YWCA CANBERRA
SPK Early Learning Service
Offering over 40 years of combined experience in providing early learning education for children in and around Canberra.
Established in 1992, SPK Early Learning Service in O’Connor offers over 40 years of combined experience in providing early learning education for children in and around Canberra. We strive to create a nurturing space where children can flourish, learn, and grow. Our location near the city offers convenience for parents commuting to and from work.
SPK Early Learning Service is a 52-place service, providing early learning and care for children aged 2–5 years, and is committed to delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs that support each child’s learning and wellbeing.
When you use any of our YWCA Canberra children’s services programs, you help to support our community activities, such as our housing programs, community development, youth engagement, and education to prevent domestic and family violence.
To enrol your child, please click the ‘Request to Enrol’ button.
Learn more about what we provide and how fees are paid.
Quality rating issued: November 2025
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24 Macpherson St O’Connor
Corner of Moorhouse Street
and Mcpherson St - 02 6248 9868
- spk@ywca-canberra.org.au
- 7.30am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday
- Closed during the Christmas and New Year holiday period
Fees
- $140.00 per session
Director: Kim
Kim is a familiar and much-loved face at SPK Early Learning Service and for good reason. With 13 years at the centre and five in the Director role, she has grown alongside the families, the team, and the community she serves.
Kim’s journey into early childhood began in 1997 and she’s worked her way up from the floor, taking on the role of Educational Leader before stepping into the Director position which is a path that gave her a deep, grounded understanding of what quality early learning really looks like in practice.
Looking ahead, Kim’s goal is simple and steadfast. It’s to keep providing the quality care and education that current and future families deserve. Her focus for the year ahead is what it has always been: continuing to provide a quality, caring service for the families of today and tomorrow.
Our philosophy is based on creating a positive, engaging and enjoyable early childhood education experience for the children under our care. We combine structured learning with play and flexibility, creating a learning environment that facilitates growth. This approach not only helps the children to have a smooth transition to school but also ensures that both children and parents enjoy their time with us.
Our open-plan design encourages easy communication between children and our dedicated team of educators. Healthy habits are instilled through healthy, nutritious snacks and engaging physical activities, promoting overall well-being. Families are always encouraged to participate in our community, fostering a sense of connection and support. Our goal is to provide compassionate and inclusive early learning, carefully guiding children aged 2 to 5 through their formative years with dedication and care.
In our structured learning environment, we arrange children into two age-specific groups—pre-preschoolers and preschoolers. This provides age-appropriate activities that cater to the unique developmental stages of each child. The open-plan design includes shared play and exploration, promoting a warm and family-friendly atmosphere. Our emphasis on social and emotional responsibility includes building essential skills such as sharing, conflict resolution, and social development.
Our comprehensive school readiness education covers a spectrum of essential skills, ranging from emotional regulation and decision-making to motor skills, mathematics, science, and language development. We recognise that every child learns at their own pace, and we strive to provide a supportive and accepting environment where flexibility ensures that no child is left behind.
At SPK Early Learning Service, we cultivate a culture of togetherness, which we believe differentiates us from other services. Operating as a close-knit community, our inclusive approach invites families to participate actively with their children in our centre. This connection between home, community, and the centre provides a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
We always strive to engage positively with our families and the wider O’Connor community. We know that nothing occurs in isolation, and the community in which we live and work has an important impact on our lives and those of the families and children.