Preschool & Childcare Sunshine Coast | Rise & Shine Kinder

Childcare & Kindergarten on the Sunshine Coast

Now Open

The Sunshine Coast is one of the best places in Australia to raise a family, and finding early learning that matches the quality of life here matters.

Rise & Shine is proud to serve Sunshine Coast families across three local centres: Maroochydore/Buderim, Maroochy River 1, and Maroochy River 2 along with a local Queensland Head Office, so no matter where you’re based on the Coast, a Rise & Shine centre and support office is close to home.

Eligible 4-year-olds can access Free Kindy, and when combined with the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), the real cost of quality childcare on the Sunshine Coast is lower than most families expect.

 

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Sunshine Coast Childcare With Real Depth

The Sunshine Coast has no shortage of childcare options. Rise & Shine stands out because of what’s behind the brand: a 100% Australian family-owned business, the Shine Advantage™ curriculum, and a leadership team with genuine investment in the children they care for.

Across all three Sunshine Coast locations — Maroochydore, Maroochy River 1, and Maroochy River 2, every Rise & Shine Kindergarten service runs the same Shine Advantage curriculum, a five-element framework: Smart Start, Fit, Inspired, Unite, and Crew. Each element is tailored to your child’s stage, interests, and development. It’s not a one-size-fits-all checklist; it’s a program built around each child’s actual needs.

Babies are supported through the Care+ approach from their first week, with a consistent primary educator, intentionally low ratios, and a daily rhythm centred on secure, trusting relationships. Preschool and kindy children also have access to the Orbit STEM program, where science and discovery become part of everyday life.

Infants Through to Kindergarten

Nursery (6 Weeks – 2 Years)

Toddler Room (2 – 3 Years)

Pre-Kindy/Preschool (3 – 4 Years)

Kindergarten Program (4 – 5 Years)

Three Sunshine Coast Centres, One Consistent Standard

If you’re looking for childcare in Maroochydore, Buderim, or early learning closer to Maroochy River, every Rise & Shine centre on the Sunshine Coast delivers the same high-quality Shine Advantage™ curriculum, the same qualified educators, and the same genuine care. Three locations, one standard, because every child on the Coast deserves our standard of education.

Free Kindy on the Sunshine Coast – What You Need to Know

Who Is Eligible for Free Kindy in QLD?

Children who turn 4 on or before 30 June in the year before they start Prep are eligible for Queensland’s Free Kindy program, 600 funded hours per year (15 hours/week across 40 weeks) at approved services.

How Does Free Kindy Work at Rise & Shine?

At our Sunshine Coast Kindergartens, Free Kindy is applied directly to your fees, no claiming required from your end. Our team manages it and makes sure eligible families receive the full benefit from day one.

Combining Free Kindy with the Child Care Subsidy

Free Kindy covers the funded 15 hours each week. Families needing additional care hours can apply CCS on top, further reducing costs. The two programs work together, and our team will help you understand exactly what you’re entitled to.

What Sunshine Coast Families Are Saying

We are happy and honoured to share some of the many testimonials from the hundreds of happy parents of children enrolled at Rise & Shine Kindergarten.

 

The best decision I have made is sending my son to Rise & Shine Kindergarten Maroochy River.

We came to R&S having been at a different centre, and the difference in the standard of care, attitude, and principles was immediately obvious. Maroochy River is warm and welcoming with friendly staff and inviting indoor and outdoor play areas.

I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and the quality of care that my son receives. Educators are supportive, professional, and compassionate. Their attention to detail and caring nature really promote an understanding of my sons’ individual needs. They value and encourage input from parents, which allows educators to adapt activities to reflect and further develop my sons’ specific interests. Communication with parents is excellent, with staff providing real-time updates and an overview each afternoon on a user-friendly app.

The strong connection the educators have established, allows my son to thrive and develop within a secure environment. The primary caregiver approach has been fantastic for building genuine relationships and trust, as a parent this gives me reassurance that my son will feel safe and grow into a confident toddler within this supportive setting. 

We’re so thrilled to have found Rise & Shine! Thank you for everything you all do for our little family, we truly are grateful for the dedication and support of the Rise & Shine community!

 

Melanie, Adison’s mother

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Getting Ready for School: Our Transition Program

Our Transition to School Program teaches children school readiness and prepares children for the jump to Prep, building the independence, focus, and social confidence that teachers notice immediately. 

Freshly Cooked Meals, STEM, and Everything In Between

How to Enrol in Kindy on the Sunshine Coast

If you’re looking for other Rise & Shine centres beyond the coast with childcare in Warner, Maroochydore, Maroochy River, or Maroochy River 2, book your tour before the waitlist grows.

Fees include all Shine Advantage™ curriculum’s educational programs, Care+, Kindy+,
on premises freshly cooked meals, nappies, sunscreen and enrolment pack.

Join the Waitlist

FAQs – Childcare on the Sunshine Coast

What ages do your kindies on the Sunshine Coast accept?

Children from 6 weeks to 6 years across Nursery, Toddler, Pre-Kindy, and Kindergarten rooms.

Is Free Kindy available at your Maroochydore and Maroochy River centres?

Yes, eligible 4-year-olds receive 600 funded hours per year, applied directly as a fee reduction. Our team will confirm eligibility and timing at your tour.

How much does kindy on the Sunshine Coast cost with subsidies?

With Free Kindy and CCS combined, fees vary by family income and hours enrolled. Use the CCS Estimator or contact our team for a personalised breakdown.

Are your Sunshine Coast kindergartens open during school holidays?

Monday to Friday 6:30 am–6:30 pm year-round, public holidays excepted.