About Us
Perth's Family-Owned Childcare
Where happiness comes first — for over 35 years
Our Story
About Sonas Early Learning & Care
Sonas Early Learning & Care are personal, family friendly and child focused child care centres catering to the needs of the local community. With over 35 years in the making, Sonas is owned and operated by experienced, knowledgeable qualified Early Childhood specialists who have lovingly combined all the elements of quality child care and early education and embedded them in the very core of every service we offer.
At Sonas we nurture and promote authentic positive childhood experiences inspired by Dr Maria Montessori through play-based learning activities. Our boutique centres provide childcare, early learning and before and after school care for children from birth to school age, with affordable rates and qualified, experienced staff.
Meet our founder
Shelley Prendergast — Owner & General Manager
Shelley Prendergast brings more than 35 years of experience across the early childhood education and care sector, with a career spanning long day care, family day care, vocational training, and Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Services (MACS).
Her professional journey includes senior leadership roles across not-for-profit organisations, mid-size providers, large corporate groups, and small community-based services. This breadth gives Shelley a strong, practical understanding of the diverse operational, regulatory, cultural, and workforce contexts that shape early learning services across Western Australia.
Shelley is the owner and operator of Sonas Early Learning & Care, a small boutique group of education and care services recognised for their strong educational identity, people-first culture, and commitment to high-quality outcomes for children, families, and educators. Under her leadership, Sonas has focused on sustainable growth, innovative practice models, strong community connections, and meaningful investment in educator capability.
As a Board Member of the Australian Childcare Alliance WA, Shelley advocates for informed, practical policy, supporting provider sustainability and ensuring the voices of services of all sizes are represented — bringing a values-driven, collaborative approach to governance and a deep commitment to strengthening the early childhood sector.
Qualifications
- ·Bachelor of Social Science
- ·Advanced Diploma of Children's Services
- ·Diploma of Children's Services
- ·Certificate III in Children's Services
- ·Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Our Team · Credentials
Every educator is qualified, checked, and trained
Choosing childcare is really about choosing the people who'll care for your child. Across our centres, every educator is fully qualified, Working with Children checked, and trained in the National Quality Framework.
Qualified
Every educator holds Cert III, Diploma, Bachelor or ECT in Early Childhood
Thoroughly vetted
Working with Children Check, National Police Clearance, Early Childhood Register registration and mandatory-reporter trained
First Aid & CPR
Senior First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis & asthma management certified
Child safety trained
National Child Safety training plus our Safe4Kids Protective Education Program
Continuous Development
Ongoing professional development with trusted training providers
Mentorship
VET trainees and students mentored by experienced lead educators
Our key-educator model means your child builds deep relationships with consistent, caring adults — not a rotating door of casuals. Educator names aren't published here for privacy; you'll meet your child's key educator at orientation.
How we work
Our team philosophy
Key educator model
Each child has two key educators who form deep, lasting attachments — not constantly rotating staff.
Family-style mealtimes
Educators sit and eat with the children, modelling social skills and conversation.
Family Groupings
Vertical learning across ages — children build empathy, confidence and social skills by learning alongside younger and older peers. Brilliant for siblings, only-children, extended family, friendship groups and the social bonds children form across rooms — every child benefits.
Reflective practice
Weekly team reflection embeds the National Quality Framework into daily practice.
Local recruitment
We hire educators who live in or know the local community — they understand the families they serve.
In their own words
From our educators
“Engaging with the children and all of us having fun at the same time — that's what I love about working here.”
— Lead Educator
“I want to ensure no child misses out, is not given a chance or is put to the side. Every child belongs.”
— Centre Manager
“The mentorship I've received at Sonas while studying my degree at Notre Dame has been incredible.”
— Trainee Educator
The Sonas Way
What Makes Us Different
Home-Like Feel
Boutique centres where children feel safe, secure and loved
Family Groupings
Vertical learning across ages — empathy, confidence and social skills, for siblings, only-children, extended family and friendship groups alike
Dedicated Baby Space
Purpose-built Nest studio for our youngest learners
Expert Educators
Qualified early childhood specialists with years of experience
Weekly Incursions
Dance, fitness, art and more — enriching experiences every week
School Hours Care
Before/after school care plus vacation care programs
On-Site Cook & Nutrition
Fresh morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack prepared on-site daily — catering for allergies, cultural and dietary needs
Xplor Parent App
Live photos, videos, messaging and automatic sign in/out
Stay Connected
Xplor Parent App
Stay connected with your child's day through real-time updates, photos, and instant messaging with educators.
Photos & Videos
Live learning moments throughout the day
Messaging
Instant educator communication
Automatic Sign In/Out
Seamless check-in technology
Share The Learning
Add family and friends to stay connected
Proud Moments
Why we do this
The little moments our educators talk about over coffee — the kid who finally settles, the parent who says thank you, the artwork that goes up on the wall because the child is so proud of it. These are the things that make Sonas, Sonas.
Engaging with the children
Engaging with the children and all of us having fun at the same time.
Showing work to mum
When a child tells me they cannot wait to get home to show their mum what they have learnt at childcare today.
Name mentioned by the child
When a parent tells me that their child says my name on the way to daycare and that they say they really love me.
Parent thanks
A parent saying thank you for treating my child as if it was your own.
Children create and explore
Seeing the children create and explore and become engrossed in the activities provided in our centre.
Easy drop-off times
Forming relationships with children that make drop-off time as easy as possible for the children and their parents.
First happy day
When a child who has struggled to settle for a while finally has their first happy day.
Comfort being different
Helping children to be comfortable if they feel a bit different to the other children and allowing them to understand that 'different' is great too.
Proud of artwork
When the children want to show me their artwork and have it displayed on our wall because they are so proud of it.
Strong relationships
Building strong relationships with children and their families which last beyond the child's time in pre-school.
A new child becomes comfortable
Helping a new child at our centre become comfortable with their environment such that they have the confidence to go exploring on their own.
Lovingly breaking down behaviours
Kindly and lovingly breaking down barriers and behaviours that children may exhibit through anxiety or the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment.
Providing love and care
Being able to provide the love and care that the children need whilst they are away from their families.
Overcoming difficulties with eating
Helping children get over difficulties such as refusing to eat their lunch or eat at the table in our childcare centre.
Expressing your feelings
Helping a child feel confident in using their voice to express their feelings.
Children draw pictures for me
When children draw pictures for me to take home or put up on the wall of our childcare centre.
Babies to pre-schoolers
Seeing the babies we care for growing into 'kindy kids' then progressing to going to school.
Our Partners
Community Partnerships
Australian Childcare Alliance WA
Our owner Shelley Prendergast serves on the ACA WA Board, advocating for sector policy and provider sustainability.
Visit
Local High Schools
VET programs for aspiring educators
Fremantle Men's Shed
Community collaboration projects
Giving Back
Community Impact
Come See the Sonas Difference
Visit one of our centres and experience the warmth and quality of Sonas Early Learning & Care.
Book A Tour