St Nicholas Early Education Maitland is an 82-place early education and care centre situated in the heart of Maitland’s city centre. The centre boasts a unique outdoor play environment featuring a diverse range of natural and man-made equipment, providing children with ample opportunities for play and exploration. Since its establishment in 2020, the Maitland centre has garnered significant community support, leading to an expansion of its licensed places to 82 in early 2022. The centre’s commitment to offering top-tier early education and care is further enhanced by its proximity to a state-of-the-art facility, facilitating ongoing professional development for staff to ensure a high quality of care for children and families.
Emily McIntosh, the dedicated Centre Director at St Nicholas Early Education Maitland, embodies a passion for early education that is reflected in her journey within the field. Starting with a traineeship at a play-based service, Emily’s commitment to professional growth led her to secure a position at the Maitland centre, where she played a pivotal role in its inception. Through her unwavering dedication, Emily progressed from an educator to Assistant Director and eventually Centre Director, showcasing her belief in the importance of building meaningful relationships to support children’s development and learning journeys.
Dispelling common misconceptions in early childhood education, St Nicholas Early Education Maitland emphasizes the value of play-based learning and adherence to the Early Years Learning Framework. The centre provides tailored school transition programs, ensuring children are equipped with essential skills for a seamless transition to formal schooling. With a focus on fostering learning and development, St Nicholas offers unique advantages such as extended hours, care for infants as young as 8 weeks, and dedicated partnerships and transition programs with schools, underscoring its commitment to providing comprehensive educational programs for all children.