Koala Toddlers Program
At two, your little one wants to do everything themselves. Our toddler program gives 2 to 3 year olds the space, routines and caring educators to build that independence. As a result, they grow in confidence, make their first real friendships and find their words. Australian families have trusted Oz Education for more than 45 years.
- CCS approved
- Small groups with qualified educators
- Meals, nappies and wipes included
A day in our toddler room
Toddlers thrive on routine, so every day follows a familiar rhythm. At the same time, educators adjust it to your child’s sleep, appetite and mood.
A typical day includes:
- Indoor and outdoor play, because toddlers learn by moving, climbing and exploring
- Group time with songs, stories and simple turn-taking games
- Freshly prepared meals and snacks, matched to any dietary needs
- Rest time after lunch, with quiet activities for children who no longer nap
- Toilet training support when your child is ready, working with what you do at home
- Daily updates on meals, sleep, toileting and highlights
How we support your toddler's development
Between two and three, toddlers change fast. For this reason, our program follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and supports every area of development through play. However, every child grows at their own pace, so the milestones below are a general guide only.
Social & Emotional
Toddlers are learning to share, take turns and name their feelings. So our educators stay close as a secure base, help children through big emotions and guide early friendships. Read: How to support children’s social development
Language & Communication
Many 2 year olds begin putting two or more words together, such as “big yellow bus”. That’s why we talk, sing, read and ask questions all day, so new words become part of everyday play. Read: Why early literacy skills are critical to your child’s success
Physical
Running, jumping, climbing and balancing build strong bodies. Meanwhile, drawing, threading and using glue sticks build the fine motor skills toddlers later need for writing. Read: How physical activity supports healthy growth
Thinking & Problem Solving
Toddlers love sorting colours, doing simple puzzles and working out how things fit. As a result, they start to spot patterns and solve small problems on their own. Read: Benefits of construction play
Sensory & Creative
Imaginative play really takes off at this age. For example, a box becomes a car and a block becomes a phone. Art, music, sand and water play also help toddlers express themselves. Read: Benefits of sensory play activities for children
Early Learning & STEM
Ramps, blocks and sorting games are a toddler’s first science and maths lessons. Through hands-on play, children explore cause and effect, shapes, sizes and numbers. Learn more: STEM Education at Oz Education
Growing independence, one step at a time
Toddlers want to do things “by myself”, so we give them plenty of chances to try. Educators gently support children to feed themselves, wash their hands, put on shoes and pack away.
When your child shows signs they’re ready for toilet training, we work with you. That way, the approach at home and at the centre stays the same. Until then, nappies and wipes are included in your fees.
Our early learning curriculum
Our curriculum follows the Early Years Learning Framework, Australia’s national framework for early childhood education. For toddlers, learning happens through play, everyday routines and relationships with educators.
It covers seven areas of development: language, physical, social-emotional, cognitive, creative, mathematical and STEM.
All-inclusive toddler childcare. No hidden costs.
One daily fee covers what your baby needs, so you can just bring your baby and go.
Freshly prepared meals
Breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Nappies, wipes & sunscreen
All supplied, including through toilet training.
Personalised routines
A quiet rest after lunch, matched to your child’s needs.
Qualified caring educators
Small groups that meet national ratios.
On-site health checks
Health checks happen at the centre, so there are no extra trips.
Flexible session hours
Choose 9, 10, 11 or 12-hour sessions to suit your week.
What parents say about our toddler program
Hear directly from families who’ve watched their toddlers grow with us.
Oz Education is truly my child’s home away from home! Attending five days a week, my little one loves the clean, welcoming environment and delicious, nutritious meals. The educators are exceptional—dedicated, professional, and genuinely caring. I feel completely confident knowing my child is in such a safe and nurturing space every day. Highly recommend Oz Education early learning centre to any family seeking quality early education and care!
Sayed
Our son has been attending Oz Education since he was a baby, and now, as he gets ready for school, we couldn’t be happier with his progress. The educators are caring, professional, and nurturing, always supporting his learning and development. He loves coming to the centre every day, and we feel completely confident knowing he’s in such a safe and welcoming environment. Highly recommend Oz Education.
Amanda
My 4-year-old has attended since she was 7 months old and absolutely loves it. I was nervous returning to work, but the wonderful staff at Oz Education created a warm, nurturing environment that gives me total confidence every day. My daughter is always excited to see her educators, and the Centre Director does an amazing job managing the centre. We love it so much that we still attend even after moving out of the area—it’s worth the travel!
Victoria
Starting in our toddler room
Whether your toddler is new to childcare or moving up from our babies room, we take it slowly, at their pace.
Already in our babies room? Your child moves up at around two, after short visits to the toddler room with a familiar educator, so the change feels easy.
Enquire
First, tell us your baby’s age, start date and preferred centre.
Visit the centre
Then meet the toddler room educators and see the space.
Orientation visits
Before the first day, short stays together help your child get to know their educators.
First day
On the day, we’ll send updates and photos so you can relax.
Childcare Subsidy & Fees for Toddlers
All Oz Education centres are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). In addition, under the Government’s 3 Day Guarantee, eligible families can receive at least 72 subsidised hours per fortnight, whatever your work or study hours. We also offer flexible 9, 10, 11 or 12-hour sessions, so you can keep your out-of-pocket costs down.
A Safe, Secure Toddler Room
Nothing matters more than your child’s safety. That’s why our centres meet the National Quality Framework, including one educator for every five toddlers in NSW and one for every four in Victoria. We’re also family-owned and parents ourselves, so we never take your trust lightly.
Next stage: Kangaroo Early-Prep
Moving up doesn’t mean starting over. At around three, your child joins our Kangaroo Early-Prep program (3–4 years), often with the same friends close by.
Enquire about a place in our toddler room
Places fill quickly, so it pays to enquire early. Tell us a little about your family and we’ll call you back. Prefer to talk? Call 1300 088 520.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting in the toddler room
What age is the What age is the Koala Toddlers program for?
The Koala Toddlers program is for children aged 2 to 3 years. Most children join from our babies room at around two, while others start childcare for the first time at this age. At around three, they move up to our Kangaroo Early-Prep program.
How do you help my child move up from the babies room?
We plan the move together with you. First, your child makes short visits to the toddler room with a familiar educator. Then we share their routines and comfort items with the toddler room team, so the change feels gradual rather than sudden.
How do you help toddlers settle into childcare?
We start with orientation visits where you stay with your child. After that, we follow their home routine, welcome comfort items and send updates so you know how they’re going. Most toddlers settle within a few weeks.
My toddler cries at drop-off. Is that normal?
Yes. Separation anxiety is very common between two and three. A short, consistent goodbye helps, and educators comfort your child and settle them into play. In most cases, the tears stop soon after you leave and ease within a few weeks.
Can I visit the toddler room before enrolling?
Yes. We encourage every family to visit, meet the educators and see the toddler room. Enquire online to arrange a visit at your nearest centre.
Daily care and routines
What is the educator-to-child ratio for toddlers?
For children aged 2 to 3, we have one educator for every five children in NSW and one for every four in Victoria. These are the ratios set by the National Quality Framework.
Do you help with toilet training?
Yes. When your child shows signs of readiness, we work with you so the approach at home and at the centre is the same. Educators encourage regular toilet visits, celebrate small wins and never rush. Until then, nappies and wipes are included in your fees.
Do toddlers still nap at childcare?
Most 2 year olds still need a rest after lunch, so every toddler has a quiet rest time in a calm space. Children who no longer sleep rest quietly or do calm activities instead. We also follow any sleep routine you share with us. Read more about rest time.
What meals do you provide?
We provide freshly prepared meals and snacks throughout the day, including for children with allergies or dietary needs. Meals are included in your daily fee. See Meals & Nutrition.
Are nappies and wipes included?
Yes. Nappies, wipes, sunscreen and meals are all included in our daily fee. See everything included in your fees.
What should I pack for my toddler's day at childcare?
Most toddlers need a hat, a water bottle, a comfort item if they use one and spare clothes. If your child is toilet training, pack several changes of clothes. Your centre will give you a full list before the first day.
How do educators handle tantrums and big feelings?
Tantrums are a normal part of being two. Educators stay calm, help children name their feelings and give them simple ways to cope. We also praise positive behaviour, so children learn what to do instead. Read: The role of positive reinforcement in early childhood.
How will I know how my toddler's day went?
You’ll receive regular updates on meals, sleep, toileting and learning moments, plus a chat with educators at pick-up.
Learning, fees and centres
What will my toddler learn in the Koala program?
Toddlers learn through play, songs, stories and everyday routines. Our program follows the Early Years Learning Framework and builds language, social skills, independence, early maths and creativity.
What happens when my child turns three?
At around three, children move up to our Kangaroo Early-Prep program for 3 to 4 year olds. It builds on what they learned as toddlers and starts preparing them for preschool.
How much does toddler childcare cost?
Fees vary by centre and session length. Most families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, which can cover a large share of the cost. See our fees and Child Care Subsidy guide, or enquire for your centre’s daily fee.
Which Oz Education centres have a toddler room?
Our centres in Auburn, Fairfield, Guildford, Homebush, Lidcombe, Redfern, Tuggerah, Wyong, Boambee East, Gunnedah, Lake Cathie, Dallas and Footscray. Find your nearest centre.