Our Philosophy – Inspiring a Lifetime of Discovery

OUR PURPOSE AS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS IS TO ACTIVATE YOUR CHILD’S NATURAL DESIRE TO LEARN. WE PARTNER WITH PARENTS IN THE IMPORTANT MISSION OF GUIDING YOUR CHILD’S INTELLECTUAL, EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT.

The children at A Country Garden are encouraged to love and marvel at the world around them through exploration, investigation and fulfilling their natural curiosity.

At A Country Garden, we're passionate about awakening the joy of learning in each child. We believe in the importance of stimulating children's natural curiosity and providing an environment where they can discover, grow and develop at their own pace.

As a family-owned childcare centre, our mission is to support parents in nurturing their child's intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. We celebrate diversity, welcoming children of all backgrounds and abilities to create an inclusive space where every child feels at home. Our staff are here to help our students unlock their full potential, encouraging them to become confident and inspired individuals who carry a desire to seek and wonder for a lifetime.

Meet Our Team

Our centres thrive under the experienced guidance of our committed staff. Our team, founded by Carol and Leo Keutman and led by Mark Naug and Jane Naug, comprises educators with many years of experience and strong qualifications in Early Childhood Education.

With unmatched expertise in Montessori Early Childhood Education, as well as Early Childhood Development, we have a range of industry credentials and certifications, including:

• Approve Childcare Provider

• Approved Kindergarten Program Queensland

• Member Montessori Australia

The Story of A Country Garden - Montessori Based Education

Every story starts with an idea -
a seed ready to be planted and grown.

After completing a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education in Melbourne in 1963, Carol Keutmann went on to teach children in the preparatory years. Carol loved teaching children in the early years – their energy and love of learning. Their wide-eyed curiosity! This memory, Carol carried with her over the years.

After raising her own brood (six in total!), with her husband Leo, Carol greatly desired to re-enter the world of early childhood education. After spending time working in Toowoomba in a special program introducing children with special needs to early childhood services, Carol had an opportunity to work as a Director in an early childhood centre.

The Birth of Willow & Jacaranda House with A Country Garden

It was during this time that Leo and Carol began exploring the opportunity of opening their own early childhood centre with the focus on creating a home-like environment that greatly emphasised early childhood education. In February 1996, A Country Garden Early Childhood Centre – Willow House, opened its doors. In fact, A Country Garden were the first Montessori Early Childhood Centre and Kindergarten in Toowoomba. 

The seed planted over thirty years ago has budded and grown!

Forming a partnership in 2003 with daughter Jane and her husband Mark Naug, the newly founded team opened A Country Garden Early Childhood Centre – Jacaranda House, in 2004.

Now, almost 30 years on, A Country Garden Early Childhood Centres has forged a reputation in early childhood care and education in the Toowoomba region. We still place a great emphasis on creating an intimate, homely and communal environment, continually striving for excellence in quality and personal attention. 

As manager of both centres, Mark Naug has a daily presence and is actively involved in the day-to-day operation of our centres. Living locally and having their own children attend the Centres has given Mark and Jane the added advantage of viewing life at the centres through the lenses of parents.