WE VALUE
Play based learning
The Elwood Children’s Centre is a community driven environment with a commitment to play-based learning, where connections and individuals are cherished.
The Elwood Children’s Centre is a community driven environment with a commitment to play-based learning, where connections and individuals are cherished.
Elwood Children’s Centre currently holds an exceeding rating and the ratios and opportunities for extra curriculum development time contribute to the rating of the service.
Elwood Children’s Centre is a community-run childcare centre and kindergarten offering 36 places per day to families with children aged 0-6 years of age. ECC has been operating since 1985 in a converted residential home on Tennyson street in Elwood, Victoria.
The Fairy Penguin program caters to our youngest members aged 3 months to 2.5 years. This unique environment has a homely feel providing an opportunity for children to establish secure attachments, develop their sense of identity and grow within the community. This program provides ample opportunity for children to explore the lush outdoor space and connect with country.
The Gurrorra (koala) program provides 3-year-old funded kindergarten, offering a range of educational, play-based experiences that encourage creativity, imagination and problem-solving. To provide high quality education and care in this age group, we exceed the minimum ratio requirements by having 1 educator to 5 children.
The Warreeny (wombat) program is a beautiful, unique space designed to engage and inspire 2-3 year olds. This quaint and special space is home to 4 children and 1 educator each day. This program focuses on play-based learning, nurturing childrens wellbeing, independence and self-help skills. The small group size fosters deep social connections.
The Walert (possum) program is our dedicated 4-year-old kindergarten space, providing engaging, thought-provoking opportunities for learners. We have a strong emphasis on school readiness, focusing on child identity and developing skills in confidence, resilience, independence, responsibility, and agency. Learning and development is planned to support each individual with a balance between child-led learning and intentional teacher led experiences.
Children engage in regular excursions to nearby parks, shops and places of interest as a way of establishing and building wider community ties and life experiences.
“We have been a part of the Elwood Children’s Centre family for a little over 2 years now. We adore this place! The Staff are so warm and caring - it really does feel like a home away from home.”
“My son started at Elwood Children’s Centre just before his 3rd birthday. When we opened the door on his first day, he ran inside and didn’t give me a backwards glance. That meant for us, we had made the right decision in choosing this centre.”
We invite you to come and experience The Elwood Children’s Centre first hand. Come meet our team of highly passionate and skilled educators, explore the Centre and experience first-hand how we provide care and education.
We look forward to meeting you soon!