The Waddlers program at Treehouse Early Learning Centre in Hillcrest, SA is designed for children aged 15 to 24 months. As your child moves from the Infant room into their next stage of discovery, our Waddlers room provides a safe, stimulating environment that matches their rapidly growing curiosity, confidence, and physical capability.
Between 15 and 24 months, children are in one of the most rapid developmental periods of their lives. Walking, climbing, talking, and asserting their emerging independence all happen at once, and often at full volume. The Waddlers room at Treehouse is designed to hold all of that energy with warmth and intention.
Our educators understand that a child who has just learned to walk needs very different support than a baby who has not. They also need very different support to a two-year-old with a fully formed opinion. The Waddlers room sits squarely in the middle of that spectrum, and our team are skilled at meeting children in that uniquely dynamic space.
The room itself is designed for safe exploration: low shelving, natural materials, soft surfaces, and open floor space that invites movement. Every element of the environment is intentional, guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and Treehouse's own play-based, nature-connected philosophy.
Program Details
What does a day in the Waddlers Room look like?
The Waddlers room at Treehouse is purpose-built for children who are on the move. Low shelving puts materials at your child's level. Open floor space invites walking, rolling, and exploring. Soft surfaces and safe furniture mean children can move with freedom and confidence.
Each day flows through a gentle rhythm of group experiences, outdoor time, mealtimes, rest, and play. The routine is consistent enough to feel safe, and flexible enough to follow individual children's energy and needs.
Educators in the Waddlers room are skilled at reading the non-verbal cues of very young children. A gesture, a look, a sound: all of these are forms of communication, and all are acknowledged and responded to. This responsiveness is the foundation of the trusting relationships that allow children at this age to thrive.
The Xplor Home app keeps you connected throughout the day. You will see photos of your child's first attempts at new skills, hear what words they used, and know exactly how they ate, slept, and played.
A Day at a Glance:
7:00am: Treehouse opens. Early arrivals settle into the Waddlers room with a favourite book or a tray of sensory materials. The room is calm, familiar, and ready.
9:00am: Morning group time. Songs, movement, and a simple educator-led provocation. At this age, it might be a basket of natural objects to touch and examine. The curiosity is immediate and infectious.
10:00am: Outdoor time. The playground is a world of possibility at this age. Pushing a trolley, climbing the first step of a structure, digging in the sandpit. Every action is purposeful.
12:00pm: Lunch. Centre-provided, nutritious, and social. Educators sit with the children, supporting emerging independence: self-feeding, using a cup, choosing their portion.
Afternoon: Rest for those who need it, then more play, art, and outdoor time. By pick-up, your educator is ready with a specific moment from the day worth taking home with you.
Program Structure
How is the Waddlers 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 greeting from familiar educators. Immediate access to play invitations. Morning handover from parent to educator.
Morning Group Time:
Songs, movement, and a simple provocation appropriate to the developmental stage. 10 to 15 minutes of shared experience.
Outdoor Play:
Extended outdoor time daily. Physical development, sensory exploration, and nature connection. Sun protection provided.
Morning Tea and Lunch:
Centre-provided nutritious meals. Social mealtime supporting emerging independence and communication.
Rest Time:
Sleep or quiet rest according to individual needs. Educators follow your guidance on settling routines.
Afternoon Play:
Art, sensory play, outdoor time, and educator-led group experiences. Xplor app moments captured throughout.
End of Day:
Debrief from educator at pickup. Specific moment from the day shared with family.
Enrolment Requirements
What do I need to enrol my child in the Waddlers program?
Enrolment at Treehouse is straightforward. The team is here to guide you through every step.
Age:
Your child must be approximately 15 months at the time of entering the Waddlers room. Transition from Infants is based on developmental readiness, in discussion with your educators.
Immunisation:
Current immunisation records required, including updates at 13 and 19 months as per National Quality Framework requirements.
Enrolment Form:
Complete the online form at treehouse-childcare.com.au capturing your child's medical history, dietary needs, cultural background, and emergency contacts.
Orientation Visit:
All new families receive an orientation visit to the Waddlers room before their child's first day.
What to Bring:
The centre provides nappies, meals, drinks, and sunscreen. Bring a labelled spare set of clothing, a hat, and any comfort items.
Transition from Infants:
If your child is moving from the Treehouse Infant room, educators will coordinate a supported transition to the Waddlers room with you.
Child Care Subsidy:
Apply via MyGov or contact Centrelink on 13 61 50. The Treehouse team can help you understand your entitlements.
Notice Period:
Four weeks written notice required for any changes to or cancellation of enrolment.