16 months to 3 years
Toddler program
Play and exploration that build curiosity, confidence and growing independence, in a calm and caring room.
Family-owned in St Ives since 2006
Preschool and long day care in St Ives, for children aged 16 months to 5 years
A small, 36-place childcare centre where every child is known by name. Play-based learning, a structured school readiness program, and nutritious meals provided every day.
- 16 monthsto 5 years, toddlers and preschool
- 7:30amto 6pm, Monday to Friday
- 3636 places: Places, small and personal
- NQSMeeting the National Quality Standard
- MealsMeals included: Included, allergy-aware
Learning that grows with your child
Our program follows the Early Years Learning Framework and is shaped around each child’s strengths, interests and way of learning.
3 to 5 years
Preschool program
A balanced focus on learning, friendships and emotional wellbeing, with STEM, the arts, weekly yoga and Mandarin.
The year before school
School readiness
Our Big School Tot program uses PreLit, an early literacy program developed by Macquarie University.
A home away from home
Small and personal
With 36 places, our educators know every child and every family well.
Family owned for 20 years
Part of the St Ives community, with 1,300 children and families through our doors.
Ready for big school
PreLit early literacy and close links with local primary schools for a smooth start.
Weekly yoga and Mandarin
Mindfulness, self-regulation and a second language, built into every week.
Meals made for every child
Balanced meals in line with Australian Government guidelines, with special meals for allergies.
Inclusive by design
We work with inclusion services to support children with diverse needs.
A word from our owner
“Our centre is like a big family.”
Childcare is such an integral part of family life. At the heart of all families is the safety, security and growth of our children, just as it is at ShellyTots.
What families say
4.8 on Google, from 21 reviews(opens in a new tab)We consider ShellyTots much more than just day-care. We consider the centre part of our family.
We didn’t just find a school, we found a family.
A home away from home, a place of warmth, love and nurturing.
From our Google reviews
My two daughters attend ShellyTots and absolutely love it. It truly feels like a home away from home. You know it’s the perfect place when your child begs to go on a Saturday!
Caitlin V., Google review
After 5 years and three children passing through ShellyTots, I can confidently say this centre is exceptional. For a working parent, the greatest gift is the peace of mind that comes with a happy drop-off.
Anna-Lisa R., Google review
- Read all 21 reviews on Google(opens in a new tab)
A day at ShellyTots
See our daily routine and gallery
Art and painting
Friends outdoors
Building and making
Quiet time
Joining ShellyTots
Book a tour
Visit the centre, meet our educators and ask us anything.
Join the wait list
Tell us your child’s age and the days you’d like.
Start your first day
We’ll call you when a place opens for your child.
Questions parents ask us
What ages do you take?
Children from 16 months to 5 years, in our toddler and preschool programs.
What are your hours?
We’re open 50 weeks a year, Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm. We’re closed on public holidays and for two weeks between Christmas and New Year.
Is there a wait list?
Yes. You can join it online from our Enrolment page.
Find us
41 Stanley Street,
St Ives NSW 2075
Close to St Ives village on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, convenient for families across St Ives, St Ives Chase, Gordon, Pymble and Turramurra. On-site parking.
- Phone
- (02) 9988 4299
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm