Montessori Preschool Programs Near Toowoomba
Families across Toowoomba, QLD, are choosing A Country Garden Early Childhood Centres for Montessori preschool programs that give children aged six weeks to six years a confident, curious start in life. Located on Drayton Road in Harristown, just south-west of the Toowoomba CBD, the family-owned centres serve South Toowoomba, Darling Heights, Westbrook, and Glenvale. Each programme blends hands-on Montessori learning with the Early Years Learning Framework, helping children build independence and a genuine love of learning. Call 07 4635 5448 to book a tour today.
Montessori Preschool Programs Designed for Every Stage of Early Childhood
A Country Garden offers age-specific Montessori preschool programs that grow alongside your child from infancy through to school entry. Each programme is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and benchmarked against the National Quality Standards (NQS), blending structured Montessori methods with child-led exploration. The centres operate from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
The programme pathway is structured as follows:
- Strawberry Patch (6 weeks to 2 years): A gentle, responsive nursery environment built around each baby's individual feeding, sleep, and play rhythms.
- Blueberry Lane (2 to 3 years): A toddler programme focused on group play, cooperation, and growing social confidence.
- Lemon Grove Pre-Kindy (3 to 4 years): A pre-kindergarten curriculum supporting functional independence, self-regulation, and hands-on discovery.
- Apple Orchard Kindergarten (4 to 5 years): A Queensland Government-Approved Kindergarten Programme delivered by qualified early childhood teachers, preparing children for school entry.
- Outside School Hours Care and Holiday Club (Prep to Year 6): Flexible before-and-after-school care plus holiday programmes.
Is the Kindergarten Program QLD Government-Approved?
The Apple Orchard Kindergarten is a Queensland Government-Approved Kindergarten Programme. Eligible Toowoomba families may access Free Kindy, providing up to 15 hours per week for up to 40 weeks per year at no cost. To be eligible, your child must turn four years old by 30 June in the year before they start Prep and attend for a minimum of two days per week. The programme aligns with both the EYLF and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines.
What Are the Credentials Behind the Programme?
A Country Garden combines the Montessori philosophy with the EYLF and NQS. The centres were founded by Carol Keutmann, who holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and a Diploma of Education (Montessori 3-6 years). Educators are carefully selected for their nurturing qualities and professional qualifications, and a working-owner presence ensures quality at every level.
What Does a Montessori Day Look Like?
Children experience a calm daily rhythm balancing self-directed learning with intentional educator guidance. Classrooms are equipped with Montessori materials that promote practical life skills, language development, sensory exploration, and early mathematics. Natural playgrounds encourage movement and creativity, and visiting artists enrich the programme with music, storytelling, and creative arts throughout the year.
Serving Harristown, South Toowoomba, Darling Heights, Westbrook, and Glenvale
A Country Garden operates from two purpose-built locations on Drayton Road in Harristown, approximately 4 kilometres south-west of the Toowoomba CBD. Willow House at 38-40 Drayton Road and Jacaranda House at 52-54 Drayton Road are within easy reach of families from South Toowoomba, Darling Heights, Newtown, Westbrook, and Glenvale. The centres' gardens and playgrounds are designed to encourage children to engage with the seasons and natural materials throughout the year.
Common Questions About Our Preschool Program
What Age Can My Child Start a Preschool Program at A Country Garden?
Children are accepted from six weeks. Pre-kindy begins at age three, and the Apple Orchard Kindergarten suits children aged four to five.
How Do I Know if My Child Qualifies for Free Kindy?
Children turning four by 30 June before Prep, enrolled at least two days per week in an approved programme, may qualify. Contact the centre to confirm.
What Makes Montessori Preschool Programs Different?
Children learn at their own pace using hands-on materials. Each child's curiosity and developmental rhythm are genuinely respected and supported.
Does A Country Garden Follow the EYLF and NQS?
Yes. All programmes align with the Early Years Learning Framework and are benchmarked against the National Quality Standards.
How Do I Enrol or Book a Tour?
Visit the enrolments page or call 07 4635 5448 to arrange a tour or begin enrolment.
Book a Tour and Take the First Step
A Country Garden Early Childhood Centres offers preschool programs that give your child a strong foundation for school and life. Whether your family is based in Harristown, South Toowoomba, Darling Heights, Westbrook, or Glenvale, the team is ready to help you find the right programme. View the
Country Garden Early Childhood Centres profile to read family reviews, then call
07 4635 5448 or submit an enquiry online to book your tour at Willow House or Jacaranda House on Drayton Road, Harristown. Spaces are limited, so early enquiries are recommended to secure your preferred start date.
Support your child’s early development with our Montessori pre-kindergarten program. Call 07 4635 5448 to learn more or arrange a visit.