A small kindergarten and preschool,near Dundas Valley and Dundas
Founded in 1996. A heritage cottage just minutes from Dundas Valley and Dundas, where 28 children aged 3 to 6 thrive with 6 qualified educators.
Your Local Kindergarten near Dundas Valley
Government-Funded
Quality preschool education made accessible through government funding, helping families give their children the best start to school and beyond.
Family Owned
A warm, family-owned preschool where meaningful relationships with children and families are at the heart of everything we do.
Small Classes
With only 28 children each day, we provide a personalised learning environment where every child receives the attention they deserve.
Limited Monday places available for 2026!
Book a tour this week.
Quality Preschool Made Accessible
Experience personalised early learning, meaningful educator relationships, and a strong school readiness program, with government funding available for eligible 3 and 4-year-old children.
Daily Rate
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Daily Rate
Start Strong Relief Cover
Most 4-year-old families coming 3 days a week pay between $0 and $60 a week.
Meet Janelle Fernandes
OWNER & DIRECTOR
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Master of Rehabilitation Counselling
- Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Janelle is a qualified Early Childhood Teacher with nine years’ experience as a Rehabilitation Counsellor supporting people with disabilities, mental health challenges, illnesses, and injuries.
This unique combination of expertise helps create a preschool environment where every child feels supported to learn, grow, and thrive.
Get to Know the Story Behind Sophie's Cottage
Our Educators
EDUCATOR
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Undertaking Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
EDUCATOR
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER & EDUCATIONAL LEADER
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
Graduate Diploma in Education
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER & EDUCATIONAL LEADER
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
Undertaking Bachelor of Early Childhood
Our Philosophy
At Sophie’s Cottage, we believe every child is capable, curious, and full of potential. We create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children feel valued, respected, and confident to explore, learn, and grow.
By recognising each child’s unique strengths, interests, and learning journey, we foster a strong sense of belonging while supporting every child to thrive at their own pace.
Our Curriculum
Our play-based learning program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and designed to support every aspect of a child’s development. Through engaging experiences in art, literacy, music, science, maths, and outdoor play, we nurture curiosity, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
For our 4-year-olds, our dedicated school readiness program helps build the skills, independence, and confidence needed for a smooth transition to primary school working with people with disabilities, mental health challenges, illnesses, and injuries. This unique combination of expertise helps create a preschool environment where every child feels supported to learn, grow, and thrive.
Why Families Choose Sophie's Cottage
With small class sizes and a close-knit community, every child receives personalised attention and meaningful educator support.
Proudly located in a restored former Salvation Army Church, our centre preserves many original features, offering children a truly unique preschool environment filled with character and charm.
As a family-owned preschool, we build genuine relationships with children and parents, creating a true sense of belonging.
Led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and experienced Rehabilitation Counsellor, our approach supports the unique needs of every child.
Our dedicated 4-year-old program helps children develop the confidence, independence, and foundational skills needed for a successful start to school.
Trusted by local families, we've built a reputation for nurturing care, strong community connections, and quality early learning.
From the Happy Parents
Amazing educators!
- Eric and Warwick
Stellar!
- Sylvia and Matt