Gungahlin Centre Background

Gungahlin Childcare, Daycare & Preschool

Gungahlin Centre

Weekdays 7:30am to 6pm

Suite One, Level One, Gungahlin Marketplace, 2912/33 Hibberson St Gungahlin ACT 2912

Montessori Academy Extraordinary Futures Doctor Nurse Medical 2

Gungahlin Childcare Centre

Where Montessori Education Shapes Extraordinary Futures in Gungahlin

Premium Montessori childcare in Gungahlin for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years with meals, nappies, and the ACT Preschool Funding all included.

Conveniently located above BIG W within Marketplace Gungahlin, Gungahlin Montessori Academy combines the convenience of a central town-centre location with the benefits of a large, recently renovated rooftop outdoor play space. Designed to inspire active play, exploration, and discovery, this unique outdoor environment provides children with ample room to move, learn, and thrive. The centre is easily accessible for families across Gungahlin, Ngunnawal, Amaroo, Nicholls, Harrison, Franklin, and the wider north Canberra region.

For children aged six weeks to six years, our calm, future-focused Montessori program builds strong academic foundations, independence, confidence, and genuine school readiness through hands-on learning tailored to every stage of development.

Virtual Centre Tour

Take a Look Inside Our Gungahlin Childcare Centre

Explore our Gungahlin childcare centre through a virtual tour of our purpose-built Montessori classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and carefully prepared learning environments.

5 intentionally designed Montessori classrooms
3 secure, age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds
On-site kitchen and cook with fresh catered meals
Secure entry and CCTV throughout
Kindyhub Parent Communication App

Book a Tour

Tour Our Gungahlin Childcare Centre

Places Available for 2026 - Enquire Now

The best way to know if our Gungahlin childcare centre is right for your family is to experience it in person. Meet our educators, explore the classrooms, and ask every question on your mind. Please bring your child along, we look forward to meeting you.

Meet Centre Manager Leisa and the team
A guided walk through Montessori classrooms and outdoor spaces
See Montessori materials and the prepared environment in action
Discuss your child's interests, learning style and routine
Understand fees, CCS subsidies, and available days
Please wait while your tour booking is being finalised…
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Leisa Centre Manager Gungahlin Montessori Academy
Meet Your Centre Manager
Leisa - Centre Manager

I believe in celebrating each child's unique background, culture, language, and abilities while empowering them to make choices, develop independence, and take ownership of their learning.

Leisa is a proud Canberra local, mum, and experienced early childhood leader with more than 30 years of experience in education. Passionate about Montessori philosophy, she is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where every child and family feels valued, supported, and connected.

Her leadership is centred on building a positive team culture and strong relationships with children, families, and educators. Leisa believes children are competent, capable learners and is committed to promoting children’s agency by encouraging them to make choices, develop independence, and actively participate in their own learning journey. She celebrates each child’s unique background, culture, language, and abilities, ensuring every child feels respected, included, and empowered to thrive.

Together with her team, Leisa is committed to providing a calm, supportive, and future-focused Montessori environment where children are encouraged to think independently, explore their interests, build confidence, and develop the skills they need for school and life.

Inside our Gungahlin childcare and preschool

View Our Gungahlin Childcare Centre Facilities

Gungahlin Montessori Academy is conveniently located within Marketplace Gungahlin above BIG W, in the heart of Gungahlin Town Centre. Families love our experienced team, authentic Montessori classrooms, and recently renovated rooftop outdoor playground, featuring expansive open-air play spaces, climbing equipment, gardens, and areas for active exploration, creativity, and discovery. Designed to provide the best of both worlds, children enjoy a unique outdoor environment while benefiting from the convenience of a central town centre location.

Family reviews

Rated 5 Stars By Our Gungahlin Families

Gungahlin early childhood education programs

Gungahlin Early Learning Programs Designed for Your Child's Exact Stage

Each Montessori education program at our Gungahlin childcare centre is thoughtfully designed for a specific stage of development, combining our authentic Montessori curriculum with the Early Years Learning Framework. Through carefully prepared environments, hands-on Montessori materials, and purposeful learning experiences, children build confidence, independence, and the essential skills needed for school and life.

Building Secure Foundations in the First Two Years

Our Infant Program (0–2 years) is thoughtfully structured across key developmental stages. Our educators support your child’s early development through strong relationships, movement, sensory exploration, language development, and early practical life skills within a calm, nurturing environment.

KEY DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES

Secure attachment with key educators
Language-rich environment from birth
Gentle introduction to Montessori materials
Sensory exploration and motor development
Individual sleep and feeding routines
Daily family communication via app
Building Secure Foundations in the First Two Years
Nurturing Independence During the "I Do It Myself" Stage

Toddlers are driven by a powerful urge to do things for themselves. Our Toddler program channels this energy through practical life activities, movement, language, sensorial and social skill-building, all within a prepared environment that says "yes" to hands-on exploration.

KEY DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES

Practical life and self-care skills
Vocabulary expansion through language work
Gross and fine motor development
Social skills and emotional regulation
Toilet learning support and guidance
Outdoor sensory and nature play
Nurturing Independence During the "I Do It Myself" Stage
Preparing Confident, Curious Learners for School and Life

Our Preschool and School Readiness Program is where the Montessori method truly shines. Children work independently with manipulative materials across five curriculum areas, developing the focus, problem-solving, and a natural passion for learning that sets them apart when they transition to primary school.

KEY DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES

Early literacy and phonics readiness
Mathematical thinking with concrete materials
Cultural studies, geography & science
Extended concentration, resilience and focus
Peer collaboration and leadership
School transition preparation
Preparing Confident, Curious Learners for School and Life
Fee Information

Gungahlin Childcare Fees and Inclusions

We offer a 10.5-hour childcare day from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, with fees charged at a full daily rate. Eligible families may significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs through the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

Every daily fee includes all meals, snacks, nappies, sunscreen, and Montessori materials, so you’ll never receive a surprise invoice for extras.

What's Included Everyday
Nutritious Meals & Snacks
Nappies & Wipes
Kindyhub Parent Communication App
Sun Safe & Allergy Aware
Incursions & Excursions
Enrichment Programs
Development & Learning Reports

Fees

Daily fees at Gungahlin. CCS can reduce your out-of-pocket cost by up to 85.5%.

Infant
0 – 2 years
$171.50/day
Toddler
2 – 3 years
$171.50/day
Preschool
3 – 6 years
$171.50/day

Daily fees shown. Fees are subject to change.

CCS Childcare Subsidy Calculator Estimator

Estimate your out-of-pocket cost at Gungahlin after the Child Care Subsidy.

$
Please enter your household income.
CCS does not apply above $530,000 combined income. You would pay the full daily fee. Learn more at Services Australia
Estimated weekly out-of-pocket
per week
CCS rate
effective after withholding
Centre Gungahlin
Daily fee
Govt hourly rate cap (10 hrs) $146.30
Subsidy calculated on
CCS % (income-based)
Less 5% withholding
Government pays per day
Your gap per day
Days per week
About the hourly rate cap: The government calculates CCS based on an hourly rate cap of $14.63/hr (equivalent to $146.30 for a 10-hour day). If your centre's daily fee is higher than the cap, the subsidy is only calculated on $146.30 — not the full fee.
About the 5% withholding: The government withholds 5% of your CCS entitlement as a buffer against overpayments. This is reconciled at tax time and may be returned to you.
⚠️ This is an estimate only. Actual CCS entitlements depend on your activity test, immunisation status, and other factors assessed by Services Australia. For accurate information, visit Services Australia
Why Montessori

Why Families Choose Gungahlin Montessori Academy

Families choose Gungahlin Montessori Academy because they can feel the difference. Warm, genuinely engaged educators, calm and structured learning environments, and children who are deeply engaged and thriving.

A Day at our Gungahlin childcare centre

What Your Child's Day Looks Like at Our Gungahlin Childcare Centre

Every day at our Gungahlin childcare centre follows a calm, predictable rhythm that helps children feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. Routines vary by age group, season, and individual needs.

1
Children arriving at Hurstville childcare centre
7:30 AM — Centre Opens

Arrival & Welcome

Children arrive and settle into the prepared environment. Educators greet every child and family warmly, supporting a smooth, confident transition into the day.

Work Cycle Begins Self-Directed Learning Deep Focus Calm & Purposeful
2
Children in Montessori work cycle at Hurstville childcare
7:30 – 10:30 AM

Montessori Work Cycle

During the Montessori work cycle children choose their work and build focus, independence and capability through the Montessori materials. Progressive morning tea is served.

Work Cycle Hands-on Learning Progressive Morning Tea
3
Outdoor play at Hurstville childcare centre
10:30 AM

Outdoor Play

Following the work cycle, children transition outdoors to climb, run, explore nature, play, and develop fundamental movement skills through active, child-led play.

Gross Motor Skills Munch n Move Sustainability Nature Exploration
4
Group time at Hurstville Montessori childcare
11:30 AM

Group Time & Lunch

Children come together for guided group experiences that build communication, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Lunch follows and older children set the table and serve themselves.

Language & Projects Grace & Courtesy Arts & Craft Music & Movement
5
Rest and quiet activities at Hurstville childcare
1:00 – 2:30 PM

Rest & Quiet Activities

After lunch, younger children sleep while quiet activities and school readiness experiences are offered for older children. Individual rhythms and rest needs are always respected.

School Readiness Extended Montessori Quiet Activities Individual Rhythms
6
Afternoon routine and pick-up at Hurstville childcare
2:30 – 6:00 PM

Afternoon & Pick-Up

Communal afternoon tea happens after rest time, followed by outdoor play. Late snack is served at 5:00pm with indoor activities. Educators share the day's highlights at pick-up.

Afternoon Tea & Late Snack Indoor & Outdoor Play Daily Report Sent
Child safety always comes first

Child Safety at Our Gungahlin Childcare Centre is Our First Priority

Gungahlin Montessori Academy is a Child Safe Organisation. Every policy, procedure, and physical environment at our Gungahlin childcare centre is designed to ensure children are protected, respected, and empowered.

All staff certified in First Aid, CPR, and Child Protection
Dedicated Quality & Safety leadership team
24/7 CCTV monitoring
Active supervision as the most important practice
Real-time educator WWCC, qualifications and compliance checks
Daily safety and environment audits
Annual child protection training
LifeVac choking prevention devices onsite
Ongoing child safety training and assessments
Child climbing up rock climbing wall of fort in outdoor playground
Languages we speak at this campus
English English
Mandarin Mandarin
Arabic Arabic
Hindi Hindi Language Flag
How to find us

Find Our Gungahlin Childcare Centre

Conveniently located within Marketplace Gungahlin above BIG W, Gungahlin Montessori Academy Childcare & Preschool proudly supports families across Gungahlin, Ngunnawal, Amaroo, Nicholls, Franklin, Harrison, Palmerston, Casey, Forde, Moncrieff, and the wider north Canberra community. Positioned in the heart of Gungahlin Town Centre, our centre offers premium Montessori early education with easy access for busy local families.

Suite One, Level One, Gungahlin Marketplace 33 Hibberson St 2912

Operating Hours

Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Open 51 weeks per year

Drop Off & Pick Up

Dedicated parent parking available on-site

Public Transport

Bus: Conveniently located within Marketplace Gungahlin, the centre is just moments from the Gungahlin Town Centre bus interchange, with frequent services connecting Gungahlin, Amaroo, Ngunnawal, Franklin, Harrison, Belconnen, and Canberra City.

Light Rail: Gungahlin Place Light Rail Stop is a short walk from the centre, offering direct connections between Gungahlin Town Centre and Canberra CBD, making Montessori Academy an ideal choice for families commuting across north Canberra.

Phone: 1300 000 162

Parent FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to feel confident before getting started.

What is included in the daily fee at Gungahlin Montessori Academy? +

Our daily fee is designed to make busy family life easier. It includes your child's Montessori education program, nutritious meals and snacks, nappies and wipes, and other essential daily care items, so you can feel confident that your child has what they need throughout the day.

Your child is part of a thoughtfully prepared Montessori environment where every part of the day is designed to support independence, concentration, confidence, and development.

How is Montessori different to play-based childcare? +

Montessori is a structured, hands-on approach to early learning where children learn through purposeful activity, repetition, and real understanding. Using scientifically designed materials in carefully prepared environments, children choose their own work, follow their own interests, and build independence, concentration, coordination, and academic foundations at their own pace.

The result is children who become capable, confident learners through meaningful experiences in practical life, language, mathematics, sensorial learning, culture, and social development.

Our focus isn't on entertaining children. It's on activating their natural desire to learn.

Can I book a tour before joining the waitlist or enrolling? +

Absolutely. We encourage every family to visit the centre before making a decision.

A tour is one of the best ways to understand the difference Montessori can make. It gives you the opportunity to explore our classrooms, meet our team, see how children learn in a calm and engaging environment, and ask the questions that matter most to your family. If your child is coming on the tour too, we warmly encourage it as it helps you picture their experience more clearly.

Does Gungahlin Montessori Academy help prepare children for school? +

Yes. School readiness starts from infancy and is built every day through the skills children develop in the Montessori environment.

At Gungahlin Montessori Academy, children build the foundations for school and life through hands-on learning that supports early literacy, numeracy, concentration, independence, social skills, confidence, and responsibility. Rather than being treated as a short-term preschool add-on, school readiness is embedded throughout your child's entire learning journey.

Can I join the waitlist before my baby is born? +

Yes. Many families begin their childcare search while they are still expecting, especially in high-demand communities like Gungahlin and across north Canberra.

Joining the waitlist early can help you plan ahead and gives you the best chance of securing your preferred start date and care pattern. Our Family Care Team will guide you through every step, from what we need now to what can be updated once your baby arrives.

How do you help babies and new children settle into care? +

We know that starting childcare is a big transition for both children and parents. Our approach is warm, responsive, and individual to each child.

For infants and younger children especially, we work closely with families to understand home routines, comfort needs, sleep patterns, feeding preferences, and temperament. Our goal is to build trust first, because children thrive when they feel safe, known, and secure.

How will I know what my child is doing each day? +

Strong communication with families is at the heart of the Gungahlin Montessori Academy experience.

From morning and afternoon handover to daily updates via our parent app, monthly learning observations, and developmental milestone reports, we make sure you are always close to your child's world.

What should I look for when comparing childcare centres in Gungahlin? +

When comparing childcare centres in Gungahlin, look beyond surface features and ask what your child will truly gain from the experience.

Consider what is included in the daily fee, how the program prepares children for school, how educators support each child's individual development, and whether the environment feels calm, safe, and purposeful.

At Gungahlin Montessori Academy, families value our authentic Montessori classrooms, experienced team, and recently renovated rooftop outdoor play space that gives children meaningful opportunities to move, explore, discover, and build confidence in the heart of Gungahlin Town Centre.

Find another Montessori academy Near You
Other Nearby Locations

Looking for exceptional childcare near Gungahlin, Ngunnawal, Amaroo, Nicholls, Franklin, Harrison, Palmerston, Casey, Forde, Moncrieff, and the wider north Canberra region?

Find the perfect Montessori childcare centre near you and give your child the best start.

Ready to begin?
Give Your Child an Extraordinary Future​

Join a thriving community of Canberra families who trust Montessori Academy as their early education partner, backed by more than 25 years of experience, over 100 years of proven Montessori education, and the trust of more than 100,000 Australian families.

Enquire about Childcare at Gungahlin

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