ECEC in Focus: Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay

Fiona Alston

May 29, 2025

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Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay is emerging as a local leader in data-driven practice, leveraging the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) to shape priorities and strengthen child development outcomes.

What is the history of Gardenia Early Learning? Established in April 2024, Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay is a family-owned service grounded in more than 20 years of early childhood education and care (ECEC) experience. Gardenia Early Learning was created to reflect a deep passion for nurturing and educating young children. "The goal was to build a space where children, families, and educators feel a true sense of belonging, connection, and possibility." Gardenia Early Learning was designed to respond to the needs of the local community, while drawing on contemporary educational practices and a strong commitment to family and cultural values. What is the Gardenia Early Learning vision and approach to learning? 'The vision is to support children as capable, confident, and curious learners by providing a warm and inclusive environment grounded in play-based, research-informed practices." "We believe that children learn best through play when they feel safe, connected, and free to explore, question, and create." The educators are co-learners and intentional teachers use contemporary early childhood research to guide their practice. They draw on current theories of child development, brain science, and evidence-based approaches to ensure that every interaction and learning opportunity enhances children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. "We prioritise strong relationships with children, families, and the wider community, and are deeply committed to practices that are culturally responsive, inclusive, and reflective of each child's identity." Sustainability, equity, and lifelong learning are woven throughout their philosophy and daily experiences. What role does data play in shaping Gardenia Early Learning's approach to local child development priorities? Using data is a key part of how Gardenia Early Learning ensures their practices are intentional, relevant, and effective. Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data, informs the service’s planning, ensuring learning environments respond to community needs. Through the Hand in Hand initiative, educators engage in collective reflection and strategy design alongside local partners. "Involvement in the Hand in Hand initiative has enabled us to engage with community-wide data, reflect on local trends, and implement evidence-based strategies that support children’s learning and wellbeing." For example, insights into children’s emotional regulation needs led to a service-wide implementation of The Colour Monster program, supported by targeted training from The Benevolent Society. They also use data to inform initiatives like the community library, family literacy resources, and targeted learning focus areas such as phonological awareness. "These decisions are underpinned by current research and a commitment to enhancing learning outcomes through play-based, meaningful experiences that support children both at the service and at home." The Hand in Hand initiative promotes shared learning and strategic action through quarterly meetings. "These sessions provide opportunities for professional development, data analysis, and collaborative planning based on local trends and areas of developmental vulnerability." Participants engage in in-depth discussions, share resources, and hear from guest speakers such as allied health professionals and experienced educators. Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay has taken a leadership role in the initiative by hosting Hand in Hand meetings, fostering community-wide collaboration and contributing to the collective effort to enhance child development outcomes. Outside of the face-to-face meetings, ongoing engagement continues through regular email updates, Zoom sessions, and shared professional readings to maintain momentum and reinforce learning. This collaborative approach has informed several key strategies at the centre:

The Colour Monster Program: Rolled out service-wide in response to data indicating the need for emotional regulation support. Implementation was supported by targeted training from The Benevolent Society.
Early Language Development: With phonological and phonemic awareness identified as priority areas, educators are exploring responsive, evidence-based approaches to support language-rich environments.
Community Library: A take-home lending program designed to promote family engagement with books. Families also receive practical guidance on fostering early literacy at home.
Family Workshops: In partnership with Younity, Gardenia has delivered parent education sessions to support developmental goals holistically and strengthen the learning bridge between home and care.

How are outcomes from the Hand in Hand initiative evaluated over time? "Each month, educators engage in critical reflection on children’s individual goals, using observations, family feedback, and developmental insights to assess the impact of strategies implemented through Hand in Hand." "These reflections guide adjustments to the curriculum and learning environments to better support each child’s growth." The quarterly meetings provide an opportunity to analyse broader trends across the service in relation to AEDC domains and assess progress in key areas such as emotional regulation, confidence, and connection. "These sessions also allow the team to reflect on the needs of the Deception Bay community more broadly. Feedback from families, local schools, and community partners plays a vital role in this evaluation process." All insights and adjustments are documented in the service’s Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), ensuring alignment with Gardenia Deception Bay’s goals for continuous improvement. "This dynamic, research-informed approach allows the team to maintain high-impact, responsive practices that reflect the evolving needs of children and families within the Deception Bay community." All insights and adjustments are documented in the service’s Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), ensuring alignment with Gardenia Deception Bay’s goals for continuous improvement.

This dynamic, research-informed approach allows the team to maintain high-impact, responsive practices that reflect the evolving needs of children and families within the Deception Bay community. Learn more about Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay here.

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