Creating an environment where children can play, learn and become confident and competent individuals is the aim for Dr Brenda Abbey.

Dr Abbey now owns and operates the three PE4K Centres in Wagga and is currently transforming them into exceptional centres closely connected to the community.

"I want to put all the things I’ve believed in and worked for into place at these centres," she said.

"Children at our centres will become confident, competent, caring, contribute to society, and care about each other and the world they live in.

"I believe relationships are all-important to children’s healthy development and leaning."

The aim is to set up an environment where children can "successfully relate to others as they’re developing social skills."

To do this Dr Abbey uses her greatest assets, her experience and knowledge. She has a PHD in democratic relationships with children and has more than 30 years experience in the childcare sector including running her own business, Childcare By Design, for the past 10 years. 

The networks she has developed with government and non-government agencies, peak bodies, and industry professionals will ensure the PE4K centres deliver high quality care and exceptional education programs. 

"At PE4K, educators spend unhurried time talking and playing with children and encouraging friendships between children," Dr Abbey said.

"These educators love children and are qualified and experienced with up-to-date knowledge about the way children grow and learn.

"My role is to guide and supporting these educators so that the many decisions they make during the day meet the quality assurance and regulatory requirements.

"The curriculum includes movement activities which also link to mathematical concepts (like fast/slow, high/low, jerky/smooth and first/last), plus progressive relaxation, a skill the children will be able to use throughout their lives. Above all, children’s creativity is encouraged and valued."

It's obvious that these changes are making an impact already with enrollment up 30 per cent since Dr Abbey took over.

"Things have genuinely changed," Dr Abbey said.

“Visit a PE4K centre and you will hear laughter and see children and educators playing happily and creatively together. 

"Children may also be sitting contentedly with their own thoughts or perhaps reading, talking, playing or laughing with another child.

"The learning materials, toys and books will be displayed so that children can chose what they want to play with, and then replace it when they are finished.”

While the curriculum and environment created for children is one of the most important things supporting the local community is also a core element to the business. 

"We are very community minded," Dr Abbey said. 

At one end of the scale is the inclusion of after school care at the Forest Hill Centre due to the Forest Hill Out Of School Hours Care not being able to accommodate enough students and on the other end of the scale is simply purchasing fruit, vegetables and meat locally. 

The three PE4K Centres in Wagga are Ashmont, Forest Hill and Lake Albert.