Innovative childcare: $2 million ‘Living Lab’ learning and research centre in Bentley recommended for approval

A proposal for a $2 million childcare and research centre in Bentley has been recommended for approval to the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel. The purpose-built facility would combine early education with real-time developmental research. The single-storey development on 22 Brodie-Hall Drive would accommodate up to 51 children and nine staff, including four specialist professionals in neuropsychology, speech pathology, and occupational therapy. It will function as both an operational childcare centre and a research and development site, trialling a neuroscience-based curriculum tailored to children aged zero to five years old. Research in the ‘living laboratory’ will take place in a live childcare environment to better observe and track children’s motor and cognitive development over time. One of the key innovations proposed is a real-time location system aimed at improving child safety, staff efficiency, and the day-to-day running of the centre. Data collected from the RTLS will feed into research designed to inform future early learning practices. The internal layout includes a programming room, software development room, meeting room, and an observation hall with windows into all major activity areas — enabling researchers to observe without disrupting children’s routines. Although it will be licensed as a childcare service, the proposal said the centre was not intended to operate as a separate commercial childcare enterprise. The facility will operate from 6.30am to 6.30pm weekdays, with research staff allowed access on weekends. A decision on the proposal will be made at the MIDAP meeting on August 14.