Connect
“I'm here. You're safe.”
Our whole-child approach
Curious thinkers. Confident doers. Kind hearts.
Our connected curriculum and responsive relationships support children’s knowledge, communication, emotional development, healthy habits and independence.
Our living philosophy
Safe, joyful childhood. Rich learning. Every child valued.
Warm relationships and purposeful, playful learning help children grow into confident, kind and capable people. We respect each child’s pace, interests and individuality.
01Children have a voice
We listen to each child’s words, gestures, interests and choices. Educators support independence and extend learning without taking over.
02Relationships come first
Safety, dignity, belonging and wellbeing are the foundation. We help children calm with a trusted adult before expecting them to manage feelings independently.
03Purposeful teaching, responsive learning
Our 40-week curriculum guides planning while children’s questions and interests shape what happens next. Educators pause, revisit and extend ideas through meaningful play and inquiry.
04Families are co-educators
Your knowledge of your child, home language, culture and priorities inform care and learning. We listen to feedback, act on it and share what has changed.
05Culture, Country and community
We welcome diverse identities and languages, support inclusion and connect learning with local people and places. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are included respectfully, informed by community knowledge where possible.
06We reflect and improve
Educators use observations, research and children’s, families’ and community perspectives to review practice, try improvements and check whether they make a difference.
STEAM is a way of thinking.
Through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, children ask, explore, design, test and explain. Montessori-inspired practical life supports independence and safe choices.
More about our teaching framework
Books, language, number, movement and emotional learning develop alongside these experiences. Challenge follows each child’s readiness; technology is used purposefully and sparingly, protecting relationships, attention and safety. Educators help children observe, predict, represent ideas, revise and explain their thinking.
Our mission
Exceptional learning begins with exceptional relationships.
Our mission is to nurture a curious mind, emotional confidence, a healthy body and everyday independence, in partnership with every family.
How we emotionally coach
Connection first. Gentle guidance.
We expect every educator at STEAM Early Learning Academy to be patient, nurturing, and guided by positive educational practices. Our educators will listen, seek to understand and help each child feel heard, safe and connected before guiding their learning.
Our emotional-coaching method gives educators a consistent way to support big feelings. With empathy, positive behaviour guidance and calm boundaries, we connect first and help children calm with a trusted adult’s support, then help them choose calming strategies, redirect safely, develop empathy and solve problems when ready.
Name
“You look frustrated.”
Validate
“It's okay to feel disappointed.”
Set the boundary
“It's okay to be angry. It isn't okay to hurt.”
Regulate
“Would space, company or a calming activity help?”
Problem-solve
“What could we try?”
Repair
“How can we make things better?”
Calming together → recognising feelings → naming feelings → learning strategies → increasing self-regulation, empathy and repair.
Dedicated care from day one
Two familiar people, one secure start.
Every child has a Primary Carer who builds a strong relationship with the child and family, supported by a Secondary Carer who provides added consistency and connection. During settling, they work together to provide more one-on-one attention.
Primary Carer
Your family's main trusted educator and point of connection.
Secondary Carer
Additional support so your child continues to feel known and secure.
Meet our team
Warm hearts. Experienced hands.
Director and Founder
Meet Jenny Nguyen
Hello families! My name is Jenny, and I am the Director and Founder of STEAM Early Learning Academy.
As a mum of four, STEAM ELA was born from a very personal vision: to create the kind of place I would have wanted for my own children when I could not be there with them.
Read more about Jenny Nguyen
I want every child who walks through our doors to feel safe, deeply loved, noticed, understood and genuinely cherished. I want them to know that the adults around them are emotionally available — ready to comfort them, listen to them, celebrate them and help them grow in confidence.
Before moving into early childhood education, I trained and worked as a pharmacist. My university and pharmacy background taught me the value of evidence, careful planning, strong systems and attention to detail. I have carried those principles into STEAM ELA because I believe high-quality care does not happen by chance. It comes from being intentional in the way we plan, teach, communicate and care for every child.
My goal is for every child to leave STEAM ELA ready for far more than just the academic demands of school. I want them to be academically ready, socially confident and emotionally prepared for kindergarten and the journey ahead.
A great deal of research and thought has gone into our learning program. We have explored approaches across literacy, mathematics, science, language and social-emotional learning to build a program that supports the whole child. We want children to become curious thinkers, confident communicators, resilient problem-solvers, kind friends and enthusiastic learners.
I am equally passionate about the people caring for our children. I believe children thrive when the adults around them feel valued, respected and supported. My responsibility as a leader is to build a strong team culture where educators feel proud of their work, support one another, continue to grow and share the same commitment to providing exceptional care.
For me, STEAM ELA is not simply a childcare centre. It is the place I have dreamed of creating — a place where children are loved as individuals, challenged to reach their potential, and given the emotional security and strong foundations they need to thrive.
That is the standard I would want for my own children, and it is the standard I want to give every family who trusts us with theirs.
Lead educator
Meet Jooyoung Lim
Hello, my name is Jooyoung!
I am a qualified Early Childhood Teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five) and over 8 years of experience working with young children.
Read more about Jooyoung Lim
I am passionate about creating a warm, safe and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported and confident to learn and grow.
I believe in building strong relationships with children and families and making learning meaningful, engaging and fun.
I speak both English and Korean and look forward to getting to know all our wonderful STEAM ELA families!
Lead educator
Meet Qui Tran
Hello families! My name is Qui. I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, have eight years of experience, and speak English and Vietnamese. My background includes Montessori education, Room Leader and Second-in-Charge roles, and training and supporting new educators in the Montessori method.
I love creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued and heard. Through play and everyday connections, I support children to develop confidence, independence, curiosity and kindness. Watching their friendships blossom and celebrating their achievements are the highlights of my day.
Read more about Qui Tran
Outside work, I enjoy scenic walks, cooking, exploring different cuisines and learning the piano. A fun fact: I grew up on an island, but I cannot swim!
I look forward to getting to know your family and sharing in your child’s learning journey.
Team member
Meet Amy Ha My Dang
Hello families! My name is Amy, and I am so excited to be part of the STEAM ELA family.
I am a mum of two, and being a mother has shaped so much of who I am. It has taught me patience, empathy and the importance of making children feel safe, understood and genuinely cared for.
Read more about Amy Ha My Dang
I am a warm, bubbly and honest person who loves music, laughter and bringing positive energy to the people around me. I really value kindness, respect and being someone others can rely on.
I love being around children and seeing their personalities shine through. I look forward to building genuine relationships with our children and families and being a caring, familiar part of their day at STEAM ELA.
Our whole-child framework
Nine connected learning pillars.
These areas connect throughout the program, rather than standing alone as separate subjects.
Read the nine learning areas
- Language & English
- Mathematics
- Science, Technology & Engineering
- Creative Arts
- Social & Emotional Intelligence
- Healthy Bodies & Healthy Minds
- Life Skills & Independence
- Beyond the Classroom
- Confidence & Communication
Why the early years matter
Small everyday moments build strong foundations.
By around age five, a child’s brain reaches about 90% of its adult size. Warm, responsive relationships and rich everyday experiences help shape developing brain connections. That is why we place loving care, conversation, play and purposeful learning at the heart of each day.
Brain development continues beyond age five. Every child grows at their own pace.
Sources: First Things First (2022), Make the most of their early years; Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, A Guide to Brain Architecture.
Montessori-inspired practical life
Independence begins with the freedom to explore.
Pouring, dressing, preparing food and caring for our spaces give children purposeful ways to practise independence. Educators offer choices and just enough help, guided by each child’s readiness.
FocusIndependenceCuriosity
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