About Us
Since 1994, we've been caring for Brisbane families just like yours. Our name "Building Futures" reflects exactly what we do - build your child's future through genuine care and thoughtful education.
Our beginnings
The Building Futures story began in 1994, when John and Gloria McKinnon, together with their daughter Vicki, opened their first early learning centre. Named "Totland" and located in Inala, Queensland, this family-owned centre served a diverse multicultural community, with many families traveling from the growing suburb of Forest Lake.
Discovering Montessori
Our involvement in Early Childhood Education has always been both a privilege and a responsibility. In our continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation, we discovered the Montessori Method – an approach that perfectly aligned with our vision for authentic, child-centred learning.
Training for excellence
Committed to providing the highest quality education, Vicki completed her Montessori training under Mrs Duyker in 2001-2002. Mrs Duyker, who learned directly from Maria Montessori herself in the Netherlands, brought profound wisdom and experience to her teaching.
These monthly training sessions in Brisbane were transformational, inspiring not only Vicki's approach to Montessori education but also her later commitment to teacher training through MECTA.
Read the full story of Vicki's journey with Mrs Duyker >
Growing and expanding
The opening of the Wavell Heights centre in 2003 heralded a permanent move into offering Montessori programs as the high standard for our services. In 2006, we opened our purpose-built Forest Lake centre, bringing Montessori education to Brisbane's western suburbs. Our family of centres was completed in August 2013 with the opening of Building Futures Montessori Blackstone.
Across our three locations, we now offer comprehensive Montessori programs for children including our Nido program, Infant Toddler Community, Children's House, and MonteBubs Playgroup.
Expanding Montessori excellence
Our commitment to Montessori education extends beyond our early learning centers. Through specialised training, in-home care options, and innovative technology, we're working to enhance Montessori education across Australia.
Certified Montessori training
MECTA was established in 2009 and offers nationally recognised qualifications including our Diploma and Certificate III in Montessori Early Childhood Education. By making authentic Montessori training both affordable and compliant, we're ensuring the next generation of passionate educators can deliver excellence in Montessori education across Australia.
Quality in-home care
Building Futures Care brings our trusted approach into home settings across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Through our registered family day care scheme, children experience quality Montessori-inspired learning in small, nurturing groups - creating an intimate environment where close relationships and individual development flourish.
Technology that puts children first
Seeing their educators spending precious time on paperwork instead of with children, CEOs Vicki and Derek created a solution. Your Child's Day is intuitive software that turns complex documentation into simple processes. Now used in Montessori settings across Australia, it gives educators more time for what truly matters: being present with children.
Let’s build your child's future together.
We'd love to show you around and discuss how your child could thrive with us.
