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About Us

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A Fresh Approach to Early Learning

Poplars Early Learning is a family-owned and operated service with a deep understanding of the importance of providing a safe and secure environment for every child. Guided by the values of family and community, we’re passionate about raising the bar in early learning. We believe in the power of play, the beauty of nature, and we look forward to welcoming your family and being part of your child’s learning journey.

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 We believe children are naturally curious, and our role is to nurture that curiosity through Inquiry-Based Pedagogy. This means:

Learning Through Inquiry

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    Children Take the Lead

    Instead of passively receiving information, children ask questions, explore their surroundings, and engage in hands-on learning experiences.

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    Real-world Connections

    Learning is meaningful when it connects to a child’s world. We encourage discovery through storytelling, nature, creative play, and problem-solving.

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    Educators as Guides

    Our educators support children’s inquiries, providing thoughtful guidance, resources, and open-ended questions to deepen their understanding.

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    Confidence & Independence

    Children build the skills to think critically, explore new ideas, and develop confidence in their abilities by being curious and problem-solving.

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Experienced Educators Who Care

Our educators are at the heart of what we do. Led by a team with extensive experience in early childhood education, we are passionate about providing the best possible start for young learners.

At Poplars, our educators are:

✓ Highly qualified and dedicated to delivering engaging, child-led learning experiences.

✓ Warm, nurturing, and attentive, ensuring that every child feels valued and heard.

✓ Committed to ongoing professional development, staying up to date with best practices in early education.

We see ourselves as partners in your child’s journey, working closely with families to create a learning experience that feels personal, supportive, and enriching.

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A Message from Fiona

Approved Provider

Hi, I’m Fiona O’Donnell, the proud Approved Provider behind Poplars Early Learning.

For over 30 years, I’ve worked in early childhood education, and I still feel just as passionate about creating environments where children feel safe, seen and supported. Poplars is built on the same foundation as Coombs Early Learning — a place where meaningful relationships, nature-based learning and genuine care are at the heart of each day.

I’m so proud to reopen Holt under new ownership with refreshed spaces, and I’m equally excited to welcome families to our brand-new Jerrabomberra centre soon. I hope Poplars feels like a place your family can truly belong.

Warmly,
Fiona

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Poplars Values

At Poplars Early Learning, we believe in nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and heart. We create a space where they feel safe, supported, and free to discover new ideas, building resilience and a lifelong love of learning along the way. Three core values guide our approach:

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    WE BELIEVE

    Inclusivity

    Every child deserves to feel a sense of belonging. We celebrate individuality and create an environment where all children, families, and cultures are respected, valued, and included.

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    WE HONOUR

    Gratitude

    A grateful heart is a joyful one. We encourage children to appreciate the small moments. These daily reflections help develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and resilience.

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    WE ADVOCATE

    Holistic Wellbeing

    True learning goes beyond academics. We focus on physical, emotional, and social development, ensuring children feel safe, confident, and inspired.

Join the Poplars Family

We’d love to welcome your family into our community. Places are limited, so book a tour today to secure your child’s spot in our caring, family-owned centre.