Early Education and Care Centres (Child Care)
Quality early learning education for Canberra families
Choosing the right early learning centre is a big decision. At Communities at Work, we provide safe, welcoming environments where families and children feel secure, supported and valued.
As a local not-for-profit organisation, we have supported Canberra Region families for over 40 years. We are committed to delivering high-quality early education grounded in safety, qualified educators and consistent standards across all our centres.
We operate 10 Child Care and Education Centres across the Canberra Region.
Find a centre near you using our search tool by clicking the button below:
FIND A CENTRE NEAR YOU Enrol now
Why families in Canberra choose us
At Communities at Work, we are committed to providing exceptional early childhood education and care for Canberra families. Here’s why families trust us:
- Child Safety: The safety and wellbeing of children, families and our team is our highest priority.
- Trusted Community Organisation: As a not-for-profit, we have a long-standing reputation for supporting Canberra families with integrity and care.
- Strong Family Partnerships: We work closely with families through consistent communication and collaborative relationships.
- Holistic Wellbeing: We prioritise physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, ensuring children feel safe, supported, and valued.
- Play-Based Learning: Programs designed to support children’s learning and development through engaging, play-based experiences. Aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework*, promoting best practices in early education.
- Qualified Educators: Our team creates stimulating environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
*The Early Years Learning Framework is Australia’s system for regulating early learning and school-age care including legislation and national quality standards, sector profiles and data, and learning frameworks.
About Our Centres
Our programs are tailored to support your child’s learning and development at every stage (From 6 weeks to school age). All programs align with the Early Years Learning Framework, promoting best practices in early education.
Our Approach
Communities at Work’s early learning programs focus on providing a solid foundation for all children to learn and thrive. This includes: building strong relationships, creating a sense of belonging and supporting each child’s individual needs.
Children learn through play, routines and meaningful interactions with other children and our educators.
Meals and Facilities
Our centres offer safe, vibrant indoor and outdoor environments.
Our meals are prepared daily and offer nutritious and allergy-safe options, safeguarding children’s dietary restrictions.
Browse all our Child Care and Education Centres – click on the relevant centre page to find out more about the centre and place an enquiry.
- Abacus Child Care & Education Centre
- Appletree House Child Care & Education Centre
- Capital Hill Early Childhood Centre
- Greenway Child Care & Education Centre
- Illoura Child Care & Education Centre
- Isabella Plains Early Childhood Service
- Isabella Plains Child Care & Education Centre
- Narrabundah Early Childhood Service
- Ngunnawal Child Care & Education Centre
- Taylor Child Care & Education Centre
Enrolment Information
Enroling with Us
Communities at Work offers year-round enrolments for families.
To enrol or enquire, please complete our online enrolment form.
You can also contact our Children’s Services enrolments team on admin@commsatwork.org or call us on 02 6293 6500 for support.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
All of our centres in the Canberra Region are approved for the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy This means eligible families can receive financial support to help reduce the cost of early childhood education and care.
In January 2025, the Australian Government introduced the 3 Day Guarantee. Families who qualify for the Child Care Subsidy can now access at least three days of subsidised early learning and childcare each week, helping make care more affordable and consistent.
If you would like to learn how this applies to your family, our team is here to help. Enquire today or book a tour at your nearest centre.
For more information about the Child Care Subsidy, or to check your eligibility, please visit Services Australia.
You can also read our Frequently Asked Questions here.
Our Fees
Fees vary between centres depending on the services offered.
You can review the current fee information for each centre on its individual webpage.
For questions about fees or payments, please contact us using our get in touch form here. You can also email us on admin@commsatwork.org or call us on 02 6293 6500.
Our Commitment
We are committed to pursuing excellence in all areas of service delivery and are constantly improving. Practices across our centres reflect the standards of the National Quality Framework. Our Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is based on interests, abilities and social dynamics of individuals as well as groups of children, allowing for play, discovery, investigation and critical thinking.
We also encourage family involvement across our early education and care centres as aspects of family lifestyle, work, culture and interests offer important learning opportunities for all children. We celebrate diversity and value the opportunity for involvement. All families are invited to share their interests, skills and cultures with us.
Stories from our Child Care Centres
‘I never thought I would have my children in childcare five days a week while I work,’ said a mother at one of our early childhood centres.’ ‘After a while trying to make the routine work, I realised I couldn’t focus on both things at once – and this was a hard realisation at the time. To make sure my child was receiving the best chance in their development and growth, I had to find support and the best care for them.
‘The Communities at Work Child Care Centre provide my children with safety and consistency while I go to work, facilitating my girls’ education, social skill building, autonomy, and teaching them kindness.
‘One of my children had a speech delay, but has improved her speech since attending additional childcare days. She often has her hair braided at childcare. ‘Mummy, look at my hair,’ she will say with delight as I pick her up from the centre. One of her educators does her hair during the day, and their bond has been so imperative in fostering her sense of belonging.
‘My other daughter was recently diagnosed with a significant medical condition. After speaking to the Infants Room team, I felt confident to leave my daughter in their care and not stop work altogether. After three months, her specialist confirmed an incredible improvement – and I recognise all the care and attention from the Educators who look after her. Their continual support allowed me to continue working to provide for my children during these difficult times.
‘It means the world to me that my daughters have a safe place that is invested in their growth and development – very similar to what they find when they are with me at home.’
This story is just one of the many ways our early education and care centres make a difference in the lives of children and instil a sense of community while inspiring curious minds.
The names of the children and mother, Educators, and services were left out to safeguard the children’s privacy.
What Families Say
“Our little guy transferred across from another centre where he would cry all day and would never want to let us leave. The staff at Appletree have made him feel like part of the family from the first day. He almost instantly stops crying when we leave because he feels so safe and cared for.
We receive constant communication from the centre about upcoming events, his development and daily feedback. He absolutely loves going to “school” every day, and I attribute that to the excellent team at Appletree.
– Parent, Appletree House Child Care & Education Centre
“I adore this centre, the workers, the routines and the systems they have in place. I feel so much better about my child going into care knowing he is so well looked after.” – Parent, Narrabundah Child Care & Education Centre
Contact Information
Find a convenient centre near you by using our search functionality here.
If you’re ready to enrol your child, click here to be taken to our MyWaitlist Enrolment Portal.
Alternatively, contact us using our get in touch form here. You can also email us on admin@commsatwork.org or call us on 02 6293 6500.