ECTARC Jerry Bailey Education and Care Service
ECTARC Jerry Bailey is a beautiful 29 place multipurpose service offering both preschool and long day care programs for children from 2 years to school age, located in the small coastal village of Shoalhaven Heads. We are centrally located in a quiet area near a community park and beside the Shoalhaven Heads Botanic Native Garden, with a view to beautiful Cullunghutti Mountain. It is within an easy walk to Shoalhaven Heads Primary School and is the only early education and care service in Shoalhaven Heads.
Ages
2 to 5 years
Our Service
Our Service was originally opened in 1985 as a stand-alone community owned preschool and came under the auspice of ECTARC in 2012. We remain proudly community owned. Prior to the establishment of Jerry Bailey, our building was the local community hall, and we continue to play a big role in the local community, as well as its history.
At ECTARC, we believe that learning goes beyond the classroom walls – right into the heart of nature! Our early childhood service is deeply connected to the outdoors, providing children with rich, hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and a love for the environment. Whether it’s fishing by the water, riding bikes to the local track, enjoying lunch in the park, or exploring the wonders of the botanic gardens, our program encompasses experiences beyond the gate to ensure that children are active, engaged, and discovering the world around them. Through these experiences, we nurture a sense of adventure, independence, and respect for nature, creating lifelong learners who feel connected to their community and environment.
Our commitment to reconciliation is a core value of the service which has helped us to develop strong connections with Aboriginal people and embed practice within our everyday routine. We connect with Country by engaging children in caring for country responsibilities and our music and language reflects local culture while supporting children’s early literacy skills.
Our educators
Our highly qualified and experienced educators are dedicated to providing exceptional education and care for your child. With a deep understanding of early childhood development, our team creates a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to thrive. Their passion for fostering growth and learning ensures your child receives the highest standard of care, laying the foundation for a bright future.
Documenting your child’s learning and experiences
Storypark is a cloud-based application that is specifically designed to allow parents and teachers to collaborate and communicate together on a daily basis with ease. Get a sneak peek into your child’s day with photos, observations, and interactions to talk about at home!
How our team can support your child
At ECTARC Jerry Bailey, we embrace collaboration between educators and families to create personalised learning experiences that nurture each child’s unique needs. Grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF, V.02), our programs foster strong relationships, a sense of identity, and a love for learning through play. By providing opportunities to explore, discover, and develop critical thinking and social skills, we support children’s physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and language development, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for lifelong growth. Our educators have a strong knowledge of the Circle of Security approach, and we use this to guide our practice, creating secure and authentic relationships with all our children.
Transition to School program
At ECTARC, we promote a smooth and confident transition to primary school by fostering essential skills in social development, independence, and early literacy and numeracy. Our play-based learning approach encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and resilience, helping children develop the confidence they need for their next big step.
Each term, our program highlights a different set of self-help skills essential for school readiness, fostering independence and confidence in children. Regular excursions to Shoalhaven Heads Public School help make the transition to school smoother, ensuring children feel comfortable and confident in their new environment. With the support of our experienced educators, your child will step into school with confidence, independence, and the skills needed to thrive.
Subsidies available
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Start Strong fee relief is available for eligible families.
All families are welcome
ECTARC is committed to reconciliation and inclusive practices.
Our service is committed to ongoing self-assessment against the National Quality Standards to drive continuous improvement and improve the developmental and educational outcomes for young children. Alunga Education and Care Service received a rating of Exceeding the National Quality Standards.
Contact Us
E: jerrybailey@ectarc.com.auP: 02 4448 7524
M: 0419 301 761
Location
16 Celia Parade, Shoalhaven Heads NSW 2535, AustraliaOpening Hours
| Monday | 7:30am-5:30pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30am-5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30am-5:30pm |
| Thursday | 7:30am-5:30pm |
| Friday | 7:30am-5:30pm |