Early Learning Centre
Exceptional Early Learning, Independently Recognised
At St. Michael’s College, Caboolture, our Early Learning Centre ELC offers a warm, welcoming and inspiring environment where children are supported to grow, belong and thrive.
We are proud to share that our ELC has been rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS) overall, with Exceeding ratings across all seven Quality Areas. This independent recognition reflects the quality of care, learning, relationships, environments and leadership that shape the everyday experience of children and families at St. Michael’s College ELC.
"I am delighted to extend my congratulations to you and your team at St Michael's College Early Learning Centre on receiving an 'Exceeding' rating in the recent assessment and rating process. This achievement reflects the dedication and quality care you provide to children and families in our community. Your focus on continual improvement and delivering a supportive learning environment sets your service apart. The 'Exceeding' rating shows that you have gone beyond the National Quality Standard and are leading by example in early childhood education and care."
— Tania Porter, Deputy Director-General Early Childhood, Regulation and Communication, Department of Education, April 2026
What does Exceeding NQS mean?
The National Quality Standard sets the national benchmark for early childhood education and care in Australia. An overall rating of Exceeding NQS means our ELC has been independently assessed as going above that standard.
This rating was achieved overall and across all seven Quality Areas — an outstanding result that reflects excellence in the quality of education and care we provide for children and families.
"We are incredibly proud of this achievement and what it reflects about our people, our environment and our commitment to children and families. At St. Michael’s, we believe high-quality early learning is built on strong relationships, thoughtful practice and a genuine sense of belonging. We are honoured to share this journey with our families and community."
— Sue Weymouth, Director
About St. Michael's College ELC
At St. Michael’s College, our ELC is a valued part of the wider College community. Led by Director Sue Weymouth, the ELC provides a high-quality early learning experience grounded in strong relationships, thoughtful practice and a genuine sense of belonging.
Our approach is shaped by the belief that children learn best when they feel safe, connected, respected and free to explore. Every day, children are supported by caring educators in environments designed to nurture wellbeing, encourage independence and respond to each child’s strengths, interests and stage of development.
"Our home away from home, our parenting village and community. Educators and staff who have become our friends and who feel like adopted family. Our kids have thrived here with an amazing learning program from toddlers through to Kindy. It’s truly been a privilege to send our kids here. We have had a wonderful journey the whole way."
— Jodie C, Parent
Why Families Choose St. Michael's College ELC
A safe, nurturing environment
Children’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our environments and daily practices are designed to support safety, emotional regulation, confidence and connection, helping children feel secure, calm and ready to learn. The Exceeding assessment recognised the strength of our practices in children’s health, safety and wellbeing.
Nature pedagogy and outdoor learning
Nature is an important part of the learning experience at St. Michael’s. Children are encouraged to explore, discover, imagine and connect with the world around them through outdoor learning, open-ended play and natural environments that invite curiosity and child-led exploration.
Walks on Country and connection to place
Our program values meaningful connection to place and authentic engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. Through experiences such as Walks on Country, children are supported to build understanding, respect and belonging in ways that are age-appropriate, thoughtful and embedded in everyday learning.
Inclusion and responsiveness to every child
We are committed to creating inclusive environments where every child is known, valued and supported as an individual. Our educators respond thoughtfully to children’s needs, strengths and interests, helping each child develop confidence, agency and a strong sense of identity.
Sustainability as an everyday practice
At St. Michael’s, sustainability is not an add-on — it is part of daily life. Through everyday routines, learning experiences and natural play environments, children are encouraged to care for their world and build an early understanding of responsibility, respect and stewardship.
Meaningful family and community connection
Strong relationships with families and the wider community are central to our ELC. We value partnership, open communication and shared journey, and the assessment recognised the meaningful way family and community engagement strengthens children’s learning and wellbeing.
Intergenerational connection
Our commitment to community is also reflected in experiences such as our Intergenerational Program with aged care, which helps children develop empathy, connection and confidence through rich, meaningful relationships beyond the ELC.
A team committed to excellence
This achievement reflects the professionalism, care and reflective practice of our ELC team. Every day, they bring warmth, expertise and intention to the way they support children and families, creating an environment that feels both high-quality and deeply human.
"Our family have had a wonderful experience with St Michael's College Early Learning. The staff are dedicated, patient, caring and supportive and really took the time to help our daughter feel comfortable and settled in. Previously our eldest child attended and as a child with additional needs he always received excellent support from educators who were accommodating and committed to helping him thrive. We are so grateful for care and dedication shown to our family and would recommend St Michael's to all future families."
— Josie G, Parent
A Place Where Children Can Thrive
Our ELC supports children from their earliest years through to Kindy in an environment that is welcoming, engaging and responsive to each stage of development.
Children experience a rich and varied program that includes opportunities for:
- play-based learning
- outdoor exploration
- nature-based experiences
- creativity and self-expression
- music and movement
- relationship-building and social development
- routines that support wellbeing, regulation and confidence
- experiences that encourage child agency, independence and belonging
Our learning environments are designed to be flexible, inclusive and responsive. This includes our Junior Side, which now operates as one cohesive environment, supporting a more connected free-flow model for younger learners.
We believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued, curious and connected.
Discover St. Michael’s College ELC
Choosing an early learning environment is an important decision. At St. Michael’s, families can feel confident knowing their child will be supported in a caring, high-quality and enriching environment where safety, belonging and learning go hand in hand.
To learn more about our ELC, book a tour or enquire about availability, please contact our team.
P: 07 5428 2777
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Ring the Early Learning Centre (ELC) on the number below and speak with our ELC Director or the ELC Administration Officer who will be happy to chat with you about your needs and give you the appropriate forms.
A. The Early Learning Centre will be in contact with you when a place becomes available. But you are more than welcome to ring and ask!
A. There is a $35.00 waiting list fee. We also have a $40.00 enrolment acceptance fee which will be charged on your first account. The waiting list fee and the enrolment acceptance fee are inclusive of GST.
- All meals are supplied to children from Nursery to Pre-Kindy.
- Kindy children receive Morning and Afternoon Tea only.
- Nappies, wipes and creams etc.
- Hat.
- T-Shirt.
- Sunscreen.
- Cot Sheets (nursery only).
- Change of clothes.
- Spare underpants x 4.
- Bottles (for children drinking from bottles).
- Kindy children supply their own lunch in a non-insulated lunch box (goes in fridge during the day).