WHO WE ARE

Welcome to Parkside Community Childcare and OSHC

Parkside Community Staff Interaction with Toddler

We’re a not-for-profit, family-focused service offering childcare and out-of-school hours care in a warm and supportive environment.

Our Services

Childcare

Located on the corner of George and Young Streets in Parkside, we provide long day care for children aged 3 months to 5 years, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, 50 weeks a year.

Our centre features three purpose-built rooms—Baby, Toddler, and Kindy—and a spacious outdoor area perfect for nature play and exploration. We’re all about creating a nurturing, family-like environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive, supported by our experienced and caring staff.

OSHC

Our Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) is based at Parkside Primary School, providing before and after-school care for children aged 4 to 13 years in a safe and supportive environment.

We’re proud to work closely with local schools like Grove Kindergarten and Parkside Primary, fostering strong community connections. Many of our former students return as young professionals or future educators, reflecting our commitment to creating a positive, inclusive space where children thrive and grow.

Book a Tour

We'd love to show you around! For a glimpse of what life at Parkside Community looks like, register for a tour.

Our Mission

Putting Children and Families First Since 1972

In 1972, a group of dedicated parents came together to address the need for local childcare in Parkside, soon purchasing 110 Young Street to create a community-focused centre.

Founded as a not-for-profit, Parkside Community Childcare was built on the belief that high-quality early education should be guided by children’s needs—not commercial interests.

Since then, we’ve remained committed to providing affordable, high-quality care for families. Every dollar is reinvested into our programs, educators, and centre to ensure the best start for every child.

Today, we offer 52 licensed places, supported by a committed team—many of whom have been with us for 5 to 10 years. This stability stands in contrast to the high turnover often seen in private childcare. We proudly pay our educators 4% above the award rate, reflecting the value we place on their role and the continuity of care they provide.

Supporting Families Beyond the School Day

Our Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) was established in 1979 to meet the growing need for quality before and after-school care.

Located at Parkside Primary School, we’re proud to support families from a number of local schools, including St. Raphael’s. OSHC has become an integral part of the community, offering a safe, nurturing space where children thrive and lifelong connections are built.

At Parkside Childcare, our kitchen is the heart of the centre—and for good reason! With meals prepared fresh every day by our passionate, full-time chef, we’re proud to offer children delicious, nutritious food that feels just like home.

From morning tea to lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack, your child will enjoy a variety of balanced, wholesome meals made with quality ingredients. We happily cater to a range of dietary needs, and our educators are trained in safe food handling to ensure every meal is prepared with care.

Healthy eating, happy kids—it’s all part of what makes Parkside feel like family.

Nutrition

Parkside Community child eating freshly prepared meal

Meet the Team

  • Staff headshot Jess B - Director

    Jess

    Childcare Director and Educational Leader

    Qualifications
    Diploma in Children's Services from TAFE SA (2009).

    Experience
    Jess has 15 years of experience as a diploma-qualified educator, with 8 years at Parkside. She was the Assistant Director at the OSHC service for 7 years before transitioning to the childcare service.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Jess loves seeing children explore and learn through fun, messy experiences. Watching their growth and development is incredibly rewarding.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    Jess is married with a son who attends the service. She enjoys singing (having won a karaoke competition), horse riding, Harry Potter Lego, and family time.

  • Staff Headshots Melissa - OSHC Director

    Melissa

    OSHC Director

    Experience
    Melissa is a Diploma-qualified educator who has worked at Parkside OSHC for 7 years. She enjoys supporting children as they grow and develop into respectful, kind young people.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Melissa enjoys playing card games and board games with the children, fostering both learning and fun. She finds joy in seeing them build relationships and develop new skills.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as relaxing with her favourite TV shows.

  • Staff Headshot Laura - OSHC Educator

    Laura

    OSHC Assistant Director

    Experience
    Laura has worked at Parkside OSHC for 4 years and is currently completing her Diploma of School Age Education and Care.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Laura values the rewarding experience of watching children graduate from primary school. She enjoys one-on-one games and activities like beading, which allow her to build strong, individual connections with the children.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    Outside of work, Laura enjoys watching cricket and footy, and spending quality time with friends and family.

  • Staff Headshot Rachel - OSHC Leader

    Rachel 

    OSHC Educational Leader

    Experience
    Rachel has a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and Bachelor of Arts and has worked at Parkside OSHC since late 2023. 

    Why I Love What I Do
    Rachel’s favourite part about working with children is helping them to explore their ideas and interests while supporting them to learn, develop and grow. 

    When I’m Not at Parkside 
    Rachel’s hobbies include reading, netball and playing games with friends.


  • Staff headshot Jade S - Chef

    Jade

    Childcare Chef

    Qualifications
    Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) from TAFE SA (2007).

    Experience
    Jade has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry and has managed kitchens all around Adelaide. She’s been the chef at Parkside for nearly two years, bringing her passion for cooking to the children.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Jade loves creating nutritious, veggie-packed meals for the children and is passionate about sharing her love for food. She even grows veggies in our garden with the children’s eager help.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    Outside of work, Jade enjoys spending time with her two wonderful children and making memories with them. Gardening and exploring new recipes are some of her favourite activities.

  • Staff Headshots Carol - Educator

    Carol

    Childcare Diploma Educator

    Qualifications
    Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care from ACCCO (2017).

    Experience
    Carol has been part of the Parkside team for 10 years, initially starting as a student before completing her studies.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Carol finds joy in watching children laugh, play, and learn. Her passion for childcare has deepened over the years, and she loves the sense of fulfilment that comes with being part of the children's development.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    Outside of work, Carol enjoys gardening, listening to music, and spending time with her family. She’s also passionate about watching and driving fast cars.

  • Staff Headshot Helena - Educator

    Helena

    Childcare Diploma Educator

    Qualifications
    Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care from ACCCO (2015).

    Experience
    Helena has 15 years of experience as a primary teacher in China and 14 years as an Ethics school teaching supervisor. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor in Teaching, and a Bachelor in Business Administration. Helena has been with Parkside since 2015.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Helena is deeply committed to creating supportive, nurturing environments for children. She believes in building strong relationships with each child, respecting their individuality, and fostering a space where every child feels empowered to thrive.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    Helena is passionate about travel, having visited over 20 countries. She also enjoys reading and listening to music, seeking inspiration from different cultures and perspectives.

  • Staff Headshot Gihani - Educator

    Gihani

    Childcare Diploma Educator 

    Qualifications
    Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care from Enhance Training and Recruitment (2017).

    Experience
    Gihani is a diploma-qualified educator with 12 years of experience in the childcare sector. She joined Parkside in late 2023 and has found a wonderful fit within the team.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Gihani loves watching children engage in imaginative play and values the opportunity to see the world through their eyes. She also enjoys involving children in arts and crafts, and decorating the rooms with their creations.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    Gihani is happily married with two children and enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family. She’s also a proud animal lover and has a beloved cat.

  • Staff Headshot Britt - Educator

    Britt

    Childcare Certificate 3 Educator 

    Qualifications
    Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care from TAFE SA (2020).

    Experience
    Britt has been an educator at Parkside since receiving her Certificate III in Children’s Services in 2019. Britt is studying to complete her Diploma.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Britt loves seeing children experience the awe and wonder of discovering things for the first time. She believes music plays a vital role in children’s development and enjoys singing and dancing with them.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    Outside of work, Britt loves spending time with her dog, enjoying good food, and being in the company of friends and family. Britt is currently on maternity leave and looks forward to returning to work in April 2025.

  • Staff Headshot Kally - Educator

    Kally

    Childcare Certificate 3 Educator

    Qualifications
    Certificate III in Children's Services from TAFE SA (2005).

    Experience
    Kally has been at Parkside for 7 years and holds a Certificate III in Children’s Services. She’s currently working towards her Diploma.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Kally loves helping children develop into their best selves and values the secure, supportive relationships they build along the way. She enjoys watching the children grow and evolve over time.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    Kally is passionate about nature, especially wild foraging, and enjoys camping with her family. She’s also a stepmother to three teenage children.z

  • Staff Headshot Daisy - Educator

    Daisy

    Childcare Certificate 3 Educator 

    Qualifications
    Certificate III in Children's Services from TAFE SA (2011).

    Experience
    Daisy started her career at Parkside 14 years ago.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Daisy loves spending time with the children, whether it’s crafting, playing, or supporting their development. She finds joy in seeing them express their creativity and learn new things every day.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    In her free time, Daisy enjoys playing the harmonium, listening to music, reading, and spending time with her family.

  • Staff Headshot Joy - Educator

    Joy

    Early Childhood Teacher

    Qualifications
    Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) from the University of South Australia (2024).

    Experience
    Joy has taught children in China since 2011. She moved to Australia in 2022 and completed her studies.

    Why I Love What I Do
    Joy loves spending time with children, having fun, and watching them grow every day. She finds their innocence, honesty, and positivity to be incredibly inspiring.

    When I’m Not at Parkside
    Joy enjoys outdoor activities and has a deep appreciation for nature. She is also passionate about learning new things, like languages. Sometimes, she finds herself tucked away in a quiet corner of the library, working on her computer.