What we believe in

SDN supports the right of all families to access high quality education and care programs for their children, and our staff are committed to developing and maintaining respectful partnerships with families.

Both our long day care and preschools employ university trained early childhood teachers to ensure that an early childhood education program is provided in all SDN centres. Our early childhood staff reflect continuously on their practice, building their knowledge and skills with the support of a head office based Learning and Development team, to provide a high quality education and care service to children and families.

Children in our centres benefit from a creative, child focused curriculum that takes families' goals into account.  The NSW Department of Community Services Curriculum Framework is the base for our educational programming, which is also underpinned by the SDN Philosophy and SDN Child & Family Learning Framework.

All SDN long daycare centres are accredited by the National Child Care Accreditation Council and reports are available for families to read. Centres are licensed by the Department of Community Services in NSW and the ACT Centre Based Children Services. As members of Early Childhood Australia (ECA), SDN staff support the ECA Code of Ethics. As members of the National Association of Community Based Children's Services we support the retention and development of community owned, not for profit children’s services.

SDN is a not for profit provider, and all surplus funds are invested directly back into services.

Your child's day

SDN Child & Family Learning Centres provide a long day care service, typically opening from 7am to 6pm. Our preschools operate a shorter day during term times, and accept enrolments from children aged 2 – 5.

You and your child will be welcomed to your SDN service when you arrive, with breakfast available. Indoor and outdoor spaces are offered throughout the day with educators leading small groups of children in activities such as art, construction, library, and dramatic play.

Most of our centres provide a full menu through the day with a hot lunch and all snacks. We promote positive and healthy eating habits in the children and families we work with, including respecting allergies and intolerances, as well as religious or cultural beliefs relating to food.

Our services operate as an integral part of the local community in which they are situated. Staff are skilled in establishing links with other agencies and services such as local schools, health clinics, community groups and shops. Your child will have the opportunity to engage with the world outside the centre through regular excursions, as well as enjoy visits in the centre from Aboriginal story tellers to animal farms, artists to authors. Families are welcome to spend as much time as they would like at the centre, and will receive formal invitations to events and activities on a regular basis.

A Child & Family Learning Centre near you

Please click here to find the nearest service to you.

You are encouraged to contact staff at the service directly to arrange a visit and find out more about enrolment.