Children's Centre in Pakenham, VIC

Our early learning centre offers the VIC Government-approved Kindergarten program, supporting your child’s development and well-being from now, at school and beyond. In Victoria, 3 and 4-year-old children are able to access a funded kindergarten program led by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher. If eligible, your child will be able to participate in the Government-approved Kindergarten program, at no cost, up to a minimum of 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year. Our nursery room is purposely designed to make every baby feel safe exploring and discovering new things. Our spaces are filled with sensory experiences and activities to encourage intentional and responsive play-based learning. We focus on building secure relationships between children and educators, closely following home routines, and supporting each child in meeting their developmental milestones.
Every child in our care is individually nurtured and supported throughout kindergarten pakenham their learning journey. We offer free Victorian Government funded sessional kindergarten for three and four-year-olds. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards (NQS) to support each child’s learning 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.

We respect and support families' autonomy in making decisions about their children, and we encourage their active involvement at all levels and times within the centre. Our team is always ready to offer advice, encouragement and resources to support our families. Our eldest has just finished the entire program to begin Primary School and she is thriving. This is only made possible through the great foundation provided by Explorers and the kindergarten program.
They work with children to discover ideas, provide opportunities and research, to help and support the children’s learning. Our team understands just how important your children are to you, and we ensure that we take our responsibilities seriously. We also offer our parents snacks, coffee, and fresh fruits during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. I’m passionate about giving kids the best start in life, and I find it incredibly rewarding to watch them grow and learn during such vital years. Building trust with families and creating a safe, nurturing environment is at the heart of everything I do.
Reading and role-playing are frequent activities in our Pakenham curriculum. Recently, children in Woodland Kinder room explored the beloved book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. As they read, the children got to "feed" the caterpillar, learning about the days of the week, counting, nutrition, and the life cycle of a butterfly. Little Stars recognises that parents are the first and continuing carers and educators of their children. The centre aims to function as an extended family, providing a secure and trusted environment. Educators actively build quality relationships with families, to achieve the best possible outcome for children.

We also provide children with learning opportunities through music, movement and dance. Little Stars Early Learning and Kindergarten is conveniently located in the heart of Pakenham. All meals are planned and prepared by qualified nutritionists and chefs to help children develop good eating habits. Through observation, research and provocations, children’s interest and learning are continuously expanded as they grow and change.
Use our easy map search tool below to find Creative Garden or other G8 Education centres near you, making your search as simple as possible. I’m Simone Glenn-Ward, Nominated Supervisor at Lakeside Children’s Centre with experience ranging from Early Childhood Teacher to Education Leader. In my role, I enjoy assessing our service holistically, ensuring it caters to the diverse needs of children and families in our community. I value walking alongside children as they learn about themselves, about others and about the world around  them. Our service benefits from rich cultural connections that shape meaningful interactions among families and children, making it a unique and vibrant educational setting.

Art, music, and imaginative play help children navigate complex feelings and experiences, contributing to emotional intelligence and self-regulation. The Toddler Room encourages independence, confidence, and social development in a warm, engaging space. Daily activities include storytelling, music, and outdoor play to build language and motor skills. We partner with families to support milestones such as toilet training, ensuring a consistent approach at home and in the centre. We warmly welcome families and  the wider community as active participants in our Early Learning programs.
Join our waitlist today and become part of a community that values growth, curiosity, and lifelong learning. At Little Stars, we provide most of the essentials your child needs throughout the day, including healthy meals, nappies, linen, and sunscreen. To ensure your child is comfortable and ready to enjoy their day, we kindly ask families to bring a labelled water bottle, a hat, a spare set of clothes, and any comfort items such as a blanket or soft toy if needed. If your child requires formula or expressed milk, please include that as well. All items should be packed in a clearly labelled bag so our educators can easily identify them.
These moments strengthen community bonds and inspire learning in meaningful ways. Ultimately, the decision to enroll in Pakenham Community Early Learning Centre depends on your priorities. An English-centric curriculum may appeal to those prioritizing language reinforcement, while families seeking a globally enriched experience might favor a multilingual setting. Carefully consider your child’s needs, home language exposure, and long-term goals before deciding.

Pico Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten is committed to each individual child in a nurturing way, enabling them to develop with varied learning and fun in a stimulating environment. Open communication between management, staff and families is continually encouraged for a shared vision. With extended hours and a year-round program (excluding public holidays), our  Kindergarten program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers committed to supporting your child’s individual development. We welcome families to come and share their special skills or talents with our children and educating teams as well.
Guided by our vision to make a real and lasting impact, we provide quality care, support and education that empowers every child to thrive. In the Kinder Woodlands room, the children have been immersed in an exciting creative project called “15 Days of Materials”! Over the past three weeks, they’ve explored 15 unique materials, sparking curiosity and engagement as they experiment, touch, and create.