Early childhood education at its best — driven by purpose, not profit.

Did you know that only 5% of childcare centres in Australia are community not-for-profit (NFP)? The Y Canberra Region is proud to be part of this minority offering high-quality early learning that places children’s wellbeing and development at the core of everything we do.

Why Choose a Community Not-for-Profit Childcare Centre?

At The Y Canberra Region’s Early Learning Centres, families can expect an environment where care, education, and community come first not financial return. Unlike the 95% of for-profit childcare centres, our services are structured to reinvest directly into better outcomes for children, staff, and families.

When you choose The Y Canberra Region, you will receive:

• Higher educator to child ratios providing more individual attention and care.
• Highly qualified, continuously trainedEducators ensure best practice learning and nurturing.
• Nutrition and food culture are integrated into our learning philosophy.
• Independent and internal audits guarantee compliance, safety, and quality standards including an exceeding Safeguarding Children accreditation from the Australian Childhood Foundation.

Research and regulatory reviews have shown that for-profit childcare providers may make compromises to maximise profits, potentially impacting safety, staff qualifications, and food quality. This results in concern for regulation breaches, underqualified staffing, and limited focus on individual development.

Why The Y is Different

At the Y Canberra Region Early Learning Centres, we believe that every child deserves to be safe, nurtured, and inspired. Research from the ACCC highlights that not-for-profit centres consistently deliver higher quality care than larger for-profit providers. That’s because our priorities are aligned with what truly matters for children’s development, safety, and wellbeing.

A Strong Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning

The first 1,000 days of life are crucial in shaping a child’s future. That’s why our programs focus on supporting every child’s growth in a nurturing and stimulating environment. We empower children to become confident, capable, and curious individuals through play-based learning, tailored support, and strong family and community partnerships.

Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which supports every child’s journey of Belonging, Being and Becoming.

Safeguarding at the Heart of What We Do

At the Y Canberra Region, safeguarding is a fundamental part of our culture. We are committed to creating safe and inclusive environments where children and young people feel respected, protected, and heard.

We:

• Embed Safeguarding Children and Young People policies and procedures.
• Provide ongoing training for all staff to identify and mitigate risks.
• Maintain zero tolerance for child abuse or neglect.
• Partner with families and children to ensure concerns can be raised and addressed confidently.
• Fulfil all legal obligations to report and respond to any issues of safety or welfare concerns.

Additionally, the Y Canberra Region partners with the ACT Government Community Services Directorate to prioritise placements for vulnerable children and families experiencing hardship.

What Makes Us Unique?

• Nutrition: While some for-profit centres allocate as little as 33 cents per meal, we invest significantly in providing fresh, nutritious meals that support healthy development because 90% of brain growth happens before age five.
• Reggio Emilia inspired learning: Food, culture, and community are central to our curriculum, helping children make meaningful connections.
• Environments: Each centre is uniquely designed with input from educators, families, and children ensuring spaces reflect the needs and interests of all children.
• Sustainability and life experiences: We integrate nature, sustainability, and real-life hands on experiences into daily activities, fostering adaptability and responsibility.
• Proven experience: The Y has delivered trusted programs for Canberra families since the 1970s, with our first Early Learning Centre established in Belconnen in 2010.

Find a Centre Near You

We operate five Early Learning Centres across Canberra:

• Belconnen
• Gungahlin
• Holder
• Holt
• Jamison

Whether you’re seeking care close to home or work, the Y Canberra Region offers a nurturing, high-quality early learning experience that gives your child the best start in life.

Learn more or enquire today to join a community where children come first.