Our daughter loves going to Kindy at the Nest! The two-year Kindy program is a fantastically diverse experience ranging from structured literacy activities to rich free-play time. We have heard our daughter talking about such a wide range of topics and her vocabulary and understanding around these has been, quite frankly, mind blowing. I love that she is learning about sustainability, numbers, cooking, letters, animals, shapes, colours and so much more while having fun and making great friends. The staff at Pelican’s Nest are so friendly and supportive and are always exploring ways to extend the learning and social experience for the kids. Thank you Pelican’s Nest for your amazing work!
Trish Hatcher
“Play is the highest form of research” Albert Einstein
Welcome to Pelican’s Nest
We are a leading Early Learning Centre located in Pelican Waters on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. We provide exceptional early childhood education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.
Early childhood is a unique and valuable stage of life. We are passionate advocates for early childhood development and strive to provide a holistic, nurturing, learning environment where children feel safe, connected and happy. Our programs are based on the National Early Years Learning Framework and our centre also provides a Queensland Government Approved Kindergarten Program.
Immersive outdoor experiences are embedded into our programs as we are an accredited Nature Play and Bush Kindy provider. We utilise our beautiful surrounds on the campus of Caloundra City Private School and value the profound health, cognitive, social and emotional development benefits exploring the natural world has for young children.
“If we really want children to thrive we need to let their connection to nature nurture them.” Claire Warden
We promote the development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills through fun, play-based learning experiences that support building vocabulary, problem solving, communication, reflection and increasing children’s understanding of the world around them.
Testimonials
We have spent the past five years with our three children in the care of Pelican’s Nest and could not recommend it more highly. All three of our children have always felt safe, supported and loved while at the Nest. Thanks to the Pelican’s Nest Kindergarten program’s support and development, all of our children have also left their time at the Nest, Prep-ready! It’s always a nice feeling to know that while you leave your child for the day, they will be cared for with love, inclusion and an interest in developing them to be the best version of themselves.
Clara MarshallOur son has been attending Pelican’s Nest in the nursery since he was 7-months-old and we always pick him up at the end of the day with a smile on his face. I was originally quite anxious to send him to daycare so young, but the team have been fantastic in helping transition us both to daycare life! The app the centre uses is amazing and the girls are always very attentive and open to sharing plenty of updates throughout the day. His daycare days are rich with so many fun (and messy!) activities and I know he is having a great time and being exposed to many new experiences. The team have also really helped us in the journey of introducing new foods and taking bottles. The centre is super clean, staff are professional and the facilities and outdoor areas are the best in the area.
Annabelle HenzellChoosing care for your most precious is a huge decision. Pelican Nest has undoubtedly been the best we made for our family. It is a joy for me to collect my child to hear about her happy day at The Nest. The quality of teaching and care is outstanding. The centre is constantly staged differently to enhance excitement and the love of learning. Aurora is my fourth child and her manners are definitely the best out of all!
Kelly McLeanMy daughter is thriving at Pelican’s Nest. The centre has the largest outdoor play area and beautiful air-conditioned rooms that the educators set so passionately. The staff are warm, friendly and very committed to a wonderful experience. My daughter is now being toilet trained and starting some kindergarten skills, plus her manners are impeccable. The staff really care, and your child will love it here.
Austin McLean
Our staff are highly qualified early childhood educators
We nurture and build strong relationships with children and families to provide the highest level of care, early childhood education and support.
Our Location
Pelican’s Nest Early Learning Centre is located in Pelican Waters, Caloundra, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Our bright, spacious centre boasts well equipped indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Being on the campus of Caloundra City Private School provides children access to the best facilities for play, exploring and learning. These unique experiences include;
- Nature play activities and bushwalks in the beautiful surrounding Pelican Waters Reserve
- Borrowing books from the school’s award-winning Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Library
- Permaculture education and activities in the school permaculture garden including helping to care for our chicken
- Sport and PE lessons in the Raelene Boyle Hall
- A smooth transition from Kindy to Prep, visiting the school grounds and facilities to build confidence, wellbeing and school readiness