- University qualified teachers
- Preschool program
- Care for infants and toddlers
- Education principles
- Safety focused
- Support for children with additional needs
About the centre
SDN Erskineville opened in 1936 to provide child care and education for children. As a team we are passionate and thrive on the inspiration given to us from all stakeholders including families, children, colleagues, theorists, and the community. We believe that families are the most important people in a child’s life first and foremost and working in partnership furthers and supports our curriculum invaluably.
Our staff
Our team of educators consists of three university trained teachers, three TAFE trained educators and several highly experienced Early Childhood Educators. It’s a great place to work and this is evident through our recent celebration of a staff member’s 10-year anniversary.
Our care and education programs
Play is at the heart of our education curriculum. Through play the children are able to explore their world and learn to take responsibility for their choices.
Through the diversity of professionally stimulating inspirations we can create, enrich and extend our curriculum with a consistent focus on what we do and why we are doing it.
Location
We are active participants in our local community. We were proud to host the former Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd, in 2008. Mr Rudd chose our centre to launch his 2020 vision for early childhood education.
Our four curriculum rooms open out onto a lush, natural, outdoor environment. From their own spaces children can move freely into our beautiful garden where they can experience the natural world. Our youngest children are upstairs in ‘the treetops’, where they engage with educators and friends in their own environment, but are regular visitors to the garden downstairs via a ramp.
Other SDN centres in the area
SDN Glebe | SDN Linthorpe Street (Newtown) | SDN Marrickville | SDN Petersham | SDN Redfern | SDN Surry Hills | SDN Lois Barker (Waterloo)
Location of centre: Erskineville | Inner West | Sydney | NSW
Address: 88 Swanson St, Erskineville NSW 2043
Phone: (02) 9557 2097
Fax: (02) 9957 4973
Email: erskineville@sdn.org.au
Age: Birth to 5 years
Operating hours: 7:30am to 6:00pm
Number of places: 70
Centre Director: Simone Delagarde
Testimonials from families
‘We have had an association with SDN Erskineville for nearly five years. We have been very happy with our children’s and our experiences during that time. The staff provide a wonderful environment for learning, based on the evolving interests of the children. The efforts the staff make to support this cannot be underestimated – an area of interest will be covered using different media, discussions and experiences over a significant timeframe. A strong focus on developing social skillls and an atmosphere that encourages curiosity and learning as integral to the day sets up children well for their ultimate move to school.’
Keryn & James
‘It makes it so much easier for me to go to work knowing I am leaving my son in great care and then to be welcomed back at the end of the day with great stories of what he got up to!’
Loren
‘SDN Erskineville is a happy and nurturing place that both of my sons attend. All the staff have a warm, caring and professional approach, where my sons have been able to learn and grow in a safe, friendly and secure environment. The staff are always approachable and the center promotes open communication and involvement, which I think is vital for families whose children attend the center.’
Louise
‘SDN Erskineville is very proactive and they ensure the kids not only have fun but learn things as well. Our little girl has been at SDN for nearly 3 years and it is her home away from home. The carers are great and the centre ensures all carers interact with every child at the centre no matter what class they are in. The centre has a number of blended families including ours and the carers ensure they know about our family and how they can help with the challenges of child development. Appreciation of different cultures is encouraged and this year an indigenous man has regularly visited the centre, which has been very well received. It is great hearing each day about the activities happening with some other highlights this year being the in-class restaurant to learn about food, and watching my little girl trying to teach the yoga she had learnt to her Nana. SDN Erskineville is simply a great centre.’
Jane
Testimonials from children
‘I like to play with my friends at SDN. I like it when I come here in the morning and I go upstairs and help look after the babies.’ Daisy (aged 4).
‘Other children should come here before they go to big school because they will learn lots of things. At big school you’ve got to learn little writing, so here you have a try first.’ Emma (aged 4).
‘If you were to go to your mum and dad’s work it would be boring because there are not any toys. I like playing here with all my friends.’ Lily (aged 4).
