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Early Learning Centre
Warm & Nurturing
Long Day Care and Integrated Kindergarten Program
Discover Mernda's only faith-based and school embedded Early Learning Centre offering long day care and an integrated kindergarten program. Here, highly trained staff will create a warm, nurturing environment where children aged three to five years old can grow their faith and love of learning. The Centre will partner regularly with the Primary school to facilitate a smooth school transition.
What your child will experience in our Early Learning program
At Mernda Hills, we believe childhood is a precious gift! We aim to create a joyful, caring space where each child feels loved and special, just as God made them.
Through exciting adventures and hands-on fun, children naturally learn and grow in every way: they explore big ideas, discover how they feel, move their bodies, and learn about God's love. We weave Christian values like kindness and gratitude into everything we do, helping little ones understand how wonderful it is to care for each other.
We're also big on connecting with our community. We love partnering with families and our college, because together, we can make your child's early learning journey even richer and more supportive. Experienced, high quality Early Childhood Teachers will partner with our Primary School to foster connections, explore the College's facilities and facilitate a smooth transition to school. Our goal is simple: to create a safe, inspiring place where your child feels happy, confident, and ready to explore the world with curiosity and faith.
Genuine care and relationships with your family
Christian values-based programs
Extra-curricular programs supported by the College including sport, music, languages and arts
Education Victoria accredited kindergarten program
Long day care to meet family needs (7:00am – 6:00pm)
A new Centre featuring bright, spacious classrooms, break out spaces and specialist rooms designed to support early childhood development
A natural adventure playground with bike paths, water play, cubbies, vegetable gardens, mud kitchens and more, where children will enjoy endless fun and hands-on learning as they explore and connect with nature
Tailored program to best support each child’s next step to Primary School
Opportunity for continuous education pathway from Early Learning – Year 12
Operating Hours
7am - 6pm, Monday to Friday*
*The Early Learning Centre closes on all Public Holidays, as well as the Monday before Melbourne Cup.
2026 open dates: 14 January - 17 December
2027 open dates: 13 January - 16 December
Programs
Early Opportunities
Through a range of innovative and engaging experiences, children develop essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, communication, and social confidence. Our learning framework nurtures each child's sense of wonder, kindness, and respect while allowing them to explore the world at their own pace.
Our program integrates the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) with specialist programs supported by the College, within a nurturing Christian environment that supports each child to develop academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Faith-Nurturing Learning
Chapel and Chaplain Visits
Our regular Chapel programs and visits from the College chaplaincy team are meaningful moments for children to get to know Jesus together in community. Through stories, songs, and simple prayers, children learn about God’s love and develop a sense of belonging, kindness, and compassion in a warm, age-appropriate setting.
Early Encounters with Jesus Curriculum
Our faith-based curriculum, Early Encounters with Jesus, introduces children to the life and teachings of Jesus in a way that is accessible and engaging for young hearts. These gentle lessons lay the foundation for a lifelong journey of faith, helping children understand Christian values and the loving nature of God.
Wellbeing
Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum
Your child’s safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. Through the Keeping Safe Child Protection Curriculum, children are supported to develop awareness of personal safety. Delivered in a calm and age-appropriate way, this program helps children learn about their bodies, trusted adults, and how to ask for help if they feel unsafe.
Gardening and Outdoor Play
Daily outdoor play is an important part of our wellbeing approach. In our natural play spaces and gardens, children strengthen their physical abilities, explore the natural world, and develop an appreciation for God’s creation—all while enjoying fresh air and sunshine.
Core Programs
Performing Arts
Our performing arts sessions bring joy, helping children develop rhythm, coordination, listening skills, and confidence. Singing, dancing, and expressive movement support early brain development and allow children to explore emotions in a safe and playful way.
Art and Creativity
Creative exploration is a cornerstone of our learning environment. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or sensory play, children are encouraged to express themselves freely, building fine motor skills and self-confidence while celebrating their individuality.
Science and Discovery
Young children are natural scientists. Through hands-on experiments and discovery-based play, children are supported to explore their environment, ask questions, and engage with early scientific thinking in fun and meaningful ways.
Specialist Programs
Library
Our regular visits to the College library spark a love of books and language. Children explore stories, practise early literacy skills, and become familiar with library routines, all in a warm and welcoming environment.
Buddy Program with the Primary School
Our Buddy Program connects early learners with older students from the primary school. These cross-age friendships build confidence, social skills, and a strong sense of community. Older buddies act as positive role models, helping younger children feel known and valued as part of the wider school family.
Cooking
Cooking experiences offer children an opportunity to learn about healthy eating, measurement, sequencing, and teamwork. These sessions are a favourite among children and provide plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning—and delicious outcomes!
Now accepting applications for ELC, Foundation and Year 7 for 2027! Book a tour to see our campus in motion across all year levels.