WAO Early Learning
Warm, relationship-based early learning across Sydney and regional NSW.
Explore three locally led early learning centres, each with its own team and community, connected by a shared commitment to children feeling safe, known and ready to grow.
About WAO Early Learning
Locally led early learning, connected by shared care.
WAO Early Learning is a family of three locally led centres in St Ives, Balgowlah and Bombala. Each centre keeps its own identity and community relationships while sharing a clear commitment: children first, strong educators, quality before growth and genuine partnership with families.
Since 2018, we have focused on children's wellbeing and overall development through warm relationships, purposeful play and learning that families can see and understand.
Our Story
From Kelvin Road to three local communities.
One Group, Three Local Communities
Shared values, locally grounded.
Our centres learn from one another while staying connected to the children, families and communities around them.
Our Centres
Find the local centre that feels right for your family.
Three centres, each with its own local character, supported by the same commitment to relationships, learning and quality.
St Ives, NSW
Kelvin Kindergarten Long Day Care & Preschool St Ives
A small, relationship-led centre where childcare in St Ives, long day care and preschool learning come together through warm care and purposeful play.
Balgowlah, NSW
Balgowlah Early Learning
A warm, community-minded centre supporting childcare in Balgowlah, early learning and preschool through strong relationships and thoughtful teaching.
Bombala, NSW
Platypus Country Early Learning
Early learning and care for children and families in Bombala, with its own local identity and place within the WAO group.
What Guides Us
Children first. Team first. Quality first.
Children First
We begin with each child's safety, wellbeing, relationships, interests and development. Children are known as individuals, not treated as a program.
Team First
Strong educators create secure relationships and meaningful learning. We support teams to reflect, communicate and keep improving together.
Quality Before Growth
Growth matters only when care, learning quality and each centre's local identity remain strong.
CARES
A clearer view of the whole child.
CARES helps educators and families see more than a list of activities. It brings together children's developing strengths, where learning happens and the evidence that shows progress over time.
DOSE
Making learning visible and useful.
At KK and BEL, DOSE supports educators to make learning easier for families to see and discuss. It turns documentation into a practical conversation about each child's interests, progress and next steps.
Why Families Choose WAO
Care that feels personal. Learning with purpose.
Families should be able to understand how their child is cared for, what they are learning and who they are becoming.
- Children are known as individuals
- Warm, dependable relationships
- Purposeful play and learning
- Progress made visible
- Open communication with families
- Strong local community connection
Find Your Local Centre
See the people, spaces and learning for yourself.
Explore your local WAO centre and choose the next step that feels right for your family.