A Mum’s Story of Support, Growth and Community
Finding the right daycare is never easy. Sometimes, you don’t even know what you’re looking for until you find it.
Twelve years ago, first-time mum Rachel visited Mikarie Child Care Centre. It’s an award-winning, inclusive long daycare centre in Kirrawee. She had toured several other centres, but none felt quite right.
Then she found Mikarie.
She enrolled her eldest daughter. Her second and third daughters followed. After more than a decade of drop offs and pickups, her youngest is now starting school. This marks the end of an era for her family.
Why Mikarie Child Care Centre?
Rachel vividly remembers her first tour of Mikarie Child Care with Naomi, the centre director.
“The moment I walked in, everything felt right,” she recalls. “It was clear Mikarie was intentional in its approach to early education. The thoughtfully designed purpose-built space was perfect for children to explore and engage.”
Over the past 12 years, the level of care and attentiveness has remained at the same high standard.
“Mikarie is a truly inclusive place. It embraces diverse learning needs and styles so that every child can thrive.”
Rachel didn’t choose Mikarie solely for its inclusivity. But it became one of the things she valued most about the centre.
A Personal Journey with Inclusion and Support
At the age of three, Rachel’s eldest daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy. Her first seizure happened unexpectedly at 7 pm after an otherwise standard day. At the time, Rachel’s second daughter was just nine months old.
“Knowing my daughter might have another seizure anytime was scary. But I felt better knowing she was at Mikarie.” It’s more than just a childcare centre; it’s a place where caring for individual needs is a deeply held value.”
Despite no experience with epilepsy, the room leader sought training on managing seizures. This knowledge was shared with the entire team, ensuring her daughter was always in safe hands.
“She had five seizures at Mikarie over the years,” Rachel shares, “and none of them resulted in hospitalization. That level of trust and support is something I’ll never forget.”
The Role of Mikarie Educators and Team
At the heart of Mikarie is a team of dedicated educators, many of whom have been there for years which is always a good sign. Their warmth and experience create an inclusive environment. Children feel seen, supported, and accepted for who they are.
“The team always have time for you. They greet you with a smile and presence and that warmth reflects in the way they treat the children in their care.”
Rachel credits Naomi’s leadership for fostering this culture.
“She is phenomenal. Her vision is clear and it’s important to her that words and actions always align. The structures she has put in place support both the children and the team to be their best selves.”
The Impact of Inclusive Daycare Education
Rachel has seen how Mikarie’s diverse, inclusive approach has shaped her daughters. They now value and understand inclusivity.
“Children aren’t born noticing differences; they’re taught,” she says. “My daughters are incredibly open-minded. This presents as curiosity in a welcoming and nonjudgmental way. These intrinsic behaviours will serve them well in every aspect of their lives.”
Preparing for the Next Chapter
With her youngest daughter starting primary school, the family looked at their daycare portfolios over Christmas break. They reflected on the rich, meaningful experiences, and look forward to maintaining the friendships and community they have built along the way.
“Mikarie adjusts the environment to fit the child, not the other way around,” she says. “Children gain social and emotional stability, knowledge and a tailored learning experience. Every child can succeed in the right setting and Mikarie makes that happen.”
Essential Advice for Parents
For parents exploring childcare options, Rachel highly recommends Mikarie.
“Inclusive settings can be life-changing, and education is the beginning. It’s about values, community, and giving your child the opportunity to learn, there’s room for everyone. Mikarie’s unique approach and consistency makes it a wonderful place for your child to be.
Mikarie Child Care is now accepting expressions of interest
If you’re looking for unrivalled care and engaging early childhood education for children aged 6 months to 6 years
