Hobart, Tasmania, is home to a wide range of early learning centres that provide high-quality education and care for young children. These centres are dedicated to nurturing the development of children during their crucial formative years, offering a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where they can explore, learn, and grow. With a strong emphasis on both academic and social development, the early learning centres in Hobart focus on creating a balanced experience that prepares children for the challenges of primary school and beyond. Many of these centres are guided by educational frameworks that prioritise play-based learning, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional resilience.
The Top 20 Early Learning Centres in Hobart represent the best in early childhood education in the region. These centres are renowned for their skilled and compassionate educators, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to child-centric learning approaches. They offer a wide array of services, from daycare to preschool programs, with flexible hours and a variety of educational philosophies. Parents can find centres that align with their values and their children’s unique needs, ensuring a tailored educational experience that supports each child's individual growth. Whether you are looking for a centre that incorporates nature-based learning, a bilingual environment, or a strong emphasis on community, Hobart's top early learning centres provide exceptional care and education options.
The Collegiate School
The Collegiate School in Tasmania is an independent Anglican school offering education from Early Learning to Year 12. Known for its strong academic reputation and focus on developing well-rounded students, the school provides a nurturing environment that supports personal and intellectual growth. The institution offers a comprehensive curriculum, including a wide range of co-curricular activities, to help students reach their potential in both academic and personal spheres. Committed to excellence, the school aims to equip students with the skills, confidence, and character needed for future success.
Services Offered:
- Early Learning and Kindergarten programs
- Primary and Secondary education (Years 1-12)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) options
- Music, drama, and arts programs
- Sports and outdoor education activities
- Boarding facilities
- Pastoral care and wellbeing programs
- Leadership development opportunities
- International student support
Phone: +61 3 6210 2200
Email: reception@collegiate.tas.edu.au
Website: www.collegiate.tas.edu.au
Sandy Bay Child Care
Sandy Bay Child Care is a family-owned early childhood education and care service in Tasmania. They provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children aged six weeks to five years. The centre is committed to offering high-quality care that supports the development of each child through play-based learning and a curriculum tailored to individual needs. With a strong emphasis on building positive relationships and creating a community-focused environment, Sandy Bay Child Care encourages children to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.
Services Offered:
- Early childhood education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years
- Play-based learning programs
- Qualified and experienced educators
- School readiness programs
- Focus on social, emotional, and cognitive development
- Safe and secure learning environment
- Flexible care hours
- Nutritional meals and snacks
- Outdoor play and exploration
- Family support and communication
Phone: +61 3 6225 4211
Email: info@sandybaychildcare.com.au
Website: www.sandybaychildcare.com.au
Clarence Children's Services
Clarence Children's Services, located in Tasmania, provides high-quality early childhood education and care for children and families in the Clarence region. Their services are designed to promote the learning and development of children from birth to school in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. They prioritise creating strong relationships with families to meet each child’s needs. The service operates several child care centres, including long day care, vacation care, and early learning programs, all guided by professional staff trained in early childhood education and development.
Services Offered
- Child Care Centers: Long day care for children aged 0-5 years
- Vacation Care: School holiday programs for school-aged children
- Early Learning Programs: Programs designed to prepare children for school with a focus on early literacy, numeracy, and social skills
- Before and After School Care: Support for working parents with quality care options
- Family Support: Services and resources to assist families with parenting and early childhood needs
- Specialised Programs: Tailored educational activities based on the developmental needs of individual children
Phone: +61 3 6245 8600
Email: clarence.children@ccc.tas.gov.au
Website: www.ccc.tas.gov.au
Gowrie Tasmania
Gowrie Tasmania is a leading provider of early childhood education and care services across Tasmania, committed to fostering the development of young children in a supportive and nurturing environment. The organisation creates positive learning experiences, emphasising quality educational practices that align with the National Quality Standards (NQS) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Gowrie Tasmania offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of children, families, and educators, including childcare services, professional development, and community engagement. The team at Gowrie Tasmania is passionate about providing opportunities for children to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and inclusive setting.
Services Offered:
- Early Childhood Education and Care: Providing high-quality childcare and early education programs.
- Professional Learning and Development: Offering training and resources for educators and professionals.
- Family Day Care Services: Registered daycare educators provide flexible childcare options.
- Parent and Community Engagement: Building strong partnerships with families and communities to support children's development.
- Inclusion Support: Services designed to cater to children with additional needs.
- Resource and Advisory Services: Support for educators and child care providers to improve quality practices.
Phone: 03 6230 6800
Email: info@gowrie-tas.com.au
Website: www.gowrie-tas.com.au
Hutchins School
Hutchins School is an independent, Anglican day school in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, catering to boys from early learning to Year 12. The school is known for its strong academic performance, wide extracurricular activities, and focus on developing character, leadership, and community spirit. Hutchins offers a supportive and inclusive environment, providing students with opportunities to excel academically, socially, and personally. The school’s modern and purpose-built facilities support various educational programs, from the arts and humanities to science, technology, and sports.
Services Offered:
- Early Learning (Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten)
- Primary School (Prep to Year 6)
- Secondary School (Years 7 to 12)
- Academic support and enrichment programs
- Extensive co-curricular activities (sports, music, drama, debating, etc.)
- Leadership and community development opportunities
- Careers counselling and university preparation
- Boarding facilities for students from regional and international areas
- International exchange programs
Phone: +61 3 6221 4200
Email: enquiries@hutchins.tas.edu.au
Website: www.hutchins.tas.edu.au
Friends' School
Friends' School, located in Hobart, Tasmania, is a well-established independent Quaker school offering educational services from early learning to Year 12. The institution is deeply committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to reach their full academic and personal potential. The school's ethos is rooted in simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality, integral to its educational philosophy. In addition to its strong academic curriculum, Friends' School emphasises character development, critical thinking, and global citizenship, providing students with the skills and values necessary for success in a rapidly changing world.
The school offers a wide range of programs and services designed to cater to the diverse needs of its student body. Its focus is on creativity, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. To help students grow holistically, Friends' School offers extracurricular activities, including arts, sports, and leadership opportunities. The School fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, where staff, students, and families work together to create a nurturing educational experience.
Services Offered:
- Early Learning (Preschool and Kindergarten)
- Primary and Secondary Schooling (Years K–12)
- Academic Support and Enrichment Programs
- Music, Drama, and Visual Arts Programs
- Sports and Outdoor Education
- Leadership Development and Community Engagement
- Environmental Sustainability Initiatives
- Quaker Values and Spiritual Care
Phone: +61 3 6210 2200
Email: enquiries@friends.tas.edu.au
Website: friends.tas.edu.au
Blossom Montessori
Blossom Montessori is a childcare centre that provides a nurturing, Montessori-based early childhood education program in Australia. Their philosophy emphasises a child-centred approach, fostering independent learning, curiosity, and self-discovery in a supportive environment. With a team of experienced and passionate educators, Blossom Montessori aims to empower young children to become confident, competent, and compassionate individuals. The centre caters to children aged 0-6 years and focuses on developing skills across all areas of life, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth, using Montessori materials and techniques.
The centre offers various services to cater to different needs, including full-time, part-time, and flexible care arrangements. The Montessori curriculum encourages children to learn through hands-on experiences, promoting a love of learning and respect for others and the environment. Blossom Montessori provides a warm, inclusive environment where children can grow independently while offering activities that enhance social skills and emotional well-being.
Services Offered:
- Full-time and part-time childcare options
- Montessori-based curriculum for children aged 0-6 years
- Individualised learning plans tailored to each child's needs
- Experienced, qualified educators
- Safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment
- Hands-on activities focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development
- Flexible care arrangements to suit family needs
Phone: 02 8320 7888
Email: info@blossommontessori.com.au
Website: www.blossommontessori.com.au
Discovery Early Learning Centre
Discovery Early Learning Centre is a childcare centre in Australia that offers a nurturing educational environment for children from infancy to preschool. The centre emphasises individualised care, fostering each child’s development through play-based learning. The team of qualified educators at Discovery Early Learning Centre supports children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. Their approach is built on the understanding that children learn best in a supportive and engaging environment, where they are encouraged to explore, create, and discover the world around them.
Services Offered:
- Childcare for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
- Play-based Learning that promotes holistic development
- Qualified Educators with a focus on individual growth
- Early Education Programs tailored to developmental milestones
- Nutritious Meals are provided throughout the day
- Safe and Stimulating Environment designed for exploration and learning
- After School Care for school-aged children
Website: https://discoveryelc.com.au
Mount Carmel College
Mount Carmel College, located in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, is a Catholic girls' school offering Kindergarten to Year 12 education. The college provides a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and spiritual development. With a strong commitment to empowering young women, Mount Carmel College encourages students to develop leadership skills, critical thinking, and resilience. The school aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals equipped for the challenges of the modern world while remaining grounded in Catholic values.
Services Offered:
- Early Learning (Kindergarten - Year 2): Early childhood education focusing on developmental needs.
- Primary Education (Years 3 - 6): Comprehensive academic curriculum focusing on core subjects.
- Secondary Education (Years 7 - 12): A broad range of subjects, including humanities, sciences, and creative arts.
- Leadership Programs: Opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through various initiatives.
- Catholic Faith Formation: Religious education and spiritual activities to support faith development.
- Co-curricular Activities: Various extracurricular options in arts, sports, and cultural programs.
- Student Support Services: Counselling, learning support, and wellbeing programs.
Phone: +61 3 6216 7900
Email: info@mountcarmel.tas.edu.au
Website: www.mountcarmel.tas.edu.au
LittleBee Digital
LittleBee Digital is an Australian-based digital marketing agency that offers various services to help businesses build and grow their online presence. It delivers tailored digital marketing solutions, particularly to small and medium-sized businesses, leveraging innovation and a client-centric approach. The agency aims to help businesses effectively communicate with their target audience, increase their visibility online, and boost their overall digital performance.
Services Offered:
- Website Development: Custom web design and development optimised for performance and user experience.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Enhancing visibility and driving organic traffic through on-page and off-page strategies.
- Social Media Marketing: Building and executing social media campaigns to engage customers and boost brand awareness.
- Google Ads & Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Campaigns: Running targeted ad campaigns to drive qualified leads and conversions.
- Content Creation: Developing high-quality content that resonates with audiences and supports digital marketing goals.
- Brand Strategy: Creating and refining brand identity and positioning to ensure a consistent online presence.
- E-commerce Solutions: Developing and optimising e-commerce platforms to help businesses sell online effectively.
Phone: +61 3 9017 3797
Email: info@littlebee.net.au
Website: https://www.littlebee.net.au/
Thrive Group
Thrive Group has provided quality early childhood education and care across Tasmania since 1975. Focused on supporting families and strengthening communities, Thrive operates in rural, regional, and urban areas to ensure access to exceptional childcare. The organisation is committed to creating safe, engaging, and challenging environments that foster self-determination, exploration, and learning.
By partnering with local communities, Thrive promotes meaningful connections while ensuring children’s rights to play and develop are respected and celebrated.
Services Offered:
- Early Learning Centres: Structured environments fostering early childhood education
- Family Day Care: Home-based care with a personalised approach
- Outside School Hours Care: Flexible programmes supporting families before and after school
- Community Engagement: Collaboration with families and local communities
Phone: (03) 6341 1555 (Head Office)
Email: contact@thrivegroup.org.au
Website: https://www.thrivegroup.org.au/
New Horizons Preschool
New Horizons Preschool offers a nurturing and inspiring early childhood education based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy. With campuses in Battery Point and Lenah Valley, Tasmania, the preschool fosters creativity, imagination, and inquiry-based learning through its child-centred approach.
Their philosophy recognises children as capable learners who express themselves in countless ways. The preschool provides a welcoming environment where children explore their interests and develop holistically with the guidance of skilled educators.
Services Offered:
- Reggio Emilia Philosophy: Inquiry-based learning focusing on children’s natural curiosity and creativity
- Multiple Campuses: Located in Battery Point and Lenah Valley
- Holistic Development: Emphasis on the “Hundred Languages of Children” to support diverse modes of expression
- Open Mornings: Opportunities for families to experience the preschool environment firsthand
Phone: (03) 6228 1500
Website: https://www.newhorizonspreschool.com.au/
St Virgil's College
St Virgil's College provides a dedicated Early Learning Years Centre for boys from Kindergarten to Year 2. The programme fosters joy, curiosity, and meaningful learning through inquiry-based experiences. The Centre offers a nurturing environment where children explore, develop, and grow as active learners. Through spontaneous moments of wonder, the Centre integrates academic and social learning, guided by the principles of Edmund Rice Education. Visitors are encouraged to tour the facilities, interact with staff, and gain insights into the Centre’s approach to early education.
Services Offered:
- Early Learning Programme: Emphasises the development of curiosity, social interaction, and inquiry
- Purpose-Built Facilities: Designed specifically for early childhood education for boys
- Individualised Learning: Tailored experiences to meet the needs of young learners
- Outside School Hours Care: Providing care before and after regular school hours
Phone: (03) 6234 2440
Email: jsadmin@stvirgils.tas.edu.au
Website: https://www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/
CallCare
CallCare is a comprehensive caregiving service that offers high-quality childcare in Australia, focusing on personalised and compassionate care. Their mission is to provide nurturing support for children, fostering emotional, social, and cognitive development. CallCare’s childcare services include in-home care and specialised support for children with special needs.
The service prioritises creating a safe and engaging environment where children can thrive, with a team of skilled caregivers trained to meet individual needs. Additionally, CallCare offers flexible options, including emergency care and 24/7 support, to ensure that families have the help they need whenever it’s required.
Services Offered:
- In-Home Child Care: Tailored routines and educational support in the comfort of the child’s home
- Specialised Care: Support for children with physical, developmental, or behavioural challenges
- Occasional and Emergency Care: Flexible care options for unexpected situations
- 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock assistance for families
- Educational Support: Helping children with their homework and learning activities
Phone: 1300 004 225
Email: contact@callcare.com.au
Website: https://www.callcare.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Learning
When selecting an ELC, it's important to consider factors like location, the qualifications of staff, the curriculum offered, and the centre's facilities. Visiting the centre, observing the environment, and asking questions about educational approaches, safety protocols, and available services (such as meals or nappies) can help you make an informed decision.
Early Learning Centres in Hobart typically follow Belonging, Being, and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the national curriculum for early childhood education in Australia. This framework promotes play-based learning and focuses on developing children’s wellbeing, identity, communication skills, and relationships with others.
Yes, many Early Learning Centres in Hobart, especially those in popular areas, may have waiting lists, particularly for younger children. It’s advisable to enrol your child as early as possible, sometimes a year in advance, to secure a place at your preferred centre.
The fees for Early Learning Centres in Hobart can vary based on the centre's location, the age of your child, and the type of care provided. On average, fees range from $70 to $130 per day. Additional charges may apply for meals, excursions, or other activities, depending on the centre.