About Clarkson Early Learning Centre
A warm, inclusive childcare centre for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years
More Than Childcare. It’s Community, Care, and Connection.
At Clarkson Early Learning Centre, we believe early education should feel like an extension of home—a place where your child is known, celebrated, and gently guided to grow. We’re not a corporate centre. We’re not transactional. We’re not about ticking boxes. We’re about real relationships, intentional learning, and creating a trusted space where families belong.
We opened our doors with a clear purpose: to offer high-quality early learning that supports the whole child—mind, body and spirit—in an environment that’s calm, inclusive and responsive to individual needs. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we help children become confident, curious learners while honouring their identity, culture, and natural pace of development.
Our Story
Why We Exist
We started Clarkson ELC because we saw what was missing in so many other centres—genuine connection. Large, overly structured environments often left children feeling like numbers and parents feeling unheard.
So we created something different.
A centre where:
- Every child is respected and understood.
- Every parent is welcomed as a partner.
- Every educator is valued and supported to grow.
- The curriculum responds to the interests of the child, not a predetermined checklist.
Since opening, we’ve built strong ties with local families in Clarkson, Merriwa, Mindarie, Ridgewood, and beyond. We’re proud to say that many of our enrolments come from word-of-mouth recommendations—a reflection of the relationships we build and the trust we earn.
Our Vision & Mission
Vision
To become the most trusted and respected early learning centre in our area. A vibrant hub where every child feels seen, every family feels supported, and every educator feels valued.
Mission
To create a nurturing, play-based learning environment that promotes curiosity, connection, and emotional wellbeing, fostering confident, capable learners and strong family partnerships every step of the way.
What We Stand For
Respect
We honour every child’s identity, every family’s story, and every educator’s role.
Community
We build connections that extend beyond the classroom.
Curiosity
We foster learning through discovery, not direction.
Inclusion
We welcome and celebrate all cultures, languages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Partnership
We walk alongside parents, listening, sharing, and growing together
Sustainability
We teach children to care for the world and make conscious choices.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Our families tell us time and time again: it’s the people that make the difference.
That’s why we prioritise educator continuity and strong, authentic relationships.
Meet Our Team
Behind every great early learning centre is a team of passionate educators who truly care. At Clarkson ELC, our staff are more than qualified, they’re deeply committed to building strong, respectful relationships with every child and family.
Highlights of our team:
- Low turnover means your child sees familiar, trusted faces every day.
- All educators are trained in the Early Years Learning Framework and ongoing professional development is encouraged.
- Many of our team members are multilingual and come from diverse cultural backgrounds, reflecting the community we serve.
- We maintain above-ratio staffing to support child-led learning and responsiveness throughout the day.
Our team is carefully selected not just for experience, but for empathy, warmth, and emotional intelligence, traits that matter most in early education.
Jo French
Centre Owner
Kylie Thompson
Centre Manager
Chelsea Maher
Lead Educator
Avril Cheng
Lead Educator
Brianna White
Educator
Bailee King
Educator
Michelle Arrowsmith
Educator
What Makes Clarkson ELC Different?
We’re not a franchise. We’re not part of a corporate chain. We’re a locally owned, independently operated centre with a strong community focus and a heart-led philosophy.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Child-Led Learning
Every child has the right to guide their learning. We follow their interests, adapt our curriculum accordingly, and give them the space to wonder and explore.
Real Belonging
Our environment is designed to reflect the diversity of our families. We celebrate cultural events, display family photos, and encourage home language use.
Slow, Respectful Transitions
Children move rooms when they’re ready, not based on age. This ensures security and confidence at every developmental stage.
Slow, Respectful Transitions
Children move rooms when they’re ready, not based on age. This ensures security and confidence at every developmental stage.
Partnership with Families
You’re never “just the parent dropping off.” You’re a collaborator in your child’s care and learning.
Environmental Stewardship
We teach sustainability through hands-on practices like gardening, composting, and recycling.
Our Commitment to Every Family
Whether you’re a first-time parent or returning for your second (or third) child, we know that the early years are tender, transformative, and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to being:
- Responsive, not rigid
- Kind, not transactional
- Inclusive, not generic
- Reliable, not performative
From helping you navigate Child Care Subsidy (CCS), to easing your child’s transition into care, we’re here to walk alongside you. Always.
Ready to Join Our Community?
GET STARTED WITH CLARKSON EARLY LEARNING TODAY
We’d love to welcome you and your little one. Whether you’re looking for care now or planning ahead, we’re here to help.