Koala Room: Infants 3 Months — 2 Years
Your baby deserves care that feels like an extension of home. In our Koala Room, infants and young toddlers receive warm, responsive attention in a small, safe space designed just for them. We understand that this age is all about connection, comfort and early discovery—and we’re here to support every milestone and moment.
The Koala Room Philosophy
Babies and young toddlers learn through their relationships with caring adults. In the Koala Room, we:
- Build secure attachment through consistent, responsive care
- Respect individual needs for sleep, feeding and pace
- Provide sensory exploration that’s safe and stimulating
- Support early language development through conversation and singing
- Create a calm, predictable environment where your baby feels secure
We’re not trying to rush development. We’re simply here, present, responsive—letting your baby unfold at their own pace.
A Typical Day in the Koala Room
7:15–9:00am
Arrival & Settling — Your baby arrives, we share key information about how they’re doing, and we settle into the day together.
9:00–9:30am
Morning Tea — We offer fresh fruit, toast, milk, smoothies, hash browns and many more! Feeding follows your baby’s cues—if they’re hungry, we feed them. If they’re not ready, we wait.
9:30–11:00am
Sensory Play & Exploration (incl. Outdoors) — While younger infants may be sleeping or feeding, older toddlers explore texture, sound and movement through water play, sensory trays, blocks and open-ended toys.
11:00am–12:00pm
Lunch — Fresh food cooked on site using healthy ingredients — such as spaghetti bolognaise, beef noodle soup, pizza and pumpkin soup. All meals come with a side of vegetable sticks to ensure dental hygiene. This is followed by a calm period as children settle for Sleep Time.
12:00–2:30pm
Sleep Time — Most babies have a significant afternoon sleep. We follow safe sleep practices (including back-to-sleep) and monitor sleeping infants regularly.
2:30–3:30pm
Afternoon Tea — Healthy snacks like fresh fruits, yogurt, muffins, sandwiches, ice cream and so much more! All food is cooked on site using healthy ingredients.
3:30–5:00pm
Free Play — Weather permitting, we head to our separate infant outdoor area—shaded, safe, with low-level exploration and movement opportunities.
5:00–6:15pm
Winding Down, Pick Up & Late Snacks — Throughout the afternoon, children continue to engage in a range of indoor and outdoor learning experiences based on their interests, choices and individual needs. Late afternoon snack is offered to children. As families arrive for pick-up, educators share important information about the child’s day, including their experiences, learning, wellbeing, meals, rest and any significant moments.
What Makes the Koala Room Special
🐨 Small Group, Big Attention
With a low educator-to-child ratio, your baby isn’t just another child in a group—they’re known deeply. We notice their preferences, their emerging personality, their unique way of being.
🌿 Separate Outdoor Space
Babies and young toddlers have their own safe, shaded outdoor space designed for their developmental stage. Gentle exploration, fresh air and supervision tailored to their needs.
💛 Settling-In Support
Starting childcare is a big transition for babies and parents. We work with you to make settling as smooth as possible—going slowly, respecting your baby’s pace, and keeping you informed every step of the way.
🧸 Nappies & Bedding Provided
One less thing to worry about. We supply nappies and bedding to make mornings easier.
🤝 Responsive, Consistent Care
We learn your baby’s cues—what their cry means, when they’re tired, what soothes them. This consistency helps your baby feel secure and understood.
🤱 Breastfeeding Friendly Environment
We’re proud to offer a breastfeeding-friendly environment at MACC, with a comfortable, private space available for feeding. We welcome and support breastfeeding mothers and can accommodate a range of individual needs and preferences.
📝 Individual Learning Plans
Every child in the Koala Room has their own individual learning plan, developed in partnership with families. We observe your baby’s interests, strengths and emerging skills, and tailor experiences to support their unique development journey.
🎒 Preparing for Your Child’s First Days
Starting childcare is a big milestone for the whole family. Here are some tips to help you and your little one feel prepared and confident.
What to Bring
- A clearly labelled bag with spare clothes (at least two changes) and a drink bottle
- Any comfort items your child uses to settle (dummy, comforter, special toy)
- Bottles and expressed milk or formula if required, clearly labelled with your child’s name and date
- Sunscreen (or let us know if you’d like us to apply our centre-provided sunscreen)
How to Prepare
- Visit beforehand. Book a tour or orientation visit so your child can become familiar with the space and educators.
- Start with shorter days. We recommend a gradual settling-in period, starting with a few hours and building up to a full day.
- Talk about it positively. Even with babies, your calm and positive energy makes a difference.
- Share your routines. Let us know about your child’s sleep, feeding and comfort routines so we can keep things consistent.
- Say a confident goodbye. A quick, warm farewell helps your child learn that you always come back.
Our educators are experienced in supporting new families through this transition. We’ll keep you updated throughout the day with photos and messages, so you can feel connected and reassured.
What Your Child Will Experience
- Connection and belonging. Feeling truly known and cared for by consistent educators.
- Safe exploration. Developmentally appropriate sensory play and movement opportunities.
- Early language. Conversation, singing, stories and listening—the foundation of communication.
- Emotional attunement. Adults who respond to their feelings and help them feel safe.
- Secure attachment. The foundation for all learning, resilience and wellbeing.
Ready to Visit?
We’d love to show you the Koala Room and talk about how we can support your baby’s development and your family’s needs.