The Cairns Post

Edmonton kindy’s big day

- PETE MARTINELLI

YOUNG alumni of a community institutio­n celebrated 25 years of early learning with lashings of playdough and face painting.

Founded in 1994, Edmonton Community Kindergart­en is a non-profit, community owned and operated organisati­on that offers an early childhood education program to help prepare local students for Prep.

Kindergart­en director Carol Browning said she was driven to inspire and challenge young minds on their education journey.

“My approach is based on a philosophy that children are capable and competent learners, driven by their interests and interactio­ns with other children.” Ms Browning said. She said about 60 past students and their families attended the anniversar­y.

“It was definitely a success for us – it was nice to repay the community for their support,” Ms Browning said.

“I think the kindy has been a special part of the community because we have familiar educators; parents put faith and trust in us.”

Mum Heidi McDowell had enrolled her daughters Lilly, 10 and Mikah, 4 at the kindy.

“I love the way they are with the children,” Ms McDowell said. “It’s a very good experience for them, they are treated like family.”

The kindergart­en was once run by the Edmonton Uniting Church; when the kindy was in danger of closure, a group of motivated parents bought the property and sought affiliatio­n with the Creche & Kindergart­en Associatio­n of Qld. their

 ?? Picture: ANNA ROGERS ?? CELEBRATIO­N: Edmonton Community Kindergart­en director Carol Browning with Heidi McDowell and her daughters Lilly McDowell, 10, and Mikah Judges, 4, who all went to the kindy.
Picture: ANNA ROGERS CELEBRATIO­N: Edmonton Community Kindergart­en director Carol Browning with Heidi McDowell and her daughters Lilly McDowell, 10, and Mikah Judges, 4, who all went to the kindy.

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