Little Scholars School of Early Learning is a premier provider of childcare and early education services across South East Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich, and Redland Bay. Founded by Jae Fraser, the organization operates on a family-centric model that prioritizes holistic child development over corporate profit margins. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the early childhood sector, the founder established a network of centers designed to act as an extension of the family unit. This approach ensures that every child receives personalized support during the critical first five years of their life, fostering a lifelong passion for learning through play-based methodologies.
The Little Scholars Educational Philosophy
At the core of Little Scholars is a commitment to nurturing, teaching, and guiding children to develop the skills necessary for future success. Play Based Learning at Little Scholars is not merely a recreational activity but a structured pedagogical approach that allows children to explore their environment safely and creatively. This method recognizes that the first five years are critical for cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Unlike many large corporate chains, Little Scholars is not owned by an investment firm. This independence allows the leadership team to focus entirely on the quality of care and the educational outcomes for each child. The organization embraces both the natural environment and digital technologies as vital educational tools. This balance instills a contemporary, sustainable, and values-driven learning foundation in every curious mind.
The teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that learning should be an exciting experience. Educators are trained to create awareness, respect, and understanding of diversity within the classroom. This includes embedding Indigenous culture into everyday learning programs, ensuring that children engage with the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Acknowledgement to Country is a standard practice, fostering cultural competence from a young age.
Comprehensive Care Programs
Little Scholars offers a wide range of care options designed to meet the needs of families at different stages. The programs are structured to provide continuity of care and progressive learning milestones.
Nursery and Infant Care
For the youngest members of the family, Little Scholars provides nursery and infant care starting from six weeks of age. This program focuses on building secure attachments between educators and infants, ensuring that each child feels safe and valued. The environment is carefully curated to support sensory development and early motor skills.
Toddler Programs
From 15 months, children transition into toddler programs that encourage independence and social interaction. These sessions are designed to help toddlers navigate their growing world with confidence. Educators facilitate exploration through guided play, helping children develop language skills and emotional regulation.
Junior and Senior Kindy
Starting from two years of age, the junior and senior kindy programs prepare children for the transition to formal schooling. These programs emphasize early literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The curriculum is aligned with the Learning Approach framework, ensuring a smooth progression to kindergarten.
Kindergarten
For children from four years old, the kindergarten program offers a robust educational experience. Little Scholars is proud to offer Free Kindy at select locations, making high-quality early education more accessible to families. This initiative reflects the organization's commitment to community support and educational equity.
Before, After-School, and Vacation Care
Working parents rely on Little Scholars for reliable before, after-school, and vacation care. These programs provide a safe and engaging environment when school is out. Activities are designed to keep children active and entertained, reducing the stress on families who need flexible childcare solutions.
Campus Locations and Accessibility
With strategically located childcare centers across South East Queensland, Little Scholars ensures that quality early education is accessible to a wide demographic. The network includes campuses in key suburbs, allowing families to find a center close to their home or workplace.
In the Gold Coast region, campuses are located in Ashmore, Burleigh, Burleigh Waters, Nerang, Pacific Pines, Parkwood, Ormeau, Ormeau Village, Stapylton, and Yatala. Each campus is designed to maximize outdoor learning spaces and natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for children and parents alike.
In Brisbane, the network extends to Deception Bay, Deception Bay North, George Street in Brisbane City, Ipswich, and Karalee. The Redland Bay area is also well-served with campuses in Redland Bay and Redland Bay South. This extensive coverage allows Little Scholars to support thousands of families across the region.
For families looking to explore these options, Book a Tour is the recommended first step. Tours provide an opportunity to meet the educators, see the facilities, and ask questions about the daily routine and curriculum.
STEM, Indigenous Culture, and Sustainability
Little Scholars distinguishes itself through its innovative curriculum that blends traditional early learning with modern educational trends. The integration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for early childhood is a key differentiator. Through hands-on experiments and whizz-bang demonstrations, children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills from a young age.
The organization also places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. The Environment and Sustainability pillar guides daily operations, teaching children to respect and care for the natural world. This includes outdoor explorers programs, often referred to as Bush Kinder, which connect children with the local landscape.
Indigenous culture is woven into the fabric of the curriculum. Educators foster storytelling, music, and creativity to engage children’s understanding of culture. The Acknowledgement to Country is not just a formality but a lived experience that promotes respect and understanding of diversity. This approach ensures that Little Scholars campuses are inclusive and welcoming to all families.
Service Comparison and Key Features
Understanding the unique features of Little Scholars helps families make informed decisions. The table below summarizes the key pillars of the Little Scholars experience compared to standard childcare models.
| Feature | Little Scholars Approach | Standard Childcare Model |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership Structure | Founder-led, family-focused | Corporate or investment firm-owned |
| Curriculum Focus | STEM, Indigenous Culture, Sustainability | Basic care and supervision |
| Outdoor Learning | Bush Kinder and Outdoor Explorers | Standard playground access |
| Community Engagement | Annual Events and Family Time Program | Limited family interaction |
| Educational Technology | Wondernest VR and digital tools | Traditional resources only |
The Annual Events and Experiences at Little Scholars further enhance the community feel. From Camp Out to graduation ceremonies, these events bring children, families, and educators together. They create shared memories that bind the community and celebrate the growth of each child.
Key Takeaways
- Little Scholars operates over 20 years of hands-on experience in early childhood education, founded by Jae Fraser.
- The organization is not owned by a corporation, allowing a focus on family values rather than profit margins.
- Campuses are strategically located across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, and Redland Bay for maximum accessibility.
- STEM education and Indigenous cultural integration are core components of the curriculum.
- Free Kindy is available at select locations, supporting educational equity for families.
- Outdoor learning is prioritized through Bush Kinder and Environmental Sustainability programs.
- Annual events like Camp Out and Science Fairs foster strong community bonds and family engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups does Little Scholars cater to?
Little Scholars caters to children from six weeks of age through to kindergarten. Programs include Nursery and Infant Care, Toddler Programs, Junior and Senior Kindy, and Kindergarten.
Where are the Little Scholars campuses located?
Campuses are located across South East Queensland, including the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich, and Redland Bay. Specific suburbs include Ashmore, Burleigh, Pacific Pines, Deception Bay, and Karalee.
Does Little Scholars offer free kindergarten?
Yes, Little Scholars offers Free Kindy at select locations. This initiative aims to make high-quality early education more accessible to families in the community.
How does Little Scholars incorporate Indigenous culture?
Indigenous culture is embedded in the curriculum through storytelling, music, and regular Acknowledgement to Country. Educators work to foster cultural competence and respect for diversity.
What is the Wondernest VR program?
Wondernest VR is a digital learning tool used to enhance the educational experience. It allows children to engage with immersive content that supports STEM learning and curiosity.
How can I book a tour of a Little Scholars campus?
Families can Book a Tour online or by contacting the specific campus directly. Tours provide a comprehensive look at the facilities and daily routines.
What support is available for working parents?
Little Scholars offers before, after-school, and vacation care. These programs provide flexible and reliable childcare solutions for working families.
Start Your Journey
Choosing the right early learning environment is a significant decision for any family. Little Scholars School of Early Learning offers a nurturing, innovative, and community-focused approach to childcare. With a commitment to child safety, educational excellence, and family engagement, Little Scholars is dedicated to shaping bright futures for children across South East Queensland.
Ready to see what Little Scholars has to offer? Book a Tour today to explore our campuses, meet our educators, and discover how we can support your family’s journey.