Start the Journey Earlier with Faith-Aligned Learning from Day One

Imagine a child’s first day at your school - not in Kindergarten, but years earlier, in a nurturing environment shaped by your school’s faith, values, and educational pedagogy. An Early Learning Centre (ELC) integrated within your independent school offers more than early education. It creates a seamless transition into primary education, embedding your pedagogy and culture from the earliest years.

This early connection fosters a deep sense of belonging and loyalty, building enduring relationships with families long before their child officially enrols in your school. It’s a transformative step that shapes futures, strengthens communities, and secures your school's legacy.

Why Leading Independent Schools Are Investing in ELCs

An ELC offers a seamless introduction to your school’s culture and community, embedding your faith-based values and learning approach from the start. Families develop strong ties to the school, and children transition confidently into your primary years, reducing the need for external enrolment campaigns. Schools we work with consistently report greater enrolment stability and enhanced community loyalty as a direct outcome of their ELC programs.

Meet Growing Community Demand

Across Australia, demand for quality early childhood education has never been higher. In regions like Griffith, NSW, families face waitlists of up to 70 children for childcare places, according to the ABC. Parents are prioritising early learning environments that offer both educational quality and alignment with their family values. An ELC allows your school to address this need while enhancing your reputation as a leader in the community.

Deliver Impressive Financial Returns

Finexia says for-profit childcare centres typically achieve returns on investment (ROI) of 25% to 30%. Independent schools can capitalise on this opportunity to create a sustainable revenue stream through tuition fees and government subsidies. The revenue generated can fund school enhancements, reduce reliance on tuition fee increases, and support strategic growth initiatives.

Unlocking Financial and Strategic Opportunities

As covered in our recent webinar with Resolve Consulting, schools integrating ELCs benefit from significant government funding opportunities, such as:

• The Community Child Care Fund (CCCF), supports the expansion of ECEC services in high-demand areas
• NSW’s Building Early Learning Places Program, designed to add over 300 new childcare spaces
  
  

These programs offer substantial financial assistance, reducing the capital outlay for ELC projects and improving financial sustainability from the outset.

Once operational, ELCs deliver a steady stream of income through fees and subsidies - funds that can be reinvested into your school’s broader curriculum, facilities, and staff development. Most importantly, your ELC strengthens long-term enrolments by offering families a seamless education pathway - from early learning through to senior years - rooted in your school’s values.

A Vision for the Future

Establishing an Early Learning Centre is a bold step - but one that delivers long-term dividends. It’s an investment in the lives of children, the strength of your school, and the vitality of your community.

At Coverite Projects, we specialise in delivering purpose-built childcare centres for independent schools that support lifelong learning. Our team of childcare architects and builders will guide you through every stage - from feasibility and funding to design and construction - ensuring your project is delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with your school’s vision.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Contact Coverite Projects today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.