South Australia’s first Great Beginnings early learning centre has opened its doors in Gilles Plains.

Situated in Adelaide’s fastest-growing region, this centre will help to fulfill the heightened community need for early learning services in the northern suburbs.

Centre Manager, Ryan Kroon, said he is excited to provide a high-quality service for local families and create a homely space to nurture children into confident learners.

“Supporting children to develop healthy relationships with themselves and other people is what inspired me to work in early childhood education,” said Mr Kroon.

“When children establish healthy relationships and connections to educators, their peers and care environments, it supports emotional well-being and influences them to become confident learners.”

Great Beginnings Gilles Plains is part of G8 Education, one of Australia’s largest providers of early childhood education and care, dedicated to its purpose to create the foundations for learning for life.

G8 Education CEO Gary Carroll said Mr Kroon is a rare occurrence within the child care sector, with the Australian Productivity Commission reporting just 3 per cent of all childcare workers are men.

“It is an absolute positive to have both male and female role models in our educational settings,” Mr Carroll said. “It is a major benefit to children to see our educators interact, and how they communicate and work together.”

Mr Kroon joined the Great Beginnings Gilles Plains team with more than 20 years of early learning experience, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services and Leadership Business Management.

“I was very fortunate to go straight from high school into a centre where I was really supported,” said Mr Kroon.

“I am really proud that during my time in management I have been able to support and encourage more men to join the sector.”

In order to support children’s individual learning styles and emotional needs, Mr Kroon said consistency of care is a core focus for his team of 15 educators.

“We use the circle of security model to develop trusting relationships with our children and families,” said Mr Kroon.

“Primary carers develop responsive and respectful relationships with new families, become informed of individual routines and interests and act as a safe base for children.

“That consistency really helps with that initial transition into care for both child and family.”

The centre officially opened on Monday 23 May. Personalised tours of the spacious centre and natural place spaces are available by booking online or phoning 1800 517 086.