Handprints ELC started in 2014 with our St Ives service. Within six months of operating our innovative approaches and outstanding education programs had us recognised with the top rating of exceeding the national quality standard. Most recently, in January 2020, our St Ives service once again received the top rating of exceeding by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Authority in all seven standards!
Handprints was created by Julia, Sally and Andrew McKean based on Julia’s passion for the early childhood industry and her advocacy for a better start for all children in the first five years through quality education and care centres. Handprints have a strong focus on family and community connections and this is embedded in our programs and practice. We offer parent play nights, where parents come in to learn how their children learn each day. We also offer family dinner nights, where families take home dinner for the evening and have a relaxing night off! With such a positive response from families, and an extensive waitlist, we decided to extend our offering to a second service to share our message and values on a wider platform. St ives Preschool
When 1 Ridgeland Ave, Killara (owned by the Department of Education) went to tender, we put through an application seeing the potential to create a wonderful learning place for the families and children of Killara. In January 2016 we found out we were successful and began the process of taking over the operations of our Killara centre. Since we opened in February 2016, Killara has had a special community feel, that is enhanced by being situated alongside Killara Public School. The building has character and a real sense of heart, which is further emulated by the caring educators and long-standing director.
Handprints Wentworth Point opened in March 2018, and we welcomed a new team of educators and teachers into our Handprints community. The centre’s open play spaces and natural environments have been praised by local families. A childcare centre with water views? What more could you ask for! The families at this service commend the educators for being flexible to their ideas and having adaptive programs. Our amazing Chef works each day to create delicious and nutritious meals for the children, and the smell of fresh baking fills the centre each day.
The journey continues with our final centre, Handprints Turramurra, which opened in October 2019. Handprints Turramurra is a perfect community hub with easy access to local transport, markets, community gardens and parklands. Handprints Turramurra is full of interesting and innovative learning spaces that inspire children and adults alike to play! This centre focuses on the concept of wonder, as children are encouraged to ‘wonder’ about the world around them. Educators then enhance children’s concept of learning as they learn how to use research, investigation and collaboration as a method of finding answers to the questions they wonder. St ives Childcare
Although Handprints will not be acquiring any new services, our mission is not complete. We want to influence the lives of the children and families in our community, and we want them to influence ours. We will always continue learning, always reflect on our practices, and of course, always continue to wonder.