In August, Mikarie Child Care Centre (Mikarie) celebrated 15 years of providing high-quality, inclusive early childhood education and care at an event attended by special guests including Member for Hughes, Mr David Moncrieff MP.
Established in 2011, Mikarie was founded with a vision to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where children of all abilities could learn, play and thrive together. Fifteen years later, the centre has grown into a trusted community hub, supporting up to 80 children aged six weeks to six years each day across three purpose-designed learning environments.
Director Naomi Hardiman said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the centre’s achievements and the positive impact it has had on generations of children and families.
“Every single member of the Mikarie team has put so much hard work, passion, and energy into everything they do each and every day,” Ms Hardiman said. “Something they have done so well over the past 15 years is support children living with disability.”
“While many childcare centres and schools have separate classes for children living with disability, we are able to include them in mainstream learning environments.
“This ensures that other children don’t see them as different. They don’t see a child using a wheelchair; they see someone in their class riding a cool motorbike that they want to try. They don’t see orthotics that a child needs to help them walk; they see cool footwear that they want to wear too.
“That’s why it is so important to have centres like this that doesn’t separate children based on ability. We need more spaces that allow children to see each other for who they are, rather than focusing on a disability.”
A strong legacy of inclusion supports every child to thrive
Inclusion is embedded in every aspect of Mikarie’s approach, ensuring children of all abilities have opportunities to participate, develop meaningful relationships and learn alongside their peers in a supportive environment.
As part of Sylvanvale, Mikarie educators benefit from direct access to a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, therapists and disability support professionals. This unique connection helps educators build their skills and confidence in supporting children with diverse learning and developmental needs.
Over the past 15 years, Mikarie has built a strong reputation for excellence in early childhood education, receiving multiple industry awards in recognition of its commitment to inclusion, innovation and high-quality care.
Sylvanvale CEO Leanne Fretten said she was proud of the centre’s achievements.
“I am proud to see just how far Mikarie has come over the past 15 years. Its history goes to the heart of how Sylvanvale was formed: a group of parents uniting to create opportunities and a better quality of life for their children.
“I look forward to seeing the amazing things that the team at Mikarie will achieve in the years ahead.
