Childcare & Kindergarten

Families also receive face-to-face updates, ensuring strong communication and partnership. Cire provides high-quality Melbourne kindergarten options across several locations to support local families. You can access sessional programs at Chirnside Park and Pakenham (Hollins Children’s Centre), or integrated programs at our Croydon, Lilydale, Mt Evelyn and Yarra Junction centres.
This means families have the flexibility for their child/ren to receive the highest quality learning experiences on days that best support them. As a leader, I  focus on empathy, transparency, and continuous improvement to ensure families feel heard, children feel safe, and educators are supported to grow. As a proud mum of six and “Nanny” to ten grandchildren, I understand the trust families place in us and the importance of positive early learning experiences. When your child starts, our educators will take the  time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs.
Eden Academy acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn and play. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Whether you’re wanting to start now or still deciding – we are here to support with your enrolment questions. Each child has an Individual Learning Plan based on their interests and strengths, with regular childcare centres in pakenham updates shared with families.

Our centre promotes sustainability through various initiatives, including recycling, maintaining worm gardens, and cultivating a large, expansive vegetable garden. These activities teach children about environmental responsibility and the importance of caring for our planet. We create Individual Learning Plans for each child, based on their interests, strengths and developmental goals, and partner with families to regularly review and update each plan. Our longstanding educator team provides  consistency and strong relationships with families, with some educators having more than 20 years of service. Seven of Goodstart’s award-winning team members have returned from an international ‘Discovering Next Practice’ professional learning experience in New Zealand. Indoors, bright and engaging learning spaces encourage creativity, collaboration, and discovery through play.
We strive to provide consistency for all children, allowing them to develop at their own pace in a safe and secure setting. Our primary aims are to encourage children’s independence and to provide support and information to families. Our early learning program integrated within long day care helps toddlers develop emotional, physical and cognitive skills through fun play-based activities. Each of our programs - whether nursery, toddler, or kindergarten - is play-based, culturally rich, and designed to spark curiosity and confidence, allowing children to strengthen their love of learning. Children build confidence for school through play-based learning, routines, friendships, early literacy, numeracy and growing independence.
At Inspire ELJ’s Pakenham child care centre, we offer a range of educational programs tailored to different stages of early childhood development. Our curriculum integrates Montessori principles, language learning, music, sustainability education, and kindergarten preparation. I began working in early childhood education in 1999 and joined Great Beginnings Pakenham in 2014. I bring many years of experience across a range of leadership roles within early learning.

Most families find that attending two years of a quality Melbourne kindergarten program creates a much smoother transition to primary school. Our program builds life skills through daily routines that promote problem-solving, communication, independence, and teamwork. With a strong focus on mental and physical wellbeing, children engage in mindfulness, healthy eating, and active play. These experiences lay the foundation for lifelong health, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. At Aspire Pakenham, children explore and connect with their local community through fun and meaningful experiences.
Choosing the right childcare is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. At Inspire Early Learning Journey’s Pakenham childcare centre, we provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children develop essential skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Story House Early Learning’s daily fee includes meals, nappies, wipes, sunscreen, learning programs, extracurricular activities, digital updates, and supportive care essentials. Everything is designed to create a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for your child’s growth.

I believe in building strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and educators  to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. The program combines hands-on activities with intentional learning experiences designed to nurture curiosity and resilience. Our educators work closely with each child, tailoring support to their strengths and interests. This thoughtful approach helps children feel confident and ready to embrace the challenges and excitement of primary school.
Our Pathways to School curriculum fosters a love of reading and strong language skills through storytelling, vocabulary building, and phonological awareness. With personalised support, children develop critical thinking and communication skills. We nurture enthusiasm for language, believing strong foundations are essential for academic success and lifelong learning. Our STEM curriculum nurtures confident mathematical thinkers through hands-on, inquiry-based projects. Children explore topics like bees, coding BE-BOTS, and recycling with local council support. Tailored teaching inspires critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong social connections, encouraging cooperation and curiosity through engaging, real-world learning experiences.
Children thrive in our structured Bush Kinder program, designed to connect with nature and enhance social and emotional development in all environments. Additionally, through the Sleep Smart program, educators receive expert guidance to enhance sleep practices, further ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. Story House Early Learning prioritises children’s well-being ensuring each child’s comfort and safety during rest times. Educators are trained to implement safe sleep practices, adhering to guidelines from Red Nose Australia and the National Quality Standards. Story House Early Learning does not require families to pay a bond or enrolment fee when enrolling your child, however there is a requirement for childcare fees to remain two weeks in advance at all times.