Exceeding National Quality Standard
Crafting enriching kindy experiences for over 50 years
About
The educational program at Stafford Heights Kindergarten honours every child’s right to a happy and fulfilling childhood. It is a place where children belong, learn and contribute to their community.
Our mission is to provide a safe, caring, nurturing, creative, sustainable and educational environment conducive to play-based learning and optimal development for each child.
As a not-for-profit community kindergarten, we are staffed by caring, experienced and professional teachers, yet all management decisions are governed by a parent committee. This structure fosters community, empowers parents to contribute to their child’s education, and enables us to reinvest any profits back into the kindy.
Stafford Heights Kindergarten is affiliated with Lady Gowrie – a government approved central organisation to guide and support associated community kindergartens.
Lady Gowrie (QLD) Inc. is a not-for-profit early childhood organisation which, for over 70 years, has been a leader in providing early childhood programs, and currently oversees 95 early childhood service providers throughout Queensland.
The Lady Gowrie name in Queensland is synonymous with high quality and affordable early childhood services that promote a sense of emotional well being and social and cultural awareness for children, while supporting parents and enabling greater workforce participation. This philosophy and community driven ethos is strongly aligned with Stafford Heights Kindergarten and we are proud to be one of their community kindergartens.
Meet our team
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Leonie Russell - Director + 3 day group Teacher
“Young children are capable, competent learners and in an engaging, positive and stimulating Kindy environment, and with the right support, guidance and care, they will thrive and become independent, self-guided learners and global citizens. I’m excited to work with you and your children to make your child’s Kindy year a memorable, engaging and significant year of development for them, and a year of community connection for you and your family. I look forward to welcoming you to Stafford Heights Kindergarten and to getting to know you and your child in their Kindy year. It will be a rewarding experience to help care for and assist your child with their learning.”
Leonie holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma (Early Years) and has been working with children in various roles in community kindergartens, childcare services and schools for over 18 years.
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Jodie Spicer - 2 day group Teacher
“I have had an incredible journey across all ages within the early childhood sector for the past 13 years. Witnessing the world through children’s curious and excited approach to everything around them is one of the most rewarding aspects of my teaching journey. My ultimate goal is to establish a positive, engaging, child-led classroom where children recognise their worth and take ownership of their learning and thrive as happy, confident individuals in their community.”
Jodie holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching).
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Dena Wright - 2 day group Assistant Educator + Administration / Enrolments Officer
“I have many years of experience working in various positions in the early childhood sector. I personally enjoy working within the early years, supporting young children to develop and maintain strong concepts about themselves as capable and successful life-long learners. One of the many joys of my job is helping children to develop a sense of belonging by supporting them to engage in all aspects of the Kindy environment.”
Dena holds a Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care).
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Davina Kempnich - 3 day group Assistant Educator
“I have worked in the Early Childhood Sector for 10 years. Above all, I am passionate about the education of our young children and believe that learning through play is the cornerstone of early childhood development. I believe it is important to work as a team and that parents and carers are their child’s first teachers. I value your contribution to your child’s learning and wellbeing and will keep the lines of communication open so that we can work together.”
Davina holds a Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care).
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Sue Adnams - Assistant Educator
“I have had the pleasure of working in the childcare industry for 15 years. As every child is an individual, I encourage the children to communicate their ideas and express themselves freely to enable them to build their social skills, confidence and independence. This is provided through enjoyable experiences for the children through play including music, art, role play and completing everyday tasks which enhances their self-help skills and self-pride.”
Sue holds a Certificate III in Early Children’s Services.
Accreditation
National Quality Standard – awarded highest assessable ranking
Stafford Heights Kindergarten is very proudly awarded the ranking of ‘Exceeding National Quality Standard’ by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). This assessment is indicative of our true commitment to continued excellence in early childhood education. The kindergarten achieved the highest possible ranking in all seven areas:
Educational program and practice
Children’s health and safety
Physical environment
Staffing arrangements
Relationships with children
Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
Governance and leadership
In its summary of our assessment, ACECQA said:
“The Regulatory Authority congratulates Stafford Heights Preschool and Kindergarten's achievements in providing high quality outcomes for children, families and educators by exceeding the National Quality Standards in all of the seven Quality Areas.
The holistic approach to teaching and learning, and the shared understanding of educators, enables children to be competent and capable learners. The sense of community and involvement of parents and children as active decision makers in the service contributes to the high level of quality at the service. The strong partnership between educators and families build on children's sense of belonging, being and becoming.
Stafford Heights Preschool and Kindergarten is commended for achieving a rating of Exceeding National Standards overall.”
Visit the ACECQA website for more information on the National Quality Standard.
Approved Kindergarten Program
Stafford Heights Kindergarten is proudly a Queensland Government Approved Free Kindergarten Program provider.
