Mayfield Early Education Sydenham

• Mandarin language program

• Montessori Kinder program

• Music and movement program

• Sports and fitness program

• Cooking program

• Regular incursions and excursions

The educators at Mayfield Sydenham understand that for children, the first eight years are fundamental in establishing core values, sense of identity, and self-worth. 

They see parents and families as the first educator, and that their role is to work together in a collaborative and supportive way on a child’s learning journey.

The educational philosophies at the centre are based on the Reggio Emilia approach to learning which supports enquiry and play-based learning opportunities in natural and responsive environments. The learning programs are designed to be emergent in nature and guided by the children’s interests and needs.

The centre’s learning programs are informed by both the National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) which is based on the fundamental belief that children’s lives are characterised as “Belonging, Being and Becoming”; and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) which identifies five learning outcomes for children that the centre strives toward:

• Children have a strong sense of identity (IDENTITY)
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world (COMMUNITY)
• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing (WELLBEING)
• Children are confident and involved learners (LEARNING)
• Children are effective communicators (COMMUNICATION)

There are five rooms at the centre covering the following age groupings:

• Nursery: 6 weeks -  18 months
• Toddler 1: 15 months - 2.5 years
• Toddler 2: 2.5 years - 3 years
• Pre Kinder: 3 years - 4 years
• Kinder: 4 years - 5 years

I have been in the early education sector for 20 years, stopping briefly to have 2 children. I have an Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services and strongly believe in working, and building relationships with the children and families of my service, collaborating together to to ensure that all children have the best opportunity for development. Through nurturing a child's mind, creativity and interests, in a safe, caring and fun environment, we, as educators, support the development of all children into the amazing young people they will be in the future.

Kylie - Centre Director

The centre’s cook prepares healthy, fresh meals on-site every day. With a rotating seasonal menu, the centre uses fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. The menu has been carefully designed through collaboration with families and children, and is approved by Nutrition Australia.