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.

I have been working in early childhood education since 2011. My journey started with a Certificate III, followed by a Diploma, and I am currently furthering my knowledge by studying for a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I’ve always been passionate about supporting children in their early years, helping them learn, grow, and develop confidence in themselves. What I love most about early education is the impact we have in shaping young minds, fostering curiosity, and creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe and valued.

Through my experience, I’ve learned that every child is unique and requires an individualised approach to learning. By recognising their different needs, interests, and learning styles, we can provide experiences that help them develop the skills and confidence needed for the future. My approach to teaching is centred on guiding and nurturing each child to be the best version of themselves, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.

When speaking with families, I always emphasise the benefits of early childhood education in a structured and social learning environment. While learning at home is valuable, an early learning centre provides children with the opportunity to build social skills, learn through play, and gain knowledge not only from educators but also from their peers. This collaborative learning experience is invaluable in fostering resilience, independence, and curiosity. At Penguin Childcare Epping, I’m proud to work alongside a passionate team of educators who are committed to providing quality care tailored to each child’s individual needs. We work together to create a warm, welcoming, and enriching environment for both children and their families.

Building strong relationships with families is a priority for me. I believe trust, empathy, and open communication are key to ensuring that families feel supported. I make it a point to listen to their concerns, feedback, and everyday experiences, responding with kindness and understanding. If needed, I will always seek additional resources or refer families to external support networks to ensure they have the guidance they need. I am committed to fostering a community where children thrive, families feel supported, and our team continues to provide the best possible start in life for every child who walks through our doors.

I look forward to welcoming your family to Penguin Epping early education centre.