The Brisbane Lady Gowrie Child Centre was established in 1940 as a demonstration centre for excellence in early childhood education and care. It was one of six centres across Australia funded by the Commonwealth Government to “test and demonstrate methods of care and education of young children, with particular emphasis on child health and nutrition.”

Building on this history, and a commitment to holistic, responsive, high quality services for children and families, we have grown substantially over the years.

At the Gowrie we believe that childhood is a unique time of life, to be valued and enjoyed in its own right.  We also recognise that this is the time where foundations are laid for future health, learning and wellbeing.  We value children growing up with the understandings, skills and dispositions to be caring people and effective learners, able to contribute to their world and to enjoy rich and successful relationships with others.

In our work with children we:

• Acknowledge children as active and competent learners;
• Create a safe, welcoming and stimulating learning environment to encourage thoughtful play;
• Promote secure attachments and warm trusting relationships and interactions;
• Seek to strengthen resilience, critical thinking and informed risk taking;
• Promote communication and problem solving skills, together with social learning and awareness, and capacity to express and acknowledge feelings.

Working in partnership with parents and families we:

• Recognise parents as their child’s first and most influential educators;
• Share knowledge and promote confident parenting;
• Seek to develop and maintain positive relationships based on trust and mutual respect, two way communication and participation in service decision-making;
• Respect and value the individual backgrounds and unique culture and customs of families;
• Build genuine reciprocal relationships between children, families, staff and educators that are strengthened and sustained over time.

As a community of learners we:

• Encourage children’s learning by providing for their interests and expanding their knowledge and skills;
• Document children’s experiences, and share these with children, parents and colleagues;
• Promote sharing of information and expertise between parents, staff and educators;
• Reflect on our practice, commit to continuous quality improvement, and support each other’s ongoing professional and personal development.

With regard to our wider community we:

• Connect children and families with each other and local child and family support services;
• Share our expertise with the field;
• Seek to inform and influence government decision-making;
• Promote the value and contribution of our services within the community.

For Children, For Choice, For Change.