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 6:30pm.

• 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.

Absolutely! We welcome families to drop in at any time throughout the day. Many mothers drop in to breast feed on their lunch break and we have some grandparents who read to the children. However, for prospective parents, our educators are very busy and you may not get the full 30 minute Centre tour if you do just pop in. If you would like to book out a time, please contact 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! If we have the availability, you are able to book in as many extra days as you like.

We are closed on public holidays. If your scheduled booked day falls on a public holiday, you will be charged a reduced rate. The Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) covers up to 42 absence days a year, which includes public holidays. So unless you exceed this quota, you will be eligible for the CCS discount on public holidays. You can also ask to swap the day to a different day in the same week*

*Subject to availability, and not available if your child already attends full time.

Yes, fees still apply for sick days. However, we will do our best to schedule make-up days if possible.   The Child Care Subsidy will cover 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.

Fees apply for all absences (including 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.