Business Details
Trusted Childcare and Early Learning in Tasmania
Discovery Early Learning Centres is a Tasmanian family-owned and operated organisation with extensive experience in delivering high-quality education and care programs for children. Established to support diverse family needs, we provide flexible care options across Hobart, Launceston, Ulverstone, and Burnie, including full-time, part-time, occasional, and casual arrangements. Our play-based curriculum fosters imagination, exploration, and discovery, creating environments that nurture curiosity, creativity, and resilience.Our team of highly qualified educators prioritises secure, respectful relationships while integrating nature play and cultural awareness into daily learning. We maintain a commitment to innovation through professional development, accreditation programs, and partnerships that enhance child safety, inclusion, and sustainability. Our services align with national frameworks to ensure children develop foundational skills for lifelong learning while embracing Tasmania's natural and cultural heritage.
Services
Early Learning
Preschool Programs
Before School Care
After School Care
Vacation Care
Bush Camp Programs
Highlights and features
- We offer play-based learning programs across 10+ Tasmanian locations
- Our educators hold specialist qualifications in early childhood education
- We integrate nature play and Aboriginal cultural awareness into daily activities
- We maintain 7-day accreditation through child safety and wellbeing programs
- Our services align with national quality standards for early education
Associations and certifications
- Sun Smart
- Move Well Eat Well
- Be You
- Narragunnawali - Reconciliation in Education
- Red Nose
- Trauma Informed Practice
- Inclusion Support
- Board Maker
- In Safe Hands
Services
Early Learning
Our Early Learning programs for children 0-5 years focus on play-based learning in safe, nurturing environments. We develop foundational skills through structured and unstructured activities that promote physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Our curriculum aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework to ensure quality educational outcomes.
Preschool Programs
Preschool programs for 3-5 year olds prepare children for school through play-based learning that develops literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Our qualified educators create individualised learning plans while maintaining strong connections with local schools for smooth transitions.
Outside School Hours Care
We provide Before School, After School, and Vacation Care programs for 4-12 year olds, combining structured activities with free play. Our services operate 52 weeks a year, offering homework support, recreational activities, and excursions to complement school-aged children's needs.
Bush Camp Programs
Bush Camps offer immersive nature experiences for 3-12 year olds, focusing on unstructured outdoor play. Children explore natural environments, develop risk assessment skills, and build connections with Tasmania's ecosystems through guided discovery and environmental education activities.
Reconciliation Initiatives
Our reconciliation programs embed Aboriginal culture through the Narragunnawali framework, palawa kani language use, and partnerships with local artists. We maintain cultural safety through staff training, community connections, and daily practices that acknowledge Tasmania's Traditional Owners.
People
Jo Walsh
CEO
With over 20 years in early childhood education, Jo holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood. She leads strategic direction while maintaining strong connections to educational best practices across our Tasmanian services.
Lyndon Walsh
Managing Director
Lyndon brings 15+ years of sector experience with economics and business management qualifications. He oversees operational strategy and infrastructure development across all Discovery locations.
Jann Williams
Manager Innovation
Jann leads innovative practice implementation since 2021, ensuring consistent quality outcomes across services through professional development and curriculum guidance aligned with national standards.
Melissa Johnstone
Manager Quality (North)
With early childhood sector experience since 2019, Melissa ensures quality delivery in northern regions, focusing on cultural safety, child wellbeing, and educational program excellence.
Traci Shirley
Manager Quality (South)
Traci contributes 35+ years of sector expertise to southern services, prioritising inclusive practices, child safety protocols, and maintaining high educational standards across southern Tasmania.
Questions
What age groups do your centres cater for?
We provide care for children from birth to 12 years, offering Early Learning programs for 0-5 years, Preschool for 3-5 years, and Outside School Hours Care for 4-12 years.
Do you offer flexible care arrangements?
Yes, we provide full-time, part-time, occasional and casual care options where vacancies exist, with programs operating 52 weeks a year including school holidays.
How do you incorporate nature into learning?
Our services feature natural outdoor environments with excursions to bushland and beaches, promoting risk-taking, physical development, and environmental awareness through unstructured play.
What cultural awareness programs do you offer?
We embed Aboriginal history and culture through the Narragunnawali program, use of palawa kani language, and reconciliation initiatives that acknowledge Traditional Owners in daily practice.
Are your educators qualified?
All our educators hold relevant qualifications in early childhood education, with ongoing professional development ensuring best practice in child development and care standards.
Reviews (1)
Jess & Todd Fewkes
Jan 13, 2020
Report
I've had all of my children attend care here (and had used another centre previously), the staff are amazing and have such a great impact on the children. My children made lasting friendships with other children but also the educators. The educators ensure the children follow their amazing frameworks and set them up so well for school.
