Choosing a childcare centre can be daunting for parents who, of course, want the best for their littlies. So it’s good to know that Werribee has Kids World, a privately owned boutique early learning centre that has new owners/on-site managers with impressive credentials and an inspiring approach.
Kieran and Karen Armstrong took ownership of Kids World last November, heading up a team of professional educators who love their jobs and have been at the centre for many years.
Kieran, who has been in early education for a decade, has a psychology degree, majoring in child and adolescent development. Karen is a practising nurse and midwife, with a diploma in children’s services on the way.
Their qualified kindergarten teacher, Lalaine Ortega, has been preparing Kids World children for school for the past seven years.
Above-average credentials and experience? Tick.
But Kids World is different in other ways, too, explains Kieran.
“We draw our inspiration from the Montessori and Reggio teaching philosophies which, in essence, are based on self-directed activity, collaborative play and structured age-appropriate hands-on learning tailored to each child’s interests,” he says.
“We also focus strongly on our parents. For example, we have a morning coffee brew ready on their arrival and offer an afternoon snack on their way out the door. We even usher them out under an umbrella if it’s raining! And our busy parents won’t have to organise kids’ doctor, dentist or hairdressing appointments because these services are offered at the centre. Going ‘above and beyond’ isn’t just a cliché for us.”
Karen draws attention to the many special educational and fun outings organised for the kids.
“Our hugely popular excursions, taken four times a year, include the Fairy Park in Anakie, the You Yangs and Scienceworks,” she says. “We have strong community links and are able to take children on regular visits to the likes of Eagle Stadium and Mambourin Disability Services. We even have a six-seater pram for our community walks – that certainly turns heads.”
Kieran and Karen agree that it’s really all about lots of fun while learning.
“We run themed days, we throw parties, we have pets and we have community visitors,” Karen says. “Our goal each day is to teach children new skills, prepare them for school and ensure they have fun doing so.”
The final word?
“We want to be known as the best early learning centre in Victoria and we’re confident we can make this happen.”
Kids World, 14-16 Walls Road, Werribee. Opens 6.30am-6.30pm weekdays. Inquiries: 9741 4525
