Every Precious Cargo centre is unique, and Collinswood is no exception. Our two-storey centre is purpose-built with inviting learning spaces, a kitchen cooking platform, and outdoor play areas! Children thrive in a culturally diverse environment, guided by multilingual educators who celebrate inclusivity every day.
The Montessori focus on sustainability and sensory learning comes to life through caring for pet frogs, tending to vegetable and herb gardens, and sharing produce with our Grow Free cart. Children also benefit from strong community connections and a welcoming First Nations Library that families can enjoy together.
At Precious Cargo Collinswood, every child is encouraged to grow, discover, and build the confidence they need for future success.
Practical Life in Montessori mirrors the home, with children and educators working together on tasks like cleaning, food preparation, and washing. These activities develop independence, concentration, coordination, and social adaptation. Areas include Care of Self, Care for the Environment, Grace and Courtesy, and Control of Movement.
Sensorial activities refine the senses, helping children notice and classify differences in the world. Montessori called the senses the “doorway to the mind.” Through this work, children develop perception, discrimination, and judgment, laying the foundation for mathematics and language.
Problem Solving and Mathematics begin with hands-on, reality-based materials that make abstract concepts concrete. Children count, match, and explore operations and shapes, focusing on discovery and process rather than the correct answer.
Language and Literacy are nurtured daily with books, songs, rhymes, and tactile resources. Montessori materials capture interest and support independence. At Precious Cargo, children build vocabulary, enjoy stories and poems, and progress through the literacy curriculum with guidance.
Culture and Extra Curriculum Activities invite children to explore geography, biology, history, and science while celebrating traditions through food, music, and stories. Gardens, animals, and nature studies connect their immediate environment to the wider world, encouraging respect and global awareness. Excursions, incursions, and community links—such as zoo visits, talks from the Fire Department, or reading to students—further broaden experiences, building curiosity, empathy, and pride while fostering meaningful connections with others.
*Children enrolled for 5 days per week receive a 5% discount on fees.
For more information on how fees are charged, please contact the centre. To see how this would effect your CCS, use our estimator.
We provide most of the essentials that may be needed throughout the day. We ask that you pack and label; spare clothes, water bottle, comfort items/dummies. And if your child requires a sleeping bag, milk bottles, formula, or breast milk.
We offer orientation sessions for families to come along before the first day to have a short play with us. These sessions are usually close to the first day and act as a good lead in. It gives you, your child, and the educators time to get to know each other and the opportunity to ask any questions or provide important information. These sessions are usually organized once enrolment is confirmed, they last for 2 hours and are free of charge. Talking about it at home is also a great way to get your child excited for all the amazing experiences they will get to be a part of.
Be positive! Make the drop off a happy experience and take a few minutes to help your child to settle in. The mornings can be busy, but taking some time to find an activity your child enjoys and saying goodbye can help for a smoother start to their day. There will always be a warm and caring educator on hand to help. You are always welcome to give the centre a call after you have left for an update.
The educator to child ratio varies depending on state and territory, we meet or exceed this ratio. 0 to 24 months the ratio is 1:4 in all states and territories. 24 to 36 months the ratio is 1:5 in QLD and SA, and 1:4 in VIC. Over 36 months the ratio is 1:11 in QLD, SA and VIC. You can find out more on the ACECQA website.
It is important to take the time to find a centre where you feel confident and comfortable and know your child will be safe, happy, and protected. Find a centre that provides a learning environment where careful guidance and role modelling by educators can help children become competent, independent and develop valuable life skills. It is also important to consider aspects that will impact your family such as location, cost, and inclusions.
All Mayfield Early Education centres aim to meet or exceed the National Quality Standards and Regulatory requirements of an early childhood service. We regularly update our policies and procedures to ensure that children, family, and educators are aware of their requirements and responsibilities to help keep children in our care happy, safe and protected. As a parent or guardian of a Mayfield Early Education centre, you can find out more by visiting www. mayfield.com.au/policies. This page requires a password which you can obtain from your Centre Manager upon your enrolment.
Absolutely satisfied with the child care services provided! The staff is not only professional and experienced but also genuinely caring and nurturing. My child looks forward to going to the centre. Highly recommended for any parent seeking a supportive and enriching environment for their little ones!
— Pari Kareer
The staff at Precious Cargo Collinswood goes above and beyond in caring for your children. They have well-qualified and experienced staff who genuinely care for the kids. My son has been attending for six months now, and I can't find any faults. The educators share detailed daily information about his activities every time I pick him up. This is a fantastic centre for your child.
— Michelle Bhatt
Really great child care which is Montessori based where both my kids have been experiencing great personalised care and early education. Educators are really kind and supportive in personalised care for my kids.
— Lakki Kaneria
We warmly welcome any questions you'd like to ask about Precious Cargo!