Treehouse Early Learning Centre in Hillcrest, SA accepts infants from 6 weeks of age in a dedicated Infant room. Small group sizes, consistent educator relationships, and a gentle daily rhythm support your baby's settling, sleep, and development from their very first day at the centre.
The first fifteen months of life are unlike any other. Your baby is learning to trust the world, and the adults in it. The relationships your child builds with their educators in these early months are not just important; they are foundational.
In our Infant room, we keep group sizes deliberately small. This is not just about safety ratios; it is about ensuring your baby has a familiar face to look to, a consistent voice to recognise, and an educator who notices the small things. The way your child likes to be settled. The sounds they make when they are curious. The moment their face lights up at something new.
Our approach in the Infant room is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Treehouse's own play-based, child-led philosophy. Every interaction, every routine, and every moment of play is an opportunity for your baby to explore, connect, and grow. We do not rush development; we follow your child's lead.
Program Details
What does a day in the Infant Room look like?
The Infant room at Treehouse is designed around your baby's individual needs, not a rigid centre-wide schedule. Each morning begins with a warm handover between you and your baby's key educator covering sleep, feeds, mood, and anything from overnight that the team should know.
Throughout the day, your baby moves through periods of gentle exploration, sensory play, tummy time, and social interaction with a small group of other infants. Educators sit close, narrate what they observe, and respond to your baby's cues rather than the clock.
Meals and feeds are prepared according to your instructions. The centre provides all nappies, meals, drinks, and sunscreen. For infants requiring formula, our educators prepare bottles on-site to your specifications. A dedicated space is available for breastfeeding mothers who wish to feed at the centre.
Every day, observations and photos are shared with you via the Xplor Home app. You will see your baby mid-play, mid-laugh, and mid-discovery. You will know what they enjoyed, how they slept, and what their educators noticed about them that day.
A Day at a Glance:
7:00am: Drop-off. Your baby is greeted by name by their key educator. The morning handover takes two minutes, but it covers everything: last feed, last sleep, how the night went.
9:00am: Morning play. Tummy time on a soft mat with natural wooden toys nearby. An educator sits close, narrating quietly, watching for cues. A small group of babies explore together, occasionally noticing each other
10:30am: Xplor app moment. A photo lands on your phone: your baby is mid-laugh during a sensory play activity. You are at your desk. You breathe out.
12:00pm: Lunchtime. Meals prepared fresh from the centre's kitchen, appropriate for your baby's stage. Educators sit with the children, making mealtimes social, calm, and unhurried
Afternoon: Rest, outdoor time in the shaded yard, more play. By pick-up, your educator has a quick update ready: what your baby enjoyed, how they slept, a funny moment worth sharing.
Program Structure
How is the Infants program structured at Treehouse?
The program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Treehouse's own play-based, child-led philosophy. Planning is responsive: educators observe, document, and design experiences based on each child's current interests and developmental goals.
Daily Rhythm:
Arrival and Settling:
Warm handover with educator. Communication of overnight sleep, feeds, and any relevant information from home.
Morning Exploration:
Sensory play, tummy time, soft object exploration. Small groups, calm environment, educator narration and observation.
Feed and Rest:
Feeds and sleep according to your baby's individual schedule. Educators follow your guidance for settling.
Outdoor Time:
Supervised time in the shaded outdoor area. Fresh air, natural sensory experiences, and gentle movement.
Afternoon Exploration:
Second period of play and educator-led interaction. Creative and sensory materials appropriate to each child's developmental stage.
End of Day Handover:
A brief debrief from your educator: what your baby did, enjoyed, and how the day went. Xplor app summary available.
Enrolment Requirements
What do I need to enrol my child in the Infants program?
Enrolment at Treehouse is straightforward. The team is here to guide you through every step.
Age Requirement:
Your child must be at least 6 weeks of age at the time of their start date. Children transition to the Waddlers room at approximately 15 months based on developmental readiness.
Immunisation Records:
Up-to-date immunisation records are required at the time of enrolment and again at 7, 13, and 19 months in accordance with the National Quality Framework. Children on approved medical exemptions are welcome; please speak with the Centre Director.
Enrolment Form:
Complete the online enrolment form at treehouse-childcare.com.au. The form collects your child's medical history, dietary needs, emergency contacts, and cultural background.
Orientation Visit:
All new families are invited to an orientation visit before their child's start date. This is an opportunity to meet your baby's key educator, see the room, and ask every question you have.
What to Bring:
The centre provides nappies, meals, drinks, and sunscreen. You will need to supply a spare change of clothing and any comfort items such as a dummy or blanket. All items must be labelled.
Notice Period:
Four weeks written notice is required to cancel or modify your enrolment.
Child Care Subsidy:
Most families with an infant in long day care are eligible for the government's Child Care Subsidy. Apply via MyGov or by contacting Centrelink on 13 61 50.