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ECEC Provider in Focus: A Country Garden Early Childhood Centres
Freya Lucas
Mar 07, 2025
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A Country Garden Early Childhood Centre comprises of two sites in Queensland’s Toowoomba, and was founded by Carol and Leo Keutman in 1996.
The business has been led by Mark and Jane Naug since 2003.What is the history of A Country Garden?
The business had its starting point in 1996, when Ms Keutman, who had been working in the early years sector for a number of years before raising her six children, wanted to re-enter the early learning space and work in early childhood again.
After spending time working in Toowoomba in a special program introducing children with special needs to early childhood services, she had an opportunity to work as a Director in an early childhood centre.
It was during this time that Leo and Carol began exploring the opportunity of opening their own early childhood centre with the focus on creating a home-like environment that greatly emphasised early childhood education.
In February 1996, A Country Garden Early Childhood Centre – Willow House, opened its doors.
Forming a partnership in 2003 with daughter Jane and her husband Mark Naug, the newly founded team opened A Country Garden Early Childhood Centre – Jacaranda House, in 2004.
Now, almost 30 years on, A Country Garden Early Childhood Centres has forged a reputation in early childhood care and education in the Toowoomba region.
As manager of both centres, Mark Naug has a daily presence and is actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the centres. Living locally and having their own children attend the Centres has given Mark and Jane the added advantage of viewing life at the centres through the lenses of parents.
What is the A Country Garden vision and approach to learning?
A Country Garden specialises in Montessori Early Childhood Education, focusing on fostering early childhood development, believing this sets them apart from their competitors thanks to the unique educational philosophy, as well as the team’s dedication to providing high-quality care in a home-like environment.
Montessori education is a child-centred approach emphasising hands-on learning and independent exploration through various programs. Some of the benefits of a Montessori approach include:
- Montessori programs encourage independent learning
One of the fundamental principles of Montessori education is that children should be encouraged to learn independently. They can explore their interests and discover new things at their own pace.
- Montessori programs promote hands-on learning
Another key element of Montessori education is that children learn best through experience. Rather than being taught through lectures and textbooks, they are given opportunities to learn through hands-on activities.
- Montessori programs foster a love of learning
Because Montessori programs emphasise independent learning and hands-on activities, they help to foster a love of learning in children. This is one of the essential benefits of Montessori education.
- Montessori programs prepare children for kindergarten and beyond
Montessori education provides a strong foundation for learning, helping children between 2 and 3 years of age to prepare for Kindergarten and beyond.
- Montessori programs are flexible
One of the great things about Montessori education is that it is flexible. Programs can be adapted to meet each child's individual needs, which is crucial, as no two children learn in exactly the same way.
To learn more about A Country Garden Early Childhood Centres please see here.
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