The Seaside Early Learning Centre project has a total value of about $4 million including the fit-out.

The centre, proposed at Rainbow Beach Estate's Seaside Drive, would employ 35 staff and support local businesses.

A development application for the childcare centre and manager's residence is on exhibition at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council until September 16.

A bushfire hazard assessment is part of the application.

Lake Cathie Little Learners managing director John Stevens said they would offer facilities not normally found in other centres.

The Lake Cathie project represents Mr Stevens' seventh childcare centre development.

His wife Elaine will look after the set-up phase and the centre's operation.

"The population has grown to the extent where the time is right," Mr Stevens said about the Lake Cathie project.

The development application said the centre would provide care and educational experiences for 125 children.

The centre would have facilities over and above those normally provided in childcare centres, the application said.

The proposal includes specialist rooms for art, music, science, library and information technology.

Mr Stevens said the centre would be all about serving families and the community.

The plans include a vegetable garden and fruits trees, while the children will learn basic cooking skills.

There would be 32 on-site parking spaces.

Mr Stevens, citing the performing arts component as an example, said the children developed a sense of confidence which helped them when they started school.

"We are very passionate about the children when they leave having a great start to school life and life," he said.

Mr Stevens hopes to start construction in January 2020 and open the centre 12 months later.