River 'Yarra' Room
Welcome to the Yarra Room, our gentle, calm and nurturing space for babies and toddlers. Named after the Indigenous word for river, Yarra represents growth, gentle flow, and the strong foundations formed in the earliest years of life.
A Caring and Safe Beginning
The first three years of life are incredibly important.
During this time, babies and toddlers need to feel safe, comforted and deeply connected to the people who care for them.
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In the Yarra Room, we focus on creating a warm, secure environment where children feel settled, loved and free to explore at their own pace.
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Our educators take the time to truly know each child, their routines, preferences, comforts and cues, so they feel understood and supported throughout the day.
A Calm, Close-Knit Environment
The Yarra Room is intentionally kept small and calm, allowing our educators to form close, meaningful connections with each child.
A smaller group helps create a peaceful environment where babies and toddlers feel secure, settled, and supported throughout their day.
This approach allows educators to respond quickly to children’s needs and provide the comfort and reassurance that is so important in the early years.
Building Strong Relationships
At the heart of the Yarra Room are strong, trusting relationships. We support children by:
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Responding gently and consistently to their needs
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Creating familiar routines that help children feel secure
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Offering comfort and reassurance, especially during drop-offs and transitions
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Working closely with families so care at the centre reflects home routines
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When children feel safe in their relationships, they develop confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of belonging.
Why Babies and Toddlers Need Extra Care and Support
Babies and toddlers rely on the adults around them to help them feel safe and regulated. At this age, children are learning to:
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Trust others and form secure attachments
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Express their needs, often without words
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Manage big emotions with support
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Explore the world while feeling protected
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Our educators provide calm guidance, reassurance and encouragement, helping each child grow in confidence while knowing they are always supported.
Learning Through Play
Learning in the Yarra Room happens naturally through play, exploration and everyday moments.
Our play-based program supports:
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Sensory play and discovery
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Early communication and language development
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Social interaction and simple turn-taking
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Physical development through movement and play
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Daily routines that support rest, nutrition and wellbeing
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Educator-to-Child Ratios
To ensure each child receives the care and attention they need, we follow the National Quality Framework educator-to-child ratios at all times:
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Birth to 2 years: 1 educator to 4 children
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2 years to 3 years: 1 educator to 5 children
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These ratios allow our educators to form close connections and provide responsive, attentive care.
Working in Partnership With Families
We believe families know their children best.
We value open communication and work in partnership with you to support your child’s routines, development and wellbeing.
Our doors are always open, and we welcome ongoing conversations to ensure your child feels safe, happy and supported.
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We look forward to welcoming your family into the Yarra Room, where your child will be cared for with warmth, respect and genuine care.
Our Curriculum
Belonging, Being & Becoming in Our Rooms
Our learning program follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and is guided by Belonging, Being and Becoming.
These principles are thoughtfully woven into each of our rooms to support children at every stage of their early learning journey.
Belonging
In the Yarra Room (0–3 years), belonging is built through secure, caring, responsive relationships.
Babies and toddlers are supported by familiar educators, gentle routines, and responsive care so they feel safe, comforted, and truly known.
Being
For children in the Yarra Room, being means having time to explore the world at their own pace. Through play, sensory experiences, and everyday moments, children are supported to express themselves, feel secure, and enjoy learning in the moment.
Becoming
In the Yarra Room, becoming focuses on early development — building trust, communication, and confidence as children take their first steps in learning and relationships.
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Together, these principles guide us in creating warm, nurturing, and meaningful learning environments where every child feels safe, supported, and ready for their next stage of growth.