Business Details
17 Years
experience
Trusted Early Learning & Child Care Services in Ballina & Shailer Park
Seeds Early Learning was founded in 2009 by Conny Reardon-Tustin and Marc Tustin, driven by a vision to create nurturing environments where children flourish through social and emotional development. Our centres in Ballina and Shailer Park offer accredited early learning programs for children aged 0 - 5, aligned with national frameworks like the Early Years Learning Framework. With over 25 years of combined experience in early childhood education, our team of qualified educators prioritises play-based learning, mindfulness, and nature exploration to foster curiosity, resilience, and school readiness.We maintain low staff turnover to ensure consistency for children and families, supported by all-inclusive amenities such as meals, educational resources, and extracurricular activities. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our ACECQA accreditation and tailored programs that address individual developmental needs, preparing children for lifelong success.
Services
Early Learning Programs
Kindergarten & Preschool
Toddler Program
Junior Kindy Program
Nature Play
Mindfulness Program
School Readiness
Social & Emotional Development
Educational Excursions
Play-Based Learning
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of expertise in early childhood education and accredited programs.
- Our educators prioritise social-emotional learning and play-based development.
- Centres feature all-inclusive amenities: meals, resources, and extracurricular activities.
- Low staff turnover ensures consistent, trusted care for families.
- ACECQA-accredited programs aligned with national learning frameworks.
Associations and certifications
- Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
What people say
Nurturing environment
Dedicated staff
Safe and stimulating
Encouraging growth
Positive impact on child's development
Services
Early Learning Programs
Our early learning programs cater to children aged 05, focusing on social awareness, self-management, and relationship-building through play-based activities. We incorporate mindfulness and nature exploration to enhance emotional intelligence and school readiness. Programs align with national frameworks like the Early Years Learning Framework, ensuring a holistic approach to early childhood development.
Kindergarten & Preschool
Government-approved kindergarten and preschool programs prepare children aged 46 for formal schooling. Activities develop literacy, numeracy, and motor skills while fostering curiosity and resilience. Our curriculum integrates play-based learning and structured routines to build confidence and academic foundations in a supportive environment.
Toddler Program
Designed for 15-month to 2-year-olds, this program supports language development, social-emotional awareness, and self-help routines. Educators use guided play and sensory activities to encourage complex play patterns, toilet training, and exploration of textures and routines in a safe, engaging setting.
Junior Kindy Program
For children aged 23, this program builds fine motor skills, emotional control, and early literacy through art, storytelling, and collaborative play. Activities promote healthy eating habits, self-awareness, and pattern recognition, laying groundwork for future academic and social success.
Nature Play
Regular bushland excursions and outdoor play sessions connect children with nature, fostering sustainability awareness and physical resilience. Activities like obstacle courses, gardening, and sensory play in natural settings enhance creativity, teamwork, and environmental stewardship from an early age.
People
Conny Reardon-Tustin
Owner
Conny holds a Masters in Education and Counselling and has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, including roles as a centre manager and founder of a childcare consultancy. She oversees Seeds Early Learning's operations and researches social-emotional interventions.
Lyndsay Douglas
Service Manager
Lyndsay manages the Shailer Park centre with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. She ensures high-quality care and compliance with regulatory standards, fostering a safe, engaging environment for children aged 15 months to 5 years.
Sarah Moran
Service Manager
Sarah, with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, leads the Ballina centre. She focuses on nurturing programs for infants to preschoolers, ensuring a smooth transition to school through play-based learning and individualised support.
Questions
What age groups do Seeds Early Learning Centres cater to?
Our Ballina centre serves children aged 0–5 years, while Shailer Park caters to 15 months–5 years. Programs include nursery, toddler, junior kindy, and kindergarten.
Are the centres accredited?
Yes, both centres are ACECQA-accredited and comply with Australian childcare regulations, ensuring high-quality education and care standards.
What is included in the fees?
All meals, snacks, educational resources, sunscreen, and extracurricular activities are included. Families need to provide nappies, spare clothes, and a rest-time sheet.
How can I visit the centre?
Book a free tour via our website or contact us directly. Experience our programs firsthand and meet our educators.
What qualifications do your educators have?
Educators hold diplomas or degrees in early childhood education, with ongoing training in mindfulness, play-based learning, and child development.
Do you offer school readiness programs?
Yes, our kindergarten and preschool programs align with government frameworks to develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills for a smooth school transition.
Reviews (4)
Kassie Thomas-Smith
Jul 27, 2021
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A warm and welcoming centre which is genuinely dedicated to the growth and development of your child with nurturing and care. Our son has developed in leaps and bounds in 12 months at the centre and we couldn't imagine placing him anywhere else. We tried two brand new centres before coming to seeds and they were all show and no heart. Seeds is all heart.
Tammy Wittekind
Jul 27, 2021
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My daughter was almost 5 when we moved from Melbourne to QLD - she had a big group of friends in Melbourne but was always shy around other kids she didn't know - the anxiety i had about uprooting her and starting her at a new kinder was intense and i think it may have rubbed off onto my daughter too. After less than a week at Seeds it was like we hadn't even moved!! - she had made new friends, been invited to birthday parties, was excited to go to kinder in the mornings and raved about all of her teachers.
Honestly super sad that she will only be there for another few months before starting Prep
Honestly super sad that she will only be there for another few months before starting Prep
Iani Potts
Jul 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability
I couldn't be any happier with the ladies that look after our daughter. From the moment we had our first little visits I felt assured that she would receive all the love and care she needed while I wasn't there. I couldn't recommend them any higher.
I couldn't be any happier with the ladies that look after our daughter. From the moment we had our first little visits I felt assured that she would receive all the love and care she needed while I wasn't there. I couldn't recommend them any higher.
Akia Barron
Jul 09, 2021
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Our son has been attending Seeds Shailer Park for nearly half a year, we see his amazing development each day. Every staff is so helpful and friendly, and the communication is really good too. Keep up the great work, Seeds team!
