Learning begins at birth. Children learn from their families and community. We describe formal early learning as any learning that takes place outside the home and with trained, professional early learning educators.

Formal early learning is so important as your child’s brain develops at its most rapid rate in those first five years. It is so important to give your child the most learning enriched environment possible to stimulate their love for learning.

For more information see: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/childhood/parents/mch/makingmostofchildhood.pdf

The most effective way for children to learn is to be in a safe nurturing and stimulating environment, whether at home or in a formal early learning setting. Parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers; we collaborate with families to build on what your child already knows and extend and grow this learning.

There’s a huge amount of compelling recent research on the first five years of a child’s development and how it affects the rest of their lives. We know that 80 per cent of a child’s brain is developed within the first five years. We also know that children who start ahead stay ahead and keep accelerating beyond their peers.

We believe in taking snippets from the leaders in early childhood learning and development and creating our own education program. We are inspired by three teaching philosophies:

Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia Philosophy is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education which values the child as strong, capable and resilient, rich with wonder and knowledge. The Philosophy rides on the coattails of the innate curiosity of children and aims to assist them with understanding their world and who they are within it. Children are allowed to explore and discover in a supportive and rich environment, where the curriculum is created around the children’s interests.

Maria Montessori

The Montessori approach was developed by Maria Montessori; the approach is scientifically based and has been used for over 100 years. The fundamental principle of Maria Montessori’s method is to value a child’s naturally inquisitive and developing mind to foster learning in an intuitive and natural way. Montessori classrooms are prepared thoughtfully in a way that encourages learners to explore for themselves. Children in these classrooms are guided to make their own discoveries, as well as gain a sense of independence. The teacher is there to provide help along the way.

Rudolf Steiner

Waldorf education, also known as Steiner education, is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. Its pedagogy strives to develop children’s intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner. The cultivation of children’s imagination and creativity is a central focus.

We cater for all children ages 6 weeks to 6 years.

We are open Monday to Friday 6:30am till 6:00pm.

• A bag with a spare change of clothes (or two)
• A wet bag
• A bucket hat
• Any comfort items such as: dummy, teddy, sleeping suit.
• Bottles with your child’s choice of milk (breastmilk, formula, A2, Soy)
• Please ensure all items are clearly named.

Our top priority is caring for the children and our centre. Therefore, we are not always available to show families around our service. To avoid disappointment, we ask that families don’t come to our service without an appointment. We welcome families to get in touch with us via our website or via our contact details in order to make a booking to come and see us.

We use the app StoryPark to communicate your child’s day to you. You will see stories and pictures uploaded there regularly. You are also welcome to call us as many times in the day as you like. At pick up times, an educator will be there to pass on any information regarding your child verbally.

For more information see: https://main.storypark.com

Yes absolutely. We advertise all our casual days on a weekly basis and parents are able to book their child in if they need to. Casual bookings are charged at the normal fee.

Fees apply for all absences (except for Public Holidays) that fall on a usual day of attendance. We do offer 3 weeks at a reduced holiday rate (please check with our Director for the current rate) per financial year. Families should request holidays three weeks in advance in writing to the Centre Director.

We are closed on public holidays and from 1 July 2024 we will no longer charge for public holidays, so if your scheduled booked day falls on a public holiday you will not be charged, and your child’s CCS ‘allowable absence days’ will not be affected.

Fees will apply for all days that your child is scheduled to attend. This includes sick days.   The Childcare Subsidy will apply for up to 42 absence days a year with no documentation and unlimited sick days if you’re able to provide a medical certificate or similar.