Childcare and Early Education Pakenham
If you would like to get an update on your enrolment at any point, you’re welcome to reach out on our Web Chat or call our family support team. Our Family Support team can also help you find an alternate centre near you, with the same offerings, that might have immediate availability. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday from 6.30am - 6.30pm which caters for children aged between 6 weeks to 5 years old. We rigorously follow the child-safe standards set out by the Victorian Government. These standards guide us to drive a child safe culture, provide appropriate strategies and actions to put the interests of children first, keeping them safe from harm.
Families pakenham kindergarten are welcome to speak with educators at any time, and are encouraged to share information on a child's interests, culture and personal experiences. This is then used to help provide tailored experiences, and to develop inclusive care practices and play environments. Supporting children's creativity in early education is crucial for fostering their overall growth and development.
The children loved choosing and pasting the pom poms, bringing their colourful snakes to life. This creative experience was a fantastic way to develop their fine motor skills, sensory exploration, hand-eye coordination, and unleash their creativity. We offer open-ended experiences that provide children with greater choice and agency, helping to build self-esteem, independence, and confidence. Our learning environments will cater to the children’s individual needs and provide a secure space for learning and growth. We have a spacious, natural yard that allows the children to engage in out indoor-outdoor program throughout the day.
First Early Learning Pakenham is operated by First Early Learning Heathmere Pty Ltd ATF First Early Learning Heathmere Trust, which contributes insignificant to the total available child care capacity in Victoria. First Early Learning Pakenham provides centre-based care for up to 105 approved spaces. Our full-time Cook prepares all meals on-site in our registered kitchen, following a four-week rotating menu tailored to meet children's dietary needs. Our educators work closely with each child, recognising and building upon their uniquestrengths and interests. We are committed to upholding child safe standards, ensuring the well-being and protection of every child in our care. You can then book a tour of our facilities and experience the Bambini difference.
It was a lovely afternoon at the centre, and the Pakenham team were so proud of the 2023 graduates and are excited to see them excel in the four-year-old kindergarten program. Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development. This happens through carefully planned music, dance, games, role playing and reading experiences. We focus on strong family partnerships through regular learning and development conversations with your child’s lead educator, learning showcases, and in-centre family events. Our Xplor app provides real-time updates and learning summaries daily to keep you informed on your child’s journey. Your child could also be eligible for up to 15 hours per week at no cost, thanks to the Victorian Government’s “Free Kinder” Program.
Building on skills developed in earlier years, the program focuses on independence, communication, and critical thinking. Children are unique, capable, resilient, and possess a natural sense of wonder and curiosity, which they love to share with their caregivers and teachers. I strive to create an environment that nurtures this sense of wonder, providing opportunities for children to explore and discover their world in a safe and secure way. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience across various childhood services, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to guide and mentor my team of passionate educators. This experience has also deepened my understanding of the community’s needs and the children I have the privilege to educate and care for. Our policy emphasises individual sleep needs, providing appropriate opportunities for rest and relaxation in a secure environment.
Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life. Our purpose-built child care and kindergarten centre in Officer provides innovative early learning programs in safe, nurturing and enriching spaces. Your child will love our climbing frames, mud pit, bike tracks, cubby houses, and zen garden. Every room features extensive building and construction areas, dramatic play setups, and spaces for investigation and exploration. We have a highly experienced, multicultural team of educators and teachers, many of whom have been with us since the centre opened.
Both indoor and outdoor learning spaces continually evolve to reflect children’s changing interests and developmental needs. We believe literacy plays an important role in children’s development and each of our services provides children with access to lending libraries within the service. Children are able to borrow books from the service to share at home with their families. The dedicated team strives to build strong relationships with children and their families. Find your local centre and start your child’s learning journey with us today.
Next, we’ll guide you through the enrolment process and help you complete the necessary forms. Strong partnerships with Pakenham families and local organizations to enrich learning experiences. These early years are an enriching and exciting time in a toddlers life as pathways are opened with endless opportunities for learning and investigating.
Our daughter Sophie has been at Birches a few months now and couldnt be happier. From the moment we had met Judy and had a little tour of the centre, i instantly felt at ease and knew I was going to enrol our little Sophie in at Birches. I had discovered this centre the Wed night while i was in bed, took a tour the Thursday morning and by Thursday afternoon had given the centre we had Sophie in at the time notice that i was ceasing her enrolment. Judy is amazing, so warm and friendly and every one of the girls are just so wonderful with the kids. My husband and I very much look forward to our updates in the Story Park app to see what fun activities the kiddies have been up to that day. Sophie always looks so happy and all the kids seem to be getting along so well.
Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication. The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements. New enrolments, casual enrolments and booking changes are managed through an online system called My Family Lounge. You can register online for a new account or sign in with an existing account. Bright indoor spaces and expansive outdoor play areas, including nature gardens and sensory zones.
All staff are highly experienced working with children and catering for all needs. I am continually updated as to my child's activities and well-being throughout the day which put me at ease. The centre is always clean and fresh healthy cooked meals are served to our growing kids. Tash is exceptionally professional, lovely and has a very caring approach towards all the families. With a balance of structured and play-based learning, children are encouraged to explore their interests, build confidence and develop independence. This approach helps lay the foundation for a smooth transition into four-year-old kindergarten and a lifelong love of learning.
At Creative Garden, we believe that the education of children in their early years is most effective when learning through play. Nurturing their development by encouraging hands on activities is fundamental to our philosophy. Our childcare and early learning centres across NSW, Victoria, Queensland and SA provide long day care and Government-approved Kindergarten and Preschool programs.
Through ongoing communication, feedback forms, and regular meetings, we ensure each child’s strengths and challenges are understood and supported. Our Family Support Team will add your child’s name to our waitlist if one of our childcare centres is currently full in your child’s age group. Our families love hearing about their child’s progress and the experiences they’re having day to day. We share these moments through centre newsletters, our Xplor App, one-on-one meetings, and at various centre events. Free Kinder provides up to 15 hours of free kindergarten for three and four-year-olds, up to a value of $2000 for integrated kindergarten programs.