Early education

For over 50 years, St Joseph’s Family Services has provided trusted early education and care to Port Macquarie.

As a local not-for-profit, every decision we make is guided by what benefits children and families most.

Across our three centres, experienced educators create safe, nurturing environments where children can learn, play, build friendships, and grow with confidence at every stage of early childhood. Through play-based learning and strong family partnerships, we support each child’s unique development from their earliest years through to school readiness.

Building foundations for school and life

We support children to build confidence, independence, and essential early learning skills through everyday play-based experiences. These foundations help children grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively, preparing them not only for school, but for life.

As children approach school age, our educators work closely with families to support a smooth transition into primary school, helping each child feel confident, capable, and ready for their next stage of learning.

Explore our primary schools

Early education built on generations of trust

For more than half a century, St Joseph’s Family Services has been one of the earliest established early education providers in Port Macquarie, supporting generations of local families and helping shape the foundations of early learning in the region. As standards and expectations in early childhood education have evolved, we have remained a consistent and trusted presence, grounded in experience, relationships, and community connection.

View our history

THE ST AGNES’ DIFFERENCE

Across our three centres, children are welcomed into safe, nurturing environments where they are supported to learn, grow, and thrive. Guided by experienced educators and grounded in Catholic values, we foster a strong sense of belonging, connection, and community for every child and family.

TRUSTED CARE

Trusted by locals for over 50 years

LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Operating for families, not shareholders

SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS

Smooth transitions to our primary schools

DEDICATED SUPPORT

Ongoing support for children and families

QUALITY EDUCATORS

Qualified educators who genuinely care

PLAY-BASED LEARNING

Fostering curiosity through play

OUR CENTRES

St Joseph’s Family Services operates three early education centres across Port Macquarie, providing care for children from 6 weeks to 6 years. Each centre offers longer care hours to support working families, with play-based learning environments guided by experienced educators and our not-for-profit mission.

Joey’s House Early Education Centre

Ages: 0 to 6 years
Opening hours: 7.30am to 5.30pm
Location: 4 Warlters Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Learn More →

St Agnes’ Early Education Centre

Ages: 0 to 6 years
Opening hours: 7.30am to 5.30pm
Location: 6 Burgess Close, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

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St Joseph’s Preschool and Long Daycare Centre

Ages: 2 to 6 years
Opening hours: 7.30am to 5.30pm (preschool from 8.15am to 3.45pm)
Location: 4 Burgess Close, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Learn More→

The educators are <span class="highlighttext">excellent.</span> There are great ratios between children and educators.

The educators are excellent. There are great ratios between children and educators.

The educators are <span class="highlighttext">doing an excellent job </span>of providing age-appropriate learning experiences… The children participate in lots of group and structured activities that help establish school readiness skills.

The educators are doing an excellent job of providing age-appropriate learning experiences… The children participate in lots of group and structured activities that help establish school readiness skills.

Great day care service, they go<span class="highlighttext"> above and beyond expectations </span>to make sure your child is happy, safe and comfortable in their care.

Great day care service, they go above and beyond expectations to make sure your child is happy, safe and comfortable in their care.

Getting started

We’re here to make the next step simple. Whether you’re ready to enrol, want to tour one of our centres, or just need advice, our team is here to guide you with care and clarity.

Contact us

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St Agnes’ Catholic Parish acknowledges the Birpai people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work, and serve. We acknowledge their deep connection to this land, its waters, skies, and stories, nurtured with wisdom, care, and resilience for countless generations. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging and extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.