A child at play in a First5Years learning environment

Every great regional community begins with its youngest people.

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Why First5Years

Research is clear: the first five years are foundational to a child’s learning, development and wellbeing.

We want those years to be rich with possibility. So we create places in regional Australia where children feel safe, known and inspired, with committed educators, environments made for real play, and genuine partnerships with families.

Environment

We believe the environment is the third teacher.

Inspiration for our environments is drawn from the towns in which they stand, inside the rooms as much as out in the playscape. Natural light, timber, calm, and a playscape children recognise as theirs.

A child playing in the sand at the First5Years Emerald playscape
The playscape, First5Years Emerald
The reception and welcome space at First5Years Emerald
The welcome, where every family arrives, Emerald.
A child looking out from behind a timber post in the Emerald playscape
Detail at children’s height, Emerald.

Beautiful environments and playscapes aren’t aesthetic indulgences. They’re part of how children explore, imagine, take appropriate risks, develop independence and learn.

In their words

“We love it at First5Years. The educators are all amazing, the activities cater to the children’s interests and abilities. My son loves all the meals provided and he now eats foods he would normally not be interested in. The classrooms and outside area are amazing!”
Samantha, Parent
“I’ve worked in early learning for a long time, and what I noticed straight away at First5Years was how much thought goes into everything — not just the environments, but the children, the educators and the little things that make each day work. You’re trusted to bring your own ideas, you’re supported to grow, and you genuinely feel like the work you do matters. It’s a place I’m proud to be part of.”
Educator, First5Years Emerald

Where we are

We choose regional communities deliberately.

A studio at First5Years Emerald, ready for the day

  • Emerald

    Open

    Central Highlands, QLD

    Our first centre. Built with the community that convinced us, a playscape shaped by local ideas and made by local hands.

  • West Gladstone*

    In development

    QLD

    Country to Harbour, a centre and playscape drawn from the landscape between the ranges and the water.

  • Tamworth*

    In development

    Gamilaraay Country, NSW

    Beside the regional hospital, for the families and shift workers who keep the district running.

* Subject to Department of Education service approval.

Independent. Founder-led. Australian owned.

Start here

Come and see it for yourself.

01

Enquire

Tell us about your family and we will come back to you.

02

Book a tour

Walk the rooms and the playscape, and meet the team.

03

Join a waitlist

Waitlists are open at First5Years Emerald.