Articles

YWCA Canberra Welcomes SPK Early Learning Service: Expanding Quality Early Childhood Education in Canberra

May 6, 2026

We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news with our community. YWCA Canberra has officially welcomed SPK Early Learning Service, located in O’Connor, into our portfolio of early learning services and providing security for families, educators and children in the inner north of Canberra.  About SPK Early Learning Service  SPK Early Learning Service provides early learning and care for 52 children aged 2–5 years and is committed to high‑quality, developmentally appropriate …

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The Benefits of Child-Led Learning in School Age Care

May 1, 2026

Child-led learning is an educational approach where children are given opportunities to take ownership of their learning and develop autonomy in the process. While school age care and early learning environments differ in many ways, they share overlapping principles. In early learning settings, educators often follow the lead of the child based on their emerging …

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Bringing the Fun Inside: In-House Events at YWCA Canberra’s School Holiday Programs

February 24, 2026

School holidays mean something special at YWCA Canberra. Yes, there are often excursions… but what happens on the days we stay on-site? Spoiler: just as much fun. We’ve put a lot of thought into making sure that every single day of our School Holiday Programs feels like an adventure, whether we’re heading out or staying in. That’s where our In-House Events come …

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Exceeding Expectations: Inside Our Education and Care Services’ National Quality Standard Success

February 20, 2026

We’re thrilled to share that two of our services, Conder Early Learning Centre and Reid Early Learning Centre have been rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS) following their latest Assessment and Rating processes. These outstanding results recognise the dedication of our educators and leaders in creating environments where children are nurtured, challenged, and supported to thrive. While Conder and …

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Supporting Successful Transitions for Children

November 25, 2025

Whether your child is starting preschool, getting ready for primary school, or simply moving into a new classroom – these periods of transition are milestones that deserve to be celebrated and serve as an opportunity for you to guide your child’s development. With thoughtful strategies, families and educators can make these changes seamless for children, fostering both excitement and resilience. Tips to Support Transitions Talk openly with …

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Setting Strong Foundations: The Value of Early Education and Care

September 10, 2025

As a parent, you dream of giving your child every chance to thrive, and attending an early learning service (preschool) before they start kindergarten is one of the most powerful gifts you can offer. It is more than preparing for the first day of school. In a nurturing early learning environment, children blossom with confidence, …

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Our Top 5 Reasons why you should book your child into YWCA Canberra School Holiday Programs this winter

June 18, 2025

The school holiday period can be a time of joy and relaxation, but let’s be real…it can also present challenges for families juggling work and care arrangements. Many parents can’t afford to take two full weeks off in winter, especially with businesses back in full swing at the start of the new financial year. And …

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Early childhood education key to cracking the code of gender pay gap

June 18, 2025

by Frances Crimmins, YWCA Canberra CEO First published in The Canberra Times “My point is: why should this group of women have their economic security and their contribution to our country’s future economic prosperity at the mercy of all others?” Read the full piece here: Frances Crimmins | Early childhood education key to cracking the …

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Chiara Will

Chiara is Director of School Age Care at YWCA Canberra, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a diverse range of leadership and management experience across the Early Childhood Education sector. Having held roles from Administration Officer to Centre Director, she brings a holistic skill base and a strength in solution-based approaches to learning. 

Prior to joining YWCA Canberra, Chiara led a team of over 25 educators, driving policy development, professional training and development, and contributing to Quality Improvement, Sustainability, Reconciliation, and Strategic Inclusion Action Plans. 

In her current role, Chiara leads the strategic development of processes and systems that ensure high-quality, safe, and inclusive environments for children. She mentors and empowers managers, leaders, and educators to deliver best-practice programs aligned with regulatory standards, fosters strong stakeholder partnerships, and guides the Quality Support Team in managing compliance and quality assurance across services. 

Shane McAlpine

Shane is Director of Children’s Services (ECEC) at YWCA Canberra, overseeing eight early learning services with 24 years of experience in the early childhood sector. He brings an extensive understanding of education and care, current practices, and regulatory requirements, with a robust approach to developing high-quality practitioners. 

Shane supports the day-to-day operation of educational practices and curriculum across all our early learning centres, with quality and pedagogical practice at the forefront. He plays a critical role in providing escalation support and mentorship to centre directors and educators alike. 

His professional passions include children’s rights, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inclusion and teaching perspectives, and advocacy for the early childhood profession. He is an active representative on the ACT committee of Early Childhood Australia. 

As a father of two children who have experienced the early years system firsthand, Shane brings a deeply personal understanding of the challenges families face in balancing work and parenting. This perspective shapes his inclusive, stakeholder-centred approach to service delivery across every centre he works with. 

Katherine Hellwig

Katherine is the Executive Director of Children’s Services at YWCA Canberra, bringing over 23 years of extensive experience in delivering education and care in ACT and the surrounding areas of the city. Her career spans both not-for-profit and commercial providers, highlighting her versatile and adaptable nature. 

For over 11 years, Katherine has held an executive role within a not-for-profit organisation that experienced significant growth in its early education and care portfolio. Her responsibilities included managing programs and initiatives that fostered engagement within the local community. 

Katherine began her career as an educator, and this hands-on experience has given her a profound understanding of the critical role educators play in the lives of children and families. Her qualifications include an Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services, an Undergraduate Certificate in Service Management, and a Diploma of Leadership and Management. In 2018, Katherine was honoured with the Community for Children’s Award by the ACT Children’s Week Committee, recognising her dedication and impact on the community.  

Katherine is driven by a strong pedagogical belief that all children have the right to access quality early learning in their first five years of life. She focuses on delivering high-quality education and care in both early education and after school care programs, ensuring children receive the best start in life.  

Frances Crimmins

Frances Crimmins is the Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canberra and has led the organisation since 2013, driving significant growth, high-quality integrated service delivery, and stronger corporate efficiency. Under her leadership, the non-profit organisation has become a courageous community advocate, ensuring the needs of vulnerable communities are seen, heard, and addressed locally and nationally. 

Frances brings a diverse background spanning the private and not-for-profit sectors across business, hospitality, healthcare, and community services. She remains a passionate advocate for policy initiatives addressing the root causes of women’s housing insecurity, homelessness, gender inequality, and gender-based violence. 

Frances also currently serves as Chair of Homelessness Australia and sits on the ACT Work Health Safety Advisory Council. Her former board roles include ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS), WESNET, the ACT Ministerial Advisory Committee for Women, and Co-Chair of Anti-Poverty Week in the ACT. 

Her leadership has been recognised with an Edna Ryan Award (2015), ACT Leader of the Year at the Australian Leadership Excellence Awards (2016), and selection into the inaugural Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) program (2021). Frances regularly represents YWCA Canberra at the United Nations Commission for the Status of Women in New York. 

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