Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare and Early Education in Brisbane
Mother Duck Child Care has been a trusted provider of early childhood education and care in Brisbane and the Moreton Bay Region since 1990. Founded on family values and a commitment to excellence, we specialise in play-based learning programs designed to nurture children from birth to five years. Our centres are led by qualified educators and franchisees who prioritise child safety, holistic development, and fostering strong family relationships.With over 30 years of experience, we maintain a hands-on leadership approach and invest in professional development to ensure educators feel valued and equipped to inspire young minds. Our philosophy centres on creating warm, home-like environments where children explore, learn, and thrive through meaningful experiences guided by the National Early Years Learning Framework.
Services
Childcare Centres
Play-Based Learning
Kindergarten Program
Nappies & Meals
Flexible Hours
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Owner-operated centres led by qualified early childhood educators
- Over 30 years of experience in early childhood education
- Play-based programs aligned with national learning frameworks
- Commitment to child safety with Statement of Shared Commitment
- Investment in educator training and above-award remuneration
Associations and certifications
- Early Years Learning Framework
- Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline
- Blue Card Notice (Working with Children Check)
What people say
Supportive educators
Exceptional communication
Happy environment
Accommodates individual needs
Positive experiences
Services
Childcare Centres
Our 10 childcare centres across Brisbane provide safe, nurturing environments for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Each centre features purpose-designed spaces with play-based learning resources, qualified educators, and flexible hours to accommodate working families. We prioritise individual attention, cultural inclusivity, and partnerships with families to support every child's development.
Play-Based Learning
Our curriculum uses play-based learning to foster intellectual, social, and physical development. Children engage in hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. Educators tailor experiences to age groups, from sensory play for infants to collaborative projects for preschoolers, ensuring alignment with national early learning frameworks.
Kindergarten Program
Our government-funded kindergarten program prepares 4-5-year-olds for school with 600+ hours of structured learning annually. Delivered by university-qualified teachers, it focuses on literacy, numeracy, and social skills through play-based inquiry. The program operates year-round with flexible attendance options for families.
Educator Training
We invest in ongoing training and career advancement for educators, including first aid certifications and pedagogical workshops. Our above-award wages and mentorship programs attract experienced professionals, ensuring high-quality care and continuity for children's learning journeys.
Safe Environments
Child safety is our priority, with secure facilities, vaccination policies, and qualified staff trained in anaphylaxis and asthma management. We maintain low child-to-educator ratios and transparent communication with families to ensure peace of mind and regulatory compliance.
People
Denis Hinton
Chairman and Founder
Denis co-founded Mother Duck in 1990 and remains actively involved in governance. He established the company's family-centric values and commitment to quality care, growing it from a single centre to 10 locations across Brisbane.
Karen Prestedge
Managing Director
With 25+ years in early childhood education, Karen leads strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement. A former kindergarten teacher and centre operator, she focuses on educator development and advancing learning outcomes through her MBA studies.
Katy Bloodworth
Business Support Manager
Katy has progressed from educator to leadership roles over 30 years. She oversees operational standards across centres, leveraging her Advanced Diploma in Children's Services to mentor teams and ensure compliance with best practices.
Karina Windolf
Head of Curriculum
With 30 years in early education, Karina develops innovative curricula that empower children as capable learners. She mentors educators in reflective practice and advocates for global citizenship, empathy, and resilience in early years education.
Heidi Denner
Training & Development Officer
Heidi specialises in educator wellbeing and professional growth, drawing on neuroscience expertise and experience raising neurodivergent children. She designs training programs that align educator strengths with children's developmental needs.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years across our infant, junior, kindergarten, and preschool programs.
Are meals and nappies included?
Most centres provide allergy-friendly meals and nappies as part of our all-inclusive service.
How do you support child safety?
We maintain strict safety protocols, including staff certifications, secure facilities, and Queensland's Shared Commitment standards.
Can I visit without an appointment?
Yes, our centres welcome drop-in visits during operating hours to meet educators and tour facilities.
What qualifications do your educators have?
All educators hold relevant certifications in early childhood education and first aid, with ongoing professional development.
Do you offer flexible hours?
Our centres operate from 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday-Friday with year-round availability.
Reviews (7)
Helen Oyston
Jan 07, 2022
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My little one has just finished up after 4years at Mother Duck Carindale, and we couldn't be more grateful to the wonderful educators there. It is a wonderful center focused on allowing each child to be themselves and learn and develop in their own unique way. We could be happier with the wonderful teachers we have had along the way. Every day was a new adventure. Thank you for everything Mother Duck Carindale family.
Sean Burke
Dec 27, 2021
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We cannot recommend Mother duck highly enough, our experience has always been exceptional. Thank you to Miss Ali and Miss Deb my son has never once not wanted to attend kindy, hes also learnt a lot over the last year preparing him for his first years of school.
Ruth Kamrowski
Dec 25, 2021
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I have two daughters at the centre and we have been part of the Mother Duck family since early 2017. The educators are amazing and there is very low turn over of staff. My youngest daughter has had the same primary carer for the past two years, and the bonds my girls have formed with the staff are strong. The facilities are being continually upgraded, and the kids are engaged in a good variety of topics and activities. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mother Duck Carindale to other parents.
Shuai Li
Dec 11, 2021
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Many thanks to Mother Duck Childcare.My kid had an amazing 2 years there.The educators are very caring and patient and always wear a smile, helping my kid adapt very soon despite the language barrier.Over time, my kid quite enjoyed his time in Mother Duck as he has friends and has a lot of fun there.Besides, my kid is picking up language quickly and become more independent. Really appreciate the great help for my kid from Mother Duck.
Leesa Smith
Mar 11, 2021
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Just wanted to send a quick email to let you and the girls know that Jaxon received his 1st academic award which was presented to him at the 1st school assembly of the year on Tuesday!! He even got to go on stage in front of the whole school. He was very excited to receive this but we wanted to dedicate this to our Mother Duck family for all the dedication to his learning over the 5 years he was in your care at Mother Duck as this clearly has made a huge impact on his transition into 'Big' school. As further proof to the awesomeness of the MD staff, he wasn't the only ex MD child to receive the
Emma Beard
Feb 17, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
My son absolutely loves it here. The centre is so welcoming and clean, the staff are amazing. So glad I enrolled him here.
My son absolutely loves it here. The centre is so welcoming and clean, the staff are amazing. So glad I enrolled him here.
Bonnie Peacock
Dec 15, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Great staff & facilities. My daughter loves attending & Im very happy with the centre in every way.
Great staff & facilities. My daughter loves attending & Im very happy with the centre in every way.
