"The rights and best interest of the child are paramount"
'Guiding principles of the nqf'
Centre Information
Our centre welcomes children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. We operate Monday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 6 PM and are closed on Victorian state public holidays. Notifications regarding these closures will be communicated through our KindyHub correspondence. In the rare event that we need to adjust our operating hours, advance notice will also be provided.
We have 6 classrooms, with the approximate age of:
- 6 weeks-18 months- Echdina’s
- 18-months-24 months- Koala’s
- 26 months- 3 years- Wallabies
- 3-5 years- Possums
- 3-year-old Kindergarten
- 4-year-old Kindergarten
An inspiring environment where your children can thrive and reach their full potential.
Engaging Learning Environments
Our environments support child-centred, play-based learning. Our learning environments are vibrant and flexible spaces that are responsive to the interests and abilities of each child. We cater for different learning capacities and learning styles and invite children and families to contribute ideas, interests and questions.
Passionate & Knowledgeable Educators
Our educators actively promote children’s learning through worthwhile and challenging experiences and interactions that foster high-level thinking skills. They use strategies such as modelling and demonstrating, open questioning, speculating, explaining, and engaging in shared thinking and problem-solving to extend children’s thinking and learning.
Responsiveness to Children
Educators respond to each child’s unique strengths, abilities, and interests. They recognize and build upon these individual qualities to support children's growth, ensuring they stay motivated and engaged in their learning experiences. Children play an active role in shaping the educational program, as educators listen, observe, and engage with them to create meaningful learning opportunities based on their ideas and curiosity.
The Echidnas
Our Nursery Echidna room is designed for children aged 6 weeks to approximately 18 months. With a child-to-educator ratio of 1:4, we accommodate a maximum of 12 children daily. We recognize that this age is filled with significant changes and milestones.
We prioritize building secure connections between educators and children, fostering a sense of belonging in our Nursery room. Our educators are dedicated to supporting each child's development, ensuring they feel safe and valued as they explore their new environment.
Our daily schedule is flexible, accommodating each child's routine, interests, and needs. We encourage regular communication between parents and educators to ensure that each child's individual needs are met.
Our goal is to follow the routine you have established at home, creating consistency of care and introducing learning experiences that nurtures your child's growth and development.
The Koala's
Our Toddler Koala Room is designed for children aged 18 to 24 months, with a child-to-educator ratio of 1:4, accommodating up to 12 children daily.
At this stage, your child is developing a strong sense of identity, independence, socio-emotional skills, physical abilities, and language acquisition. It is essential for educators to support each child's growth by fostering self-confidence and enhancing their communication skills. This involves creating an environment that nurtures a sense of self, encourages autonomy, and promotes effective self-expression in social interactions.
Our play-based learning approach is tailored to each child’s unique abilities and interests, allowing them to grow at their own pace.
We offer opportunities for pretend play, sensory exploration, and manipulative tasks that fostering curiosity and creativity in a nurturing and engaging environment.
“Thank you for providing a trusting environment for our little one to explore. We know that he enjoys to keep busy and take in all of the amazing experiences that you have to offer.”
The Wallabies
Our Toddler Wallaby Room, designed for children aged 2 to 3 years with a 1:4 child-to-educator ratio and a daily maximum of 16 children, focuses on developing emotional and social skills, fostering independence, and nurturing each child’s individual interests and abilities.
Through play-based learning, children engage in learning provocations that promote creativity, imagination, language development, problem-solving, early literacy, and numeracy.
Play areas like the home corner, vehicle small world, and creativity stations provide rich opportunities for hands-on exploration and skill-building. We also encourage growing autonomy, including supporting toilet training when children are ready.
Throughout the year, the children care for a large vegetable and bush tucker garden in their outdoor area. This year-round focus allows them to explore the natural world while learning about health, wellbeing, and sustainability. As they cultivate the garden, children gain hands-on experience in caring for plants and understanding their environment.
The Possums
Our Possum Room caters to children aged 3 to 5 years, with a 1:11 child-to-educator ratio and a maximum of 16 children per day. This room offers a slightly more structured, play-based program that emphasizes social and emotional development, fostering independence, and autonomy.
Children are encouraged to communicate their needs and navigate challenges with the guidance and support of educators.
In this interactive and engaging environment, children build both educational and social skills through fun, hands-on experiences. The addition of our undercover courtyard provides opportunities for seamless indoor and outdoor play, enhancing their learning and exploration.
We are dedicated to supporting children as they prepare to enter kindergarten or school in the following year, ensuring they are ready for the next step in their educational journey.
* For families with children attending Kindergarten outside of DELCK, this room may be available for enrollment based on availability.
