Bay City Early Learning Centre

From the very first phone call, Rachel was absolutely incredible. She was so understanding and empathetic when I explained my high expectations for what I wanted in a childcare centre for my children, and how the other centre they were at wasn't suiting my children. Rachel supported us through a smooth and thoughtful transition from another centre, taking the time to show me around, organise orientation sessions, and help my kids feel comfortable and confident in their new environment. We took things at a pace that felt right, and now my children attend full-time and absolutely love it. The educators are amazing — warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child’s development. The excursions and activities are second to none, offering experiences that are both engaging and enriching. I honestly cannot speak highly enough of the centre. I’m so grateful for everything the team at Montessori Beginnings has done for me and my family. Thank you!

My child has been in this daycare for about six months and it came highly recommended. However my experience has been far from positive. What I like about the centre is your have a long field of vision, which I think increases the safety of children. There's also a little carpark and street parking which makes drop off and pick ups easier. The food also appears to be of a good standard. My son did start with the centre as they began transitioning to a Montessori approach, so there's been a high turnover in staff for the last six months. This has left him unsettled. He was also in the toddler room, which has children 18 months to 3 years old but a very closed off and small and narrow play area really not suitable for active toddlers! He also ended up using his allowed 42 absent days and this caused ongoing issues with the centre resulting in many calls and hours on the phone to Centrelink that appears to be a system issue on their end. This has resulted in weeks of invoices with large amounts owing being issued. Then a week ago, he was sent home with a mild runny nose, explained as 'he just wasn't himself'. Upon pick up, there were 3 educators to four children. He'd just finished his third bowl of food. His nose was fine, but maybe a little bit of dried snot. The kid next to him had candle snot going into his food! I was advised my child needed to go home because he was not himself. By a teacher who had cared for him 4 times. No rash, no fever, no gastroenteritis symptoms. I was advised he'd fallen over and cried. And then knocked a glass over and cried. His shoes were removed in case glass fragments were in them, so he was in his socks outside eating when I arrived. I had advised upon drop off that he was tired as he's only had 3 x 2 hours sleep. They had not attempted to put him to bed for a nap and insisted I take him home. I complained as I left and was unsatisfied with the response. I asked who I can submit a complaint to. The Centre manager said it goes to herself and she'll forward it on. I did raise my concerns about the transparency of the process and no official policy has been provided. When I spoke to the Centre's complaints officer, she did say she spoke to the staff about attempting naps before ringing parents but also said they have a very strict send home policy. I said if your sending kids home with mild snotty noses, they won't be in care across winter. I was then advised that due to my absent days being over allowed that I would have to pay for the Easter public holidays where he's unable to attend care. This is financially not possible. I was furious this was communicated to me 36 hours out from the public holiday. I said I was very angry and will consider removing my child from their care after the ongoing sh*t communications. This was the only time ever I swore. They then cancelled his care effective immediately via email without further comment. My son was never comfortable in the original room, but I was never able to put my finger on why and most of the staff have now gone regardless, but that's a lack lustre feel to that room. I also got rudely told off one morning by the kinder teacher, Donna, for parking in the carpark provided. I had dropped my son late and gone to get a takeaway coffee and was getting into the car when she advised me the carpark was only for daycare parents. I advised her I was and she said nothing further, but certainly no apologywas. The communications and professionalism had lacked across all issues from the beginning with orientation also poor. I know this place has good reviews and I was personally recommended by my cousin who sent her boys there without complaint, but my current experience has been traumatic and stressful.