We had a wonderful time training the educators at Mernda YMCA Early Learning Centre in the HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting and CPR courses. Their enthusiasm for learning and commitment to child safety were outstanding. It’s a caring and compliant team we’re proud to support year after year.

It's been 3 years with Mernda YMCA and my daughter loves coming here. She's learned a lot academically and socially. She has gained friends and loves the educators. I have peace of mind knowing that she is in a safe environment especially under Natalia's management. Highly recommend this centre.

Natalia and her team consistently provide an exceptional level of care and professionalism and we couldn’t be happier with the care and love our daughter receives here. The environment they have created is warm, engaging, and supportive for both children and families. Today's Father’s Day celebration (photo attached) was a wonderful example of their dedication, which was thoughtfully planned, well executed, and deeply appreciated by all parents. We are very impressed with the high standards maintained and grateful for the effort the team puts in every single day. Highly recommend!

My child really enjoys attending the centre. They offer lots of fun and meaningful activities on the daily basis. The approach they take is culturally inclusive and it promotes safe and beautiful community feelings. My child loves the big outdoor area too where he can explore open-play. The staffs and educators are so lovely too. You can tell they genuinely care. Communication is great and I love reading group updates as well as individualised updates.

Warm and welcoming environment for the children and families. We have had a wonderful experience over the past 2+ years for both our children. Educators are all friendly and supportive. Highly recommend ⭐️

As a parent of a child with ASD, I feel it’s my responsibility to finally speak up about our experience at this centre. When we enrolled, I was assured the staff could support children with additional needs. Sadly, that was not the reality. My son, who was nonverbal, was neglected and mistreated. He was pushed by an educator — an incident so serious that the Department of Education became involved. However, nobody at the centre ever informed me of what actually happened, only that there was an incident and the department was involved, three different stories till I got the truth once contacting the department myself. Even though the centre had contacted the Department themselves, I was left completely in the dark. I had to reach out to the Department of Education directly to finally learn the truth. I trusted them with my vulnerable child, and they failed him — and me — in every possible way. I had staff talk down to both me and my son. I heard watching him was referred to as “[son’s name] duty,” like he was a burden. That language is unacceptable, especially from educators responsible for the wellbeing of children. I raised several concerns about specific staff and behaviours, and every single one was dismissed or ignored, till this happened, it should have never taken for my son to be physically hurt by someone who is meant to keep him safe for something to be done. At the time, I didn’t share details because it was too overwhelming. But now I feel a deep responsibility to warn other families — especially those with neurodivergent children — so they don’t go through what we did. If your child has additional needs, I strongly urge you to look elsewhere. This centre was not a safe or supportive place for my son.

I have never felt so comfortable and confident with a centre before in my life till I came across this one. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am to have all these amazing staff members doing such an amazing job with my babies. Gunvir and Chetna go above and beyond to make sure my baby is healthy, happy and looked after every single day. Natalia and Leonie do the best job running this place and I encourage everyone too book a tour, I promise you’ll never look back. Thank you all so much, your work never goes unnoticed with us and I’m so so glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone and made the change 🥰

Fantastic early learning centre

The staff are so kind and lovely to deal with. Highly recommend