Kindergarten & Early Learning

The 4/5 year old Discovery Program is a government-recognised kindergarten  program. As part of the program, children join the Early Explorers (bush kinder) spend three hours of uninterrupted play on College grounds, using what nature has provided as learning materials. The program is based on the ‘forest preschool’ approach, originally established over 50 years ago in Scandinavia and now an international movement. Our educational team partners with families to support each child’s development.
Through the app, families can receive photos, videos, and observations from educators, stay informed about upcoming events, and engage childcare pakenham in two-way communication at any time. Storypark also allows us to collaborate closely with families, supporting each child’s growth through shared insights and goals. This seamless, secure, and interactive platform helps build meaningful partnerships between our educators and families every step of the way. In our kindergarten room, our curriculum is tailored to accommodate your child’s individual learning and development needs, which helps boost their enthusiasm, motivation, and willingness to learn. Our toddler room is set up with intentional play-based learning in mind.

I have worked in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector for over ten years. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of working across a wide range of roles—including Educator, Kindergarten Teacher, Educational Leader, Assistant Director, and now Centre Director. Each of these roles has shaped my professional journey and deepened my commitment to delivering high-quality care and education for all children.
With 12 years of experience in Early Education and as a parent myself, I understand the importance of creating a home away from home where families feel supported and children thrive. Our Centre comprises of 5 well-resourced and spacious learning environments, perfect for children to learn and grow. We've found 47 childcare centres in Pakenham, with 41 having vacancies for your little one.
Aximising the benefits of childcare services near Pakenham starts with great communication. Consider participating in communal activities, attend parent-teacher meetings, get involved in special events, and actively take interest in the curriculum. For example, Dianne has a strong connection to Indigenous culture and cultivating the land, whereas Elise has a strong literacy focus and enjoys running her beach kinder program. Sue is passionate about teaching Chinese culture and Language and Kaili is always integrating cooking and art activities into the curriculum.

I look forward to welcoming your family to our early  education centre in Pakenham. Chat with our team during enrolment, we’ll check your eligibility and explain your options clearly. If you need assistance or have any queries, please contact our friendly Fees & Enrolment team. ELLA is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and managed by Education Services Australia. Yes, at My Stars Childcare, we incorporate the respected Childcare method in our curriculum.
Activities are play-based which is central to the lives of all children; it is a natural behaviour through which children learn most effectively. For play to develop, children need adults who respect, value, resource and facilitate their play. Complete the below form and one of our staff members will get in touch to discuss your requirements with you. Story House Early Learning prioritises children’s well-being ensuring each child’s comfort and safety during rest times.
Our families provide feedback on our centre menu and we create the menu around their voices. Our evidence-based Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program is designed to develop fundamental skills that help support children’s self-regulation, memory, and concentration. It is an innovative approach to holistic learning, development and well-being in early childhood. Our experienced educators foster a love of learning, encourage creativity and build resilience, ensuring each child is prepared for a smooth and successful transition to primary school.

Homegarth Community Kindergarten's journey to build a healthy and sustainable kindergarten will now be bolstered through our Climate and Health pathway. A further 231 kindergarten places will be provided from the partnership in the local government areas of Greater Bendigo and Mildura through a combined $11.5 million investment in new and upgraded facilities. When you complete the enrolment form for OSHC, select either ‘AM’ or ‘PM’.
We provide a child safe and child friendly environment where children feel safe and will be supported to express and enjoy their cultural rights. To create and maintain a child safe environment, Grange Road Kindergarten apply Child Safe Standards and adhere to the Reportable Conduct Scheme (RCS). Our approach to early childhood education, high-quality programs and services, as well as our operational policies and procedures is consistent across all G8 brands. Every child in our care is individually nurtured and supported throughout their learning journey. G8 Education is privileged to contribute to the care and early education of over 45,000 children, from babies through to kindergarten and preschool, in our 400+ child care centres across Australia. We stand out from other childcare providers with our unique approach, blending the Montessori philosophy with innovative educational methods to encourage independence, creativity, and confidence in children.

The government Child Care Subsidy (CCS) aims to make early learning more affordable for eligible families. How much subsidy your family is entitled to will depend on how much ‘work related’ activity you and your partner undertake each fortnight. G8 Education proudly operates over 400 childcare, kindergarten, and preschool centres across 21 trusted early learning brands in Australia. Our dedicated Family Support Team can find the right local centre near you. At Goodstart Pakenham, I am committed to leading a team that values collaboration, curiosity, and kindness.
Also announced at the event was $80,000 in additional funding from the Victorian Government’s needs-based school readiness funding for Henry Family Children’s Centre and Lakeside Children’s Centre. Completed last year, the refurbishment involved upgrading the entrance, extending the outdoor undercover area, and improving the bathroom facilities to provide greater access for children of all abilities. Eco Explorers acknowledges that our principle operations take place on the lands of the Wurundjeri & BoonWurrung people, we recognise them as the traditional custodians. We pay our respect to all first people of Australia & Torres Strait and their Elders past, present, and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture, and hopes of the first nations people of this land.

At our Pakenham centre we also run monthly incursions for our Kindergarten rooms. Yimba Yumba is an exciting renewed ancient Aboriginal earth connection practice that shares the importance of connecting to the Earth to sustain the health and wellbeing of the planet and of ourselves. And for the children who are more the creative type, we have our SketchRoo program run by Denver. SketchRoo drawing classes and workshops offer hands-on, child-friendly, and relevant subject matter to spark creativity and increase knowledge retention. The program extends the children's artistic side through paints, crayons, pastels, and items that can be used within the room. This helps support children in their social and emotional regulation through art.
Some other details about starting Kindergarten are covered on our Kindergarten Registration FAQs page. We've found 24 Preschools and kindergardens in Pakenham, with 23 having vacancies for your little one. We regularly review room availability, as a result, you will receive a text message confirming if you’re still happy to remain on the waitlist each month or if your plans have changed.  We commit to ensuring everyone we work with is safe, empowered, supported, and respected, especially our young people. We support and celebrate diversity of race, culture, ability, gender, sexuality, and gender identity.