Oz Education Lake Cathie Childcare & Preschool

Enrolments Open: Enquire Now or Call Us On 1300 088 520!

Our friendly team is here to help with any questions you have about programs, enrolments and centre tours. Contact us on 1300 088 520 or submit an enquiry – we’re here to support your family.

Trusted Childcare & Preschool in Lake Cathie

Now Enrolling – Places Filling Fast

Oz Education Lake Cathie is a welcoming childcare centre in Lake Cathie, surrounded by coastal beauty and a relaxed community atmosphere. Located near local schools, shops, and the lake and beaches, our centre offers a peaceful setting for children to learn and grow.

We provide a nurturing early learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, play, and develop at their own pace. Our dedicated educators focus on building strong relationships and preparing children for a confident transition to school.

3-Day Guarantee Childcare

Starting January 2026, enjoy three days of subsidised childcare per week under the new 3-Day Guarantee – regardless of work, study, or activity level.

What's Included Daily

  • Open all year round 7:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday, except public holidays
  • Four freshly prepared, nutritious meals each day
  • Personalised care and routines so your child feels right at home
  • Nappies, cot sheets, sunscreen and other daily essentials are provided 
  • Qualified and experienced educators prioritising children’s safety and wellbeing
  • Health, nutrition and safety education, including on-site dental checks
  • Access to a wide range of quality early learning and Preschool programs
  • Parent app to track your child’s routines and individualised learning progress

Centre
25 Forest Parkway, Lake Cathie NSW 2445

Contact
1300 644 125 l 6584 8044

Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm

Oz Education 45 years

Jessica | Lake Cathie Centre Director

Jessica is the Centre Director at Oz Education Lake Cathie. Jessica leads the team with a strong focus on connection, community, and high-quality early learning. With a genuine passion for supporting children and families, she has created a warm and welcoming environment where every child is encouraged to feel safe, valued, and confident. Jessica’s leadership reflects the centre’s commitment to building meaningful relationships and providing a nurturing space where children can thrive.

“As Centre Director of Oz Education Lake Cathie, I feel grateful to work in our wonderful coastal community that values connection and nature. Our Lake Cathie childcare centre is more than just a place for early learning – it’s a nurturing environment where children are free to explore their world, guided by caring educators and supported by strong community ties. I believe that every child deserves to feel a deep sense of belonging, and that starts right here in our centre.”

– Jessica

Our Early Learning Programs

We offer high-quality, age-appropriate early learning programs that support your child’s development from infancy through to Preschool. Each program is designed to nurture your child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in a safe, caring and play-based environment. Through play, exploration and meaningful interactions, children experience joy and curiosity while developing essential skills.

Childcare for babies and infants platypus age group

Platypus (0-2 years)

Our Platypus Program provides a warm, nurturing environment where babies feel safe, secure and supported. Through gentle routines and meaningful interactions, our educators build strong bonds that support development, communication and emotional wellbeing.

Inclusions

  • Baby room with large play areas
  • Nurturing cot room with baby safe cots
  • Safe outdoor play area with shade
  • Fun musical and construction toys
  • Age appropriate learning resources
  • Reading nook with sensory flip books
  • Home and community role play corner
  • Sensory garden bed
  • Sturdy play gym and more
Childcare for toddlers koala age group

Koala (2-3 years)

Our Koala Program supports toddlers as they grow in confidence, independence and curiosity. Through play-based learning, social interactions and structured routines, children explore the world around them while developing friendships and communication skills.

Inclusions

  • Large indoor play rooms
  • Large outdoor play area with shade
  • Age appropriate learning resources
  • Reading nook with a library of books
  • Home and community role play corners
  • Push bikes and sand pit
  • Sturdy play gym
  • Educational outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor sporting equipment and more
kangaroo group child dancing

Kangaroo (3-4 years)

In our Kangaroo Program, children develop a deeper understanding of the world around them through hands-on learning experiences. We introduce foundational concepts in STEM, problem-solving and creativity while supporting physical, motor and social development.

Inclusions

  • Large indoor play rooms
  • Safe outdoor play area with shade
  • Learning corner with a smart TV
  • Preschool and STEM learning resources
  • Reading nook and library of books
  • Home and community role play corner
  • Outdoor garden beds
  • Bike track and sand pit
  • Sturdy play gym
  • Outdoor sporting equipment and more
preschool kinder lizard group children learning

Lizard (4-5 years)

Our Lizard Advantage Preschool Program provides a structured, supportive learning environment which is designed to equip curious learners with essential school readiness and STEM skills to enhance their confidence and independence for both school and life.

Inclusions

  • Large indoor play rooms
  • Safe outdoor play area with shade
  • Learning corner with a smart TV
  • Preschool and STEM learning resources
  • Reading nook and library of books
  • Home and community role play corner
  • Outdoor garden beds
  • Bike track and sand pit
  • Sturdy play gym
  • Outdoor sporting equipment and more
stem learning

STEM Learning Program

Our STEM program introduces children to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on, play-based learning. By encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and creative thinking, children explore how things work in a fun and engaging way. These early experiences help build confidence, critical thinking skills, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Alongside guided activities, children are encouraged to experiment, ask questions, and learn through discovery. Whether they are building simple structures, exploring patterns, or engaging with age-appropriate technology, our STEM experiences are designed to spark interest and develop real-world thinking skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

Large Spacious Indoor & Outdoor Rooms

Age Appropriate Learning Resources

Early Learning & Social Development

Fun & Educational Sensory Experiences

Early Numeracy & Literacy Resources

Award-Winning Preschool Program

Early STEM Learning

Imaginative Mini Worlds

Why Local Families Trust Us

Families searching for childcare in Lake Cathie choose Oz Education because we foster happiness and confidence through nurturing, play-based learning. We combine genuine care with quality early learning programs. Our centre supports children’s social, emotional and cognitive development while preparing them for a confident transition to school.

Childcare 5 Star Review

We have just started sending our 4 year old to Oz Education Lake Cathie and cannot speak highly enough of the staff and facilities. The educators make coming in so welcoming, and have done the most wonderful job of helping our son settle in. The outdoor area is fantastic with loads to explore and discover. The crafts, experiments, stories and play are amazing. We are so thankful to the team there who have supported us in the early days.

Laura

Childcare 5 Star Review

The educators at Oz Education Lake Cathie childcare centre are truly amazing—warm, professional, and passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences for every child. The centre itself is beautiful, featuring an extensive outdoor learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and connection with nature. Our child loves spending time outdoors and comes home happy and full of stories each day. We’re so grateful for the care, dedication, and wonderful environment the team provides.

Rebecca

Childcare 5 Star Review

As a teacher, I value high-quality early education, and Oz Education’s preschool program has been exceptional. My child has thrived in a nurturing, engaging environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and essential school readiness skills. The educators are caring, professional, and dedicated to each child’s growth.

Elizabeth

Hear From Oz Education Parents

Choosing the right early learning centre is an important decision. At Oz Education Early Learning Centres, we’re proud to partner with families to create a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for every child.

From our caring educators to our enriching learning programs, families trust us to support their children during the most important early years of development.

Hear directly from our parents as they share their experience and what makes Oz Education feel like more than just childcare.

child STEM learning and holding magnifying glass

Nurturing Creativity & Confidence

At Oz Education, we are committed to providing age-appropriate learning and enriching resources to nurture the minds of young children. Our carefully designed rooms are equipped with stimulating materials and resources tailored to each age group, creating an environment where children can thrive and explore.

Our qualified educators are dedicated to monitoring and engaging with children within each room, ensuring a safe and nurturing space for learning and growth. With their expertise and passion for early childhood education, our educators facilitate a wide range of stimulating learning activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and skill development.

A Safe & Secure Place For Your Child

At Oz Education, nothing is more important than the happiness, safety and wellbeing of your child.

As a family‑owned childcare provider – and parents ourselves – we understand just how much trust you place in us. That trust is never taken lightly. For more than 45 years, our centres have proudly met and maintained the standards of the National Quality Framework (NQF), creating safe, nurturing environments where every child is protected, supported, and valued.

When your child is part of the Oz Education family, you can feel confident knowing their safety is embedded in everything we do – every day.

two girls smiling and wearing pink
ccs calculator
supportive childcare environment for families

Childcare Funding Support For Families

The Government has introduced the 3 Day Guarantee, which provides all CCS eligible families with a minimum of 72 subsidised hours per fortnight, no matter your work, study or training hours.

Oz Education Early Learning Centres offer flexible hours – 9, 10, 11 or full day long daycare sessions to help minimise your out-of-pocket expenses for childcare and save further. If your family is entitled to a maximum subsidy of 95%, your fees could start from as little as $12 a day, depending on the centre.

Oz Education centres in New South Wales are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and participate in the NSW Start Strong program.

This ensures high‑quality early learning is accessible for more families. We’re here to support families and provide the best care and learning for every child.

Start strong funding approved

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oz Education Lake Cathie a great choice for local families?

Oz Education Lake Cathie provides a safe, nurturing and engaging early learning environment where children can learn, grow and thrive. Our qualified educators deliver play-based learning programs that support children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development while building confidence and school readiness.

Where are Oz Education childcare and early learning centres located?

Oz Education operates trusted childcare and early learning centres across New South Wales and Victoria. Our centres are located in Auburn, Boambee East, Dallas, Fairfield, Footscray, Guildford, Gunnedah, Homebush, Lake Cathie, Lidcombe, Redfern, Tuggerah and Wyong.

Families can use our Centre Finder to explore their nearest location, learn more about each centre, view program information, book a tour and enquire about enrolment availability.

What age groups does Oz Education Lake Cathie cater for?

We welcome children aged 6 weeks to 6 years through age-specific early learning programs for babies, toddlers and preschool-aged children.

Can I book a tour of Oz Education Lake Cathie?

Yes. We encourage families to book a centre tour to meet our educators, explore the learning environments and learn more about our programs. Centre tours are a great opportunity to ask questions and determine whether the centre is the right fit for your family.

Do you have childcare vacancies available?

Availability varies between centres and age groups. We recommend contacting your preferred Oz Education centre or submitting an enquiry online to check current vacancies, waitlist options and upcoming enrolment opportunities.

How do I enrol my child at Oz Education Lake Cathie?

You can submit an enquiry online, contact us on 1300 088 520 directly or book a tour. Our team will guide you through availability, enrolment requirements and the next steps for securing a place for your child.

Is Oz Education Lake Cathie approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Yes. Eligible families may be able to reduce their childcare costs through the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Our team can help you understand the enrolment process and provide information about available support.

What early learning programs are available?

Children aged 0-6 years participate in age-appropriate early learning programs designed to support social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
Our curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and includes literacy, numeracy, STEM, creative arts and school readiness experiences. Children also enjoy enrichment programs like dance, cooking, gardening, and multisports.

How does Oz Education Lake Cathie prepare children for school?

Our preschool programs focus on school readiness through play-based learning, early literacy, numeracy, STEM, communication and social development experiences. Children build confidence, independence and essential skills to support a successful transition to primary school.

Does Oz Education Lake Cathie offer preschool programs?

Yes. Our preschool program helps children build confidence, independence and essential school readiness skills through engaging, play-based learning experiences delivered by qualified educators.

What is included in the daily childcare fee?

Our all-inclusive childcare fees cover fresh nutritious meals, nappies, wipes, sunscreen, educational resources, learning materials and access to our early learning programs. We believe childcare should be simple and transparent, so families can enjoy the convenience of knowing everything their child needs is already provided.

Are meals provided at Oz Education Lake Cathie?

Yes. Nutritious meals and snacks are prepared and provided throughout the day. Our menus are designed to support healthy growth and development while accommodating dietary requirements and allergies wherever possible.

What should my child bring to childcare each day?

Requirements may vary by centre and age group, however most children will need a change of clothes, a hat and any personal comfort items they require. Your chosen centre will provide a detailed list before your child’s first day.

How will I stay updated on my child's learning and development?

Families receive regular updates about their child’s learning, development and daily experiences. Our educators work closely with families to share progress, celebrate achievements and support each child’s individual learning journey.

Why do families choose Oz Education Lake Cathie?

Families choose Oz Education for our nurturing educators, play-based learning programs, strong focus on child development, school readiness approach, inclusive environments and trusted experience in early childhood education and care.