
Discover how OSHC educators listened to Lily’s ideas and found a creative compromise that supported her choices, flexibility and positive participation with the group.