Pooh Bear’s House, Croydon North opened in March, 2010 and is owned and directed by Ms Kim Russell, a qualified early childhood professional with a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and a Bachelor in Education (Primary). In 2025, Kim opened her second service, Pooh’s Place in Lilydale.
Kim has been in the teaching field for over 30 years. Over this time she has been a teacher at four local government schools and previously co-owned and ran a successful Child Care Centre for six and half years in the local area.
The educators employed at Pooh’s ELC centres all have Early Childhood qualifications (or are actively working towards obtaining them). Pooh’s ELC have a majority of educators with their Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, alongside a selection of teachers with their Certificate III.
Our kindergarten teachers hold university qualifications including a Bachelor, or Graduate Diploma. We have numerous educators studying their university early years degree whilst working at Pooh’s. All educators have first aid Level 2, as well as emergency asthma management and anaphylaxis training.
Pooh’s ELC prides themselves on the close connections they have in the broader community. Our services includes weekly specialist music, drama and sports programs. We enlist the support of Playful Notes, Yoga with Anne-Maree and Soccajoeys to lead our Specialist Programs.
We have a beautiful inter-generational program with the Park Lane Aged Care Residence and have strong bonds with our local primary schools. We have a close network with the Croydon School of Dance and sponsor two scholarships annually. The service also sponsors Bridget Kayoga a World Vision child in Uganda and a Year Six student Joshua, through The Smith Family. Throughout the Year we also make significant donations to Beyond Blue, The Royal Children’s Hospital, and Pooh’s families in need.
