Our Story
Expert, tailored guidance for lasting impact.
The Start Smart Early Education Group was born from a shared vision, to elevate early childhood education and make a lasting impact on children’s lives. What began as a family-driven commitment, rooted in over 45 years of educational experience, has grown into a leading group of early learning centres united by one purpose, to give every child the best possible start.
Setting The Foundation For A Future Of Possibility!
Founded by passionate educators and leaders, our journey began with a single centre and a clear goal, to create nurturing, high-quality environments where children feel safe, inspired, and valued.
Today, the Start Smart Early Education Group represents a collective of trusted brands, united by our shared values, innovation, and unwavering dedication to families and the community.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but our story is still being written. Guided by what’s best for children and driven by a culture of growth, we continue to evolve, always learning, always leading, and always putting our heart at the centre of everything we do.
View our timeline
January 2016
The
Beginning
Smart Tots Childcare opened its doors, marking the beginning of something meaningful and great. This was the first step in a growing vision to offer children a nurturing and enriching start to life.
August 2017
Perfect Start Birkdale
We acquired Perfect Start Birkdale, a centre that immediately stole our hearts with its beautiful natural outdoor playground and dedicated team of educators.
March 2020
Perfect Start Mary St.
An established centre that had served the Birkdale community for over 25 years, Perfect Start Mary Street joined our family. We carried out a full revamp, preserving its charm and natural setting while refreshing its facilities.
March 2021
Kindy Science Program Launch
We introduced our weekly STEM-based Kindy Science program, a fun and interactive experience designed to spark curiosity and support school readiness in our kindergarten children.
October 2022
Perfect Start Spring Fair
We hosted our first large community event following the pandemic, with an incredible turnout. It was a moment of reconnection, joy, and community spirit
Our second community event built on this momentum, receiving heartfelt support and interaction from families and stakeholders.
January 2023
Aboriginal Culture Embedded in Branding
We incorporated the Aboriginal Symbols into the branding of both Smart Tots and Perfect Start, reinforcing our commitment to inclusion, reconciliation, and embedding Aboriginal teaching and cultural programs in our curriculum.
March 2024
Start Smart is Born
With our growth and unified vision, we secured a shared premises and officially launched The Start Smart Early Education Group, as the umbrella organisation for all our early education centres.
June 2025
Start Smart Framework Rolled Out
Start Smart Early Education Group programs and practices are in the process of being formalised. A comprehensive Educator Benefits Program is developed and incorporated across all centres to support and celebrate our passionate team.
Our Leadership Team
Our passionate leaders are driving our vision forward. Our experienced team are committed to creating safe and secure environments for our children, excellence in early childhood education, continuous professional development for our teams, and meaningful experiences and engagement with our communities.
Together, we inspire our centres to deliver outstanding outcomes for children, families, and educators.
Learning Begins with Belonging
Our Relationship
with Families
But Co-Crafted With Every Child
At our Start Smart Centres, families are not just part of our community, they’re essential to the work we do each day. We recognise that meaningful partnerships with families help shape the most supportive, consistent, and enriching experiences for children.
We deeply value each family’s insight, participation, and care. Your voices guide us, your concerns matter,
and your involvement strengthens every child’s journey. From open conversations to special events and thoughtful extras, we’re committed to showing our appreciation and building lasting connections.
Because when educators and families walk alongside each other, we create something truly powerful: a foundation where every child can thrive.
Our Environments
Our environments act as the “third teacher,” inspiring exploration, creativity, and connection. Our educators are active collaborators in each child’s learning journey, listening deeply, documenting growth, and guiding with purpose and heart. Families are our partners, and community is our classroom. In everything we do, we strive to create a nurturing foundation for lifelong learning.
Our program gently and intentionally supports children as they build the social-emotional, cognitive, and self-regulation skills that will prepare them not just for school, but for life. We support the development of confident, capable learners who are ready to take their next step with resilience, curiosity, and joy.
Our inclusion approach
At The Start Smart Early Education Group, we are proud to contribute to the national reconciliation movement through our commitment to culturally inclusive education. We recognise and respect the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we learn and play, and we honour the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
Through meaningful engagement, inclusive practices, and the integration of First Nations perspectives into our curriculum, we aim to build genuine relationships, deepen cultural understanding, and foster a sense of belonging for every child and family.Our approach to reconciliation is ongoing, reflective, and grounded in respect, because every child deserves to grow in a world where history is acknowledged, and all voices are valued.
Start Strong. Grow Confident.
Discover a smarter start for your child’s journey.
