Meet our Founder & Director

Cheryl Shigrov

Cheryl’s love of children and devotion to their early development led her to open the first Precious Cargo Education centre in St Peters in July of 2006. 13 years and 10 centres later, her passion and belief in the Montessori method of teaching has never been stronger. After Cheryl’s 3-year-old son started attending a private Montessori pre-school, she knew she just had to find out more about this approach, because whatever it was, it was working. She is absolutely thrilled to have a team of staff who are equally as passionate about nurturing and witnessing wondrous growth in children, their families and the community. Precious Cargo is equipped with trained Montessori professionals, who are all passionate about every facet of a children’s personal, emotional, social, and academic development. We love what we do; we think you and your family will love it too.

Your Home Away From Home

At Precious Cargo, we aim to provide an inclusive environment that promotes a sense of belonging for each child, their family, our staff, and the wider community. All of our classrooms are organised and clean, while offering a stimulating setting that awakens your child’s inner curiosity. The Montessori approach offers much more value than a standard curriculum; your child will be exposed to a wide range of hands-on experiences that incorporate aspects of sustainability, culture, and our environment. Additionally, our strong Community Links program allows children to engage with people of varying ages and backgrounds within the community, teaching them skills such as empathy and consideration. Each centre boasts its own unique ‘link’, with regular incursions and excursions aimed at building strong relationships within our communities.

Teaching Practical, Lifelong Skills

Our Support Resources

Precious Cargo has been at the forefront of staff-to-student ratios for a number of years, with 3 of our age groups still having higher staff numbers than is required by government. With a Montessori Mentor in each centre overseeing all of the Montessori Educators, there it utmost accountability when it comes to ensuring all children are well looked after. There are many points of contact available for parents both directly at their chosen centre, and at our administration building.

Our administration staff are also responsible for your account, so you can be confident in knowing your questions or concerns will always be addressed promptly. Precious Cargo also boasts a team of Educational Leaders, who work tirelessly to ensure the programs and experiences applied in our centres are always going to benefit the children practically, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Play Group

Play group is a free service run by Precious Cargo, where parents and their children are given the opportunity to come and learn more about the Montessori style of education, while getting a feel for the unique environments of our centres. We firmly believe that after just one visit, you will be completely blown away by the level of cleanliness, professionalism and passion displayed by each and every one of our staff members. While you may come just to learn, we know you will leave completely inspired and encapsulated by the Precious Cargo way.

Locations

Our Process

1. Contact & Introduce

Starting your child’s journey begins with meeting our wonderful staff! Let us tell you more about the Montessori approach, and what makes Precious Cargo so special.

2. Book & Tour

The whole family can come and experience the Precious Cargo difference (if only for a day!). You can watch your child thrive in an environment that stimulates their senses and leaves them wanting to come back.

3. Trial

Our day-long trials are the perfect way to let you and your child decide whether or not Precious Cargo is the right fit for you. We are sure that you will be blown away in no time at all.

4. Enrol

When all goes well, it is time to book your child a spot in one of our lovely centres! The best part? Never again will you feel guilty when dropping your little one off – we guarantee it.

5. Orientation

Your child is given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the environment, centre & staff, which will mean less tears when mum or dad leave for the first day!

6. Stay In Touch

We place great emphasis on our staff / parent relationships, so you know there will always be someone to turn to when you have questions. Otherwise, you can follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with news and developments, or contact us via our website!

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