You will see and feel that the moment we greet you at our inclusive Early Learning Centre located in Prospect. The Daphne Street Childcare and Specialist Early Learning Centre provides a sense of home, belonging, and acceptance.
The team understands the importance of early childhood education and aims to foster dispositions, skills, and learning that children will carry throughout life.
This centre incorporates a mainstream childcare program, an Autism-Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC), and an Inclusive Learning Environments for Autism Program. It is licensed to care for children from birth to school age.
“My experiences with the centre for the last four years have been nothing short of amazing. Words can’t describe the love, care and overall support my children have received and felt.” – Soula, Daphne Street ELC parent
The childcare services champion inclusive education, offering an educational, play based program designed to promote each child’s individual development.
These programs are underpinned by the Early Years Learning Framework and the SCERTS Model, a comprehensive educational approach for children with autism.
By encouraging curiosity and creativity in a secure and inclusive environment, the centre helps children seek new challenges and connect with their natural world and the people within it
Within the Autism-Specific Early Learning and Care Centre, therapists are integrated into the early childhood setting, providing individualised therapy and supporting children as they participate in the childcare programs. This approach helps children develop skills and supports their families with the transition to school.
The intensive and structured environment ensures that families have access to both therapeutic support and opportunities for skill development in both educational and home settings.
Finding a voice
Mum-of-six Teagan has experienced the transformative power of communication. For her family, speech pathology has been a crucial part of their journey.
Three of Teagan’s children – Amelia, Caleb, and Charli—have received support from AnglicareSA’s speech pathologists to enhance their speech, listening, and language skills.
This journey began when Caleb, now eight, attended the Autism-Specific Early Learning and Care “I was desperate for help,” Teagan recalls. “
Caleb was just over two and wasn’t talking. It was the first time I’d come across autism and what that means for development. Mainstream childcare wasn’t working for him, and I needed somewhere supportive of his needs.
Over the years, Teagan has accessed services through the ASELCC and Outreach AnglicareSA Therapeutic Services, finding the support invaluable.
AnglicareSA has been like a second family for me and the kids.
“In those early days, sitting in on sessions and learning what we could do at home and school was a great source of support. We’ve built strong relationships with the speech therapists, who’ve helped us through some tricky developmental moments.”
AnglicareSA’s speech pathologists provide services across all ages, including within childcare centres, outreach programs, and residential aged care.
Clinical Lead Ella Bourke highlights the significance of their work, stating, “Communication is fundamental in our everyday lives and integral to our wellbeing. It allows us to connect with others, advocate for ourselves, and meet our needs.”
Teagan has seen the positive impact on her children. “Speech pathology has made a huge difference,” she shares.
“Amelia can now read, write, and sound out bigger words. Caleb has strategies to communicate and express his feelings, making his transition to school much easier. Without speech therapy and early intervention, I don’t believe we’d be where we are now. It’s been life-changing for my kids.”
Outreach Therapeutic Services
AnglicareSA also offers outreach services through a multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting individuals with a range of disabilities.
Utilising evidence-based, neuro-affirming, and customer centered approaches, the team provides flexible and adaptive therapy services tailored to individual needs.
As a registered NDIS provider, AnglicareSA specialises in speech pathology, occupational therapy, specialist behaviour support, and developmental education. Therapy can be delivered at home, in school, or at one of the purpose-designed clinics in Prospect or Elizabeth.
Celebrating Early Childhood Educators
At Daphne Street Childcare Centre, including the Autism-Specific Early Learning and Care Centre, educators go beyond teaching – they nurture growth and potential.
For Early Learning Room Leader Caroline Ramages, this role is a lifelong passion.
“I’ve been in early learning for 29 years – it’s the only job I’ve ever done, and I love it,” she shares. “Seeing children’s faces light up as they learn is so rewarding.”
Caroline supports children under two, mentors her team, and fosters a sense of belonging for families.
“Creating trust and making families feel secure is key,” she explains. “We’re shaping the first years of life, and that takes time, work, and passion.
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