Susan’s is a family day care in Smithfield, where Miss Susan looks after a small group of children in a calm, homelike setting. There’s after-school and holiday care for school-age children too.
She’s the friendly face your child will spend their days with, and with a small group around her she has time for the little things, like who needs an extra cuddle after drop-off.
Mornings start gently here, with time to put the bag down, show Miss Susan whatever treasure came from home and ease into the day.
All 21 of her Google reviews are five stars. Here are a few of them, in the parents’ own words.
5.0
21 Google reviews
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Miss Susan is the best educator that we have had teach our kids. Our son absolutely loved her and didn’t want to be picked up. Susan is very kind and compassionate and loves the kids like they are her own.
Linda D.Google review
L
Susan has an amazing vision when it comes to education of little ones. She has patience and kindness as well as wisdom. Her ability to individualise the needs of the kids is something rarely seen. I have no hesitation in recommending her services. My daughter, who is now 14, still talks of her days with Susan as her daycare teacher. She’s left a lasting impression!
Lenrad M.Google review
A
We were so happy when we found Miss Susie had started her own daycare. We met Miss Suzie when our daughter was 2 and fell in love with her caring and professional self. There aren’t many I would trust unconditionally with our daughter, but she is certainly one of them.
AJ M.Google review
J
Miss Susan offers the highest quality of care and education. She is patient, attentive, fun and very experienced, and it really shows in the way the children are cared for. There is a great balance of play, learning and routine. The environment is well set up, clean and welcoming. We highly recommend this service to any family looking for an educating, fun, safe and nurturing setting.
Jacqui B.Google review
D
Highly recommend Susan’s Learn and Play Family Day Care. Susan is caring, patient, and truly dedicated to the children. The environment is warm, safe, and welcoming, and the kids are always happy and well looked after. Communication is excellent, and we feel very comfortable leaving our child in Susan’s care.
Dina H.Google review
A
Susan is a wonderful family day care educator. She is very kind, caring, and patient with the children. My child is always happy and comfortable with her. She teaches the kids many useful skills and helps them learn through play. I truly appreciate her dedication and highly recommend her family day care.
AnnGoogle review
N
Miss Susan is the most caring, compassionate and dedicated educator who cares for each child like her own. Best decision you’ll ever make knowing your child is safe, loved, learning and exploring! Thank you Miss Susan for all you’ve done for my babies!
Nikki S.Google review
L
Our child loves attending Susan’s Learn and Play Family Day Care. He talks about his experiences and he’s making such progress since he started attending. We are so happy with the care she provides and the learning opportunities our child has in her care. We love you Miss Susan!
Linley T.Google review
A
Truly, in a time where finding safe and nurturing care in the early education sector can be challenging, I can confidently vouch for Miss Susan and her family day care. The care she provides, the way she prioritises each child’s safety, and the learning and development she supports for every child is exceptional. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Family day care groups are kept small by law, so Miss Susan gets to know every child really well. There’s room for four little ones under school age, and after school a few older children from Smithfield Public School can join in too.
4little ones under school age, at most
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Once everyone’s settled, it’s time to head outside.
There’s always something happening in the garden
Little hands do the digging
Children dig, plant and water, then come back each day to check whether the strawberries have turned red yet.
And one day, there were carrots
They came up wonky and muddy, and pulling one out after weeks of looking after it is a very proud moment. The leafy tops go to the worms.
There’s the odd fairy too
In the fairy forest, children mix pretend potions and leave letters in the fairy mailbox. There’s usually something new to find under a leaf too.
Then it’s back inside, with muddy knees and big ideas.
Then it’s time to make something
There are rocks to paint, play dough to mix (red and yellow make carrot orange), pretend fossils to press into slime and marble runs to build. And it’s perfectly fine if the dog ends up bright orange.
Some days you’ll get a masterpiece for the fridge, and some days it’s a little house for the fairies.
All that making works up an appetite.
Once a week, everybody cooks
Measure
Pour
Stir
Taste
It might be herbs from the tea garden for pizza, apples for a pie or chocolate chips counted into cake batter (a few usually get taste-tested along the way).
Just pack a lunch Morning tea and afternoon tea are both included, so all your child needs from home is a packed lunch. See what’s on the menu
With full tummies and tired legs, you can guess what comes next.
Then the house goes quiet
From about 12 until 2, the day slows right down. Some children sleep and some just rest quietly, so Miss Susan works out what suits yours.
Bed sheets are included, so that’s one less thing to carry in each morning.
zzz
All this play is getting them ready for school
It might look like a lovely day of mud and paint, and it is. Your child’s also practising the little things that make the first day of school feel a whole lot easier.
At Susan’s, the children have a real role in the neighbourhood, with little jobs that help other people.
I love seeing the pride children take in these little jobs. They get to say, ‘I helped grow that,’ or ‘I put that book there for someone else to read.’ That’s the kind of belonging I want every child to feel here.
Miss Susan Diploma-qualified educator
The community garden
The children help care for it, and get to see what they planted come up.
The street library
They choose books to put in, ready for someone else to read.
Return and Earn
They collect bottles and cans, and the refunds go to charity.
Camp Quality
Everyone walked together to raise money for children affected by cancer.
What we hope every child takes home
Growa little taller and a little braver every week
Learnby trying things and finding out
Playscreen-free, for as much of the day as we can manage
Shinein whatever way suits your child
Togetherwith friends, with Miss Susan, with you and with the neighbours
By home time there’s lots to tell you
Pick-up usually comes with a painting to carry, a handful of flowers and a very long story. Here are a few of the things those stories are about.
My fee is $141.30 a day, with a minimum booking of nine hours a day and two days a week. Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is available for eligible families.
What does a typical day look like?
Children arrive and settle into play from 8, then it’s morning tea. Our hands-on learning is usually from 9:30 to 11, lunch is around 11:30 and rest or quiet time is from about 12 to 2. Afternoon tea is around 2:15, then there’s more play until pick-up.
What do I need to pack?
Just a packed lunch each day. Morning tea, afternoon tea and bed sheets for rest time are all included.
Do you look after school-age children?
Yes. I offer after-school care for Smithfield Public School and school holiday care for children from any school.
How will you help my child settle in?
Before your child starts, I’ll ask about their routines, favourite activities and what comforts them. If they miss you at drop-off, I’ll stay close and help them find something familiar to do.
Do you help with toilet training?
Yes. We’ll work together around your child’s readiness and your routines at home, with gentle reminders and plenty of encouragement.
What if my child doesn’t sleep during the day?
I adapt rest and quiet time to each child. Let me know their usual routine and we’ll work out what suits them.
How do I book a tour?
Call or text me on 0451 201 076 with your child’s age, the days you need and when you’d like to start. I’ll let you know what’s available and arrange a visit.
The best way to know if Susan’s feels right for your family is to come and see it. Bring your little one along too, if you like.
With room for only four little ones under school age each day, places for 2027 are limited. Call, text or fill in a few details with your child’s age and the days you need, and Miss Susan will let you know what’s available and arrange a visit.
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Miss Susan Diploma-qualified educator
