Montessori Early Learning Education & Childcare in Melbourne

FiRST understands the importance of the child’s first 5 years being the most important in a child’s life, for learning and development. Our passionate and caring team consists of early childhood teachers, lead educators, and educators who create a warm and supportive learning environment. Among them is Lisa, our beloved Educational Leader and experienced Early Childhood Teacher (ECT). Located in the heart of the Cardinia Lakes community, our service offers high quality education and care to children 6 weeks to school age.
Families kindergarten pakenham are welcome to speak with educators at any time, and are encouraged to share information on a child's interests, culture and personal experiences. This is then used to help provide tailored experiences, and to develop inclusive care practices and play environments. Supporting children's creativity in early education is crucial for fostering their overall growth and development.

The children loved choosing and pasting the pom poms, bringing their colourful snakes to life. This creative experience was a fantastic way to develop their fine motor skills, sensory exploration, hand-eye coordination, and unleash their creativity. We offer open-ended experiences that provide children with greater choice and agency, helping to build self-esteem, independence, and confidence. Our learning environments will cater to the children’s individual needs and provide a secure space for learning and growth. We have a spacious, natural yard that allows the children to engage in out indoor-outdoor program throughout the day.
Meals are freshly prepared in-house daily, ensuring your child receives nutritious and delicious food. We commit to ensuring everyone we work with is safe, empowered, supported, and respected, especially our young people. We support and celebrate diversity of race, culture, ability, gender, sexuality, and gender identity. Cire would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways where we work, meet, and play. We acknowledge the rich culture of our First Nations people and pay our respects to Elders past and present. Goodstart Early Learning acknowledges all Traditional Custodians across Australia and recognises First Nations peoples’ continued cultural and spiritual connection to the land, sky and waterways that surround us.

It was a lovely afternoon at the centre, and the Pakenham team were so proud of the 2023 graduates and are excited to see them excel in the four-year-old kindergarten program. 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. We focus on strong family partnerships through regular learning and development conversations with your child’s lead educator, learning showcases, and in-centre family events. Our Xplor app provides real-time updates and learning summaries daily to keep you informed on your child’s journey. Your child could also be eligible for up to 15 hours per week at no cost, thanks to the Victorian Government’s “Free Kinder” Program.
The Little Learners Toddler Program is designed to create an engaging environment that supports your toddler’s social and cognitive development. We provide a fun, play-based learning approach that engages their young and active minds within a safe and stimulating environment. Our Baby Steps Nursery Program provides a nurturing environment, with daily activities and intentional teaching opportunities to support your child in reaching developmental milestones. Our play-based learning approach allows children to learn through sensory play, as well as build a foundation for future learning. Pakenham's childcare and kindergarten indoor rooms connect seamlessly with the outdoor yard area, which allows the children to explore and play, supporting their overall learning experience. Aspire Pakenham’s outdoor facilities include different playground areas, a cubby house, veggie gardens, bike paths, sand pits, and dry creek beds.
They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals. My approach to supporting children in their learning and life journey is built on a foundation of safety, positive relationships, and open, honest communication. These values shape my everyday practices and guide how I lead my team, ensuring we provide high-quality care and education for all children and their families. Our daycare and early learning centre is ideally located for families in Pakenham, Nar Nar Goon, Nar Nar Goon North and Pakenham Upper in Melbourne.

The Kindergarten Environment has a natural outdoor play space where the children can continue to expand and develop their gross motor skills and hand/ eye coordination. High quality childcare makes a real difference children, but knowing exactly what high quality looks like is tough for parents. The average cost for child care around Pakenham is $133.87/day.The average NQS Rating for Pakenham is Meeting National Quality Standard. Little Beacons Learning Centre, Pakenham Campus, is a spacious, light-filled space with natural materials throughout and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas. The sustainable building design and programs are mirrored in Little Beacons, Berwick Campus, which opened at the start of 2020. Children are also supported with our intentional teaching program that is based off the age based ACEQUA developmental checklists.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mum of six and “Nanny” to ten wonderful grandchildren. My family experience gives me a deep appreciation for the trust families place in us and the importance of positive early learning experiences. Our purpose-built childcare and kindergarten centre in Pakenham offers innovative early learning programs in a safe and nurturing environment. Our Pakenham early learning centre features spacious outdoor playgrounds with a bike track, a natural climbing fort, and large sandpits. Indoors, we have interactive whiteboards in both kindergarten classrooms, a techno corner, natural resources, and spacious learning areas.

We cherish the position that we hold – we understand that being entrusted with the care and education of young children is a privilege. At Bambini, we believe in the power of partnerships and the impact they can have on the quality of a child’s journey. We are pleased to hear you have had such a positive experience since starting with us and that you have found the service to be so caring and professional.
By maintaining consistent routines and environments, Story House supports healthy sleep habits, fostering a nurturing atmosphere conducive to each child’s development. Our service offers a curriculum inspired by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), tailored to each age group. Programs include nature-based experiences, art activities, STEAM and a school readiness curriculum. Our highly skilled early learning educators are dedicated to your child’s safety and development. We demonstrate professionalism and care in all that we do, from planning to delivery. Outside, our playground areas are a balance of natural and manmade elements and play surfaces – with sandpits, rock pool, dry creek bed, veggie patches, worm farm, cubbies and lots of shade.
To meet the daily needs of all the children in our services, we provide children with all amenities from nappies through to sunscreen whilst in attendance. With onsite kitchens each service provides healthy and delicious meals that support children’s daily dietary requirements. Touring the centre allows you to experience the environment firsthand and determine if it’s the perfect fit for your child.

Choosing the right program involves evaluating your child’s capacity for structured time, your family’s schedule, and the level of convenience and flexibility required. Explorers is a leading early learning provider with centres located across Melbourne. We are committed to the ongoing encouragement and development of all members of our community.
A virtual tour gives you a guided walk-through of your chosen centre, on your preferred device (desktop, mobile or tablet). This gives you the opportunity to see the centre and meet the Centre Manager if you are out of area or if you can’t attend in person. Transparency and honesty are the centre of our relationships with everyone who engages with us. Immerse yourself into what a day at our service could look like for you and your family. If your child becomes unwell while at the centre, teachers will make them comfortable and ask you to pick them up.