Our centre offers the Victorian Government-approved ‘Kinder: Best Start, Best Life’ program for 3–4-year-olds, providing up to 15 hours per week of funded Kindergarten. This program supports children’s learning, development, and well-being, setting them up for future success.

Our Enhanced Learning Program for Kindergarten children focuses on:

• Numeracy & Literacy: Developing key skills for lifelong learning.
• Self-Regulation: Fostering emotional control and resilience.
• Social & Emotional Development: Supporting independence and building healthy relationships.
• Creativity & Problem-Solving: Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.

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.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Government subsidy: Further reduces out-of-pocket Kinder fees in addition to your eligible Childcare Subsidy (CCS).
• Personalised Learning Plans: Tailored to your child’s unique needs.
• Rhythm and Resilience Program: Music and movement to improve emotional regulation.
• School Readiness: Preparing your child for a smooth transition to school.

We also engage with local schools and provide transition statements, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared for the next steps in their education journey. Stay connected with your child’s progress via our Xplor platform, which offers regular updates on their learning and development.

“Let the child be the scriptwriter, director and the actor in their own play” - Magda Gerber

Nursery Space: 6 weeks – 2 years

Learning starts from before birth, and our Educators have created a welcoming and nurturing nursery environment where each baby feels safe to explore and discover new things - through their senses, their communication and cues (body language, facial expression and sounds) and through experimentation. On any given day you can see the nursery children engaging in all types of play including sensory play, music time, story time and more. Every day provides a brand new, exciting adventure for our babies to support their development, learning and wellbeing.

Toddler Space: 2 - 3 years

Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development. This happens through carefully planned music, dance, games, role playing and reading experiences.

On any given day the Toddlers can be seen developing their numeracy by building a tower, sorting objects, pointing and identifying shapes and patterns and participating in counting songs and games.

Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn-taking, developing self-confidence and emotional self-regulation. Our skilled team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling.

Kindergarten Space: 3 – 6 years

Kindergarten is a unique time for learning with peers and developing skills for later learning including confidence and curiosity, important skills for starting school. Our play-based program has school readiness at its core, encouraging active engagement in learning and supporting a range of positive developmental outcomes including resilience, independence, critical thinking and creativity.

The oral language supports literacy learning and a child’s oral language ability is the best predictor for later success in learning to read and write. Hearing the sounds within a language is the first critical step for all literacy learning. Our team supports our Kindergarten children's literacy development by engaging in rich discussions, reading, storytelling, dramatic play and experimentation all of which introduce new vocabulary as part of everyday conversations.

Throughout the Kindergarten year, children use their language to share ideas, ask questions, express themselves, and connect with peers and adults in social settings.

Social-emotional skills, including the ability to self-regulate emotions, are supported through group learning experiences. Our team supports each child’s social and emotional development by labelling and talking about emotions and supporting appropriate responses as together, they engage in new and challenging situations. Our goal in the Kindergarten year is to prepare children and families for a smooth transition to primary school.

Our centre chef prepares and cooks nutritious meals daily, catering to the unique dietary requirements of every child. We believe that by encouraging active participation (such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, preparing, and finally cooking!) children learn to appreciate and understand the importance of healthy eating across a wide variety of food.

Our centre offers seasonal whole food-based menus – created to delight the fussiest eaters.

Hi, my name is Simran, and I am the Centre Manager here at Pelican Craigieburn. I believe in giving children time to explore ideas, ask questions, and build confidence through meaningful play and inquiry-based learning.

I’ve been working in early childhood education since 2011. My journey into this field began when I enrolled my 18-month-old child into an early childhood service. That experience opened my eyes to the impact high-quality early learning can have on a child’s development – and on their family. It inspired me to pursue my qualifications in early education. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to providing children with an environment where they feel safe, respected, and inspired to explore. I believe that children benefit most from practices grounded in research and guided by genuine care. In my day-to-day practice, I strive to model respect, patience, and kindness – not just for the children in our care, but for the educators and families I work alongside.

Children are capable, curious, and incredibly motivated when given the right support and space to learn. I’ve seen first-hand how deeply they can engage in both short and long-term projects, producing thoughtful, creative work when they feel ownership over their learning. I believe in giving children time to explore ideas, ask questions, and build confidence through meaningful play and inquiry-based learning. My approach is centred on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where children feel empowered to be themselves. I’m passionate about helping each child develop the confidence and skills they need for both school and life. At Pelican Craigieburn, we provide a space where children grow their social connections, self-help skills, and independence – all while being supported by a caring and professional team.

I often explain to families that while learning at home is incredibly valuable, a dedicated early learning centre offers unique benefits. Here, children engage in structured, play-based programs tailored to their development. They form friendships, learn routines, and experience a wide range of learning opportunities led by qualified educators who are passionate about what they do.

Our team at Pelican Craigieburn is made up of passionate, experienced educators from a wide range of cultural and diverse backgrounds. This diversity strengthens our approach and helps us create a welcoming space for all families. Each team member is committed to delivering high-quality care and education, and we work collaboratively to support one another and grow professionally.

Being a mother myself, I deeply understand how important trust and communication are between educators and families. I take the time to build genuine relationships by getting to know each child and family personally. Open, honest communication is at the heart of what I do, whether it’s sharing updates, discussing goals, or simply being there to listen and support. Families deserve to feel confident and included in their child’s learning journey, and I do my best to make that a reality every day.

I look forward to welcoming your family to our Craigieburn early education centre.