Wattlewood Early Learning Centre | Nurturing Young Minds in Kew

About Wattlewood Early Learning Centre

Wattlewood Early Learning Centre, nestled at 42 Parklands Drive in the leafy suburb of Kew, is more than just a childcare facility; it is a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing the boundless potential within every child. Our journey began with a simple yet profound vision: to create a sanctuary where young minds can explore, discover, and grow in a safe, stimulating, and deeply caring environment. We firmly believe that the formative early years are crucial for laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and our approach is meticulously designed to foster a genuine love for knowledge from the very outset. At the heart of our philosophy lies the power of play. We champion play-based learning, understanding that children are most receptive and engaged when they are actively involved in activities that spark their curiosity and imagination. Our emergent curriculum is child-led and interest-based, meaning our passionate educators keenly observe each child's unique interests and developmental stage, tailoring experiences that resonate deeply and encourage active participation. This responsive approach ensures that learning is not only effective but also joyful and meaningful.

We are deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of community, recognizing that a collaborative partnership between our centre and our families is paramount to a child's holistic development. We strive to build open, trusting relationships, valuing the diverse backgrounds and experiences each family brings to Wattlewood. Inclusivity is not just a policy but a lived value here; we celebrate diversity in all its forms, ensuring every child feels a sense of belonging and respect. Our educators are the cornerstone of our centre, bringing not only qualifications but also a wealth of passion and dedication to their roles. They are committed to creating an atmosphere where children feel secure enough to take risks in their learning, ask questions, and express their individuality. We understand that choosing an early learning centre is a significant decision, and we are honoured when families entrust us with the care and education of their precious little ones. Our mission extends beyond academic preparation; we aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are confident, compassionate, and curious about the world around them. We provide an abundance of opportunities for children to develop crucial social-emotional skills, problem-solving abilities, and a resilient mindset. The Wattlewood environment is thoughtfully curated to be an extension of home – warm, inviting, and filled with opportunities for wonder. From our sun-drenched indoor spaces to our natural outdoor play areas, every corner is designed to inspire exploration and creative expression. We are proud to be a part of the Kew community, contributing to the positive development of its youngest members. Our commitment extends to environmental consciousness, incorporating sustainable practices into our daily routines and teaching children the importance of caring for our planet. We believe that by instilling these values early, we empower children to become responsible global citizens. Regular communication and involvement of families are integral to our approach, ensuring a consistent and supportive experience for each child as they transition between home and centre life. We look forward to welcoming you to the Wattlewood family and embarking on this exciting learning journey together.

Bright and engaging indoor learning space at Wattlewood ELC with children exploring educational toys

Comprehensive Early Learning Programs

We offer a diverse range of expertly designed programs to support your child's development at every critical stage, from infancy through to their exciting transition to school. Each program is thoughtfully crafted to nurture their unique abilities and interests.

Long Day Care

Our Long Day Care program provides a nurturing, secure, and stimulating environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We focus on crucial early development milestones through engaging play-based learning activities, fostering social skills, emotional well-being, and cognitive growth. Nutritious meals are provided, and our caring educators ensure a home-away-from-home atmosphere.

Preschool Program (Kindergarten)

Delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, our comprehensive Preschool (Kindergarten) program is meticulously designed to ensure school readiness. We focus on developing essential literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills, alongside fostering social-emotional competencies through a structured yet playful curriculum. Children gain confidence and a love for learning, preparing them for a successful transition to primary school.

Preschool children engaged in a group learning activity with their teacher at Wattlewood

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)

Wattlewood offers engaging Before & After School Care and exciting Holiday Programs for school-aged children. We provide a safe, supervised, and fun environment where children can unwind, socialize, complete homework with support, and participate in a variety of recreational and creative activities. Our OSHC program supports working families by providing reliable and high-quality care.

School-aged children participating in a craft activity in an OSHC program

Early Intervention Support

We are committed to inclusive education and offer tailored support services for children with additional learning or developmental needs. Working collaboratively with families, therapists, and specialists, our educators create individualized plans to foster each child's unique potential, ensuring they receive the specific support required to thrive within our inclusive and understanding community.

Educator providing one-on-one support to a child in an early intervention setting

The Wattlewood Advantage

Discover the compelling reasons why families across Kew and surrounding areas trust Wattlewood Early Learning Centre for their child's foundational care and education. We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our service.

Experienced & Caring Educators

Our team consists of highly qualified, deeply passionate, and experienced early childhood educators who are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care. They create warm, responsive relationships with each child, fostering a sense of security and belonging, which is fundamental for learning and development.

Nutritious Meals Provided

We offer a rotating menu of freshly prepared, healthy, and delicious meals and snacks, developed in consultation with a nutritionist. Our on-site cook caters to various dietary requirements and allergies, ensuring children receive the vital nutrients they need for energy, growth, and concentration throughout their busy day.

Safe & Stimulating Environment

Our centre is meticulously designed to be a safe, secure, and exceptionally welcoming space that actively encourages exploration, creativity, and active learning. We maintain rigorous safety standards, secure access, and well-maintained indoor and outdoor areas equipped with age-appropriate resources that challenge and inspire.

Strong School Readiness Program

Our comprehensive preschool and kindergarten program specifically focuses on developing essential pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, social, and self-help skills. This ensures a smooth, confident, and successful transition to primary school, equipping children with the foundational knowledge and enthusiasm for future learning.

Parent Partnership & Support

We firmly believe in open, transparent communication and cultivate strong, collaborative partnerships with our families. We offer ongoing support, regular updates on your child's progress via our secure app, parent workshops, and opportunities for families to be actively involved in our centre community, fostering a united approach to your child's development.

Developmental Assessments

Our educators conduct regular, observation-based assessments to track each child's individual progress and developmental milestones. This valuable information is shared with families, allowing us to collaboratively tailor learning experiences and provide targeted support where needed, ensuring every child reaches their full potential.

Explore Our Inspiring Spaces

Step inside Wattlewood ELC and discover our thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor environments. Each area is crafted to promote learning, ignite curiosity, encourage exploration, and provide endless opportunities for fun and development.

Spacious outdoor play area with natural elements, sandpit, and climbing structures at Wattlewood ELC

Outdoor Adventure Zone

Our expansive outdoor area encourages gross motor skills, imaginative play, and connection with nature.

Bright and colorful indoor classroom filled with learning resources, books, and age-appropriate toys

Engaging Indoor Classroom

Purposefully designed learning spaces that stimulate curiosity and support focused activities.

Children's art station stocked with various creative materials like paints, crayons, and craft supplies

Creative Arts Corner

A dedicated space for children to express their creativity through painting, drawing, and crafts.

Cozy reading nook with comfortable seating, cushions, and a wide selection of children's books

Quiet Reading Nook

A calm and inviting space for children to develop a love for books and storytelling.

Our Passionate Educators

At Wattlewood Early Learning Centre, our team is unequivocally our greatest asset. Each member is not only highly qualified and experienced but also shares a profound commitment to nurturing your child's individual potential and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Sarah Chen - Centre Director

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Sarah brings over fifteen years of dedicated experience in the early childhood education sector. Her passion for creating a welcoming, inclusive, and enriching environment for children, families, and staff is the driving force behind Wattlewood's nurturing ethos. Sarah firmly believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with families to understand their child's unique needs and aspirations. She is a strong advocate for play-based learning and is committed to upholding the highest standards of quality care and education, ensuring that every child at Wattlewood feels valued, supported, and inspired to explore their world. Sarah leads her team with enthusiasm and a deep understanding of child development, fostering a professional culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice. Her vision is for Wattlewood to be a beacon of excellence in early learning within the Kew community.

All our educators hold, at a minimum, a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, with many possessing Bachelor's degrees. They regularly participate in ongoing professional development, workshops, and training to stay current with the latest research and best practices in early childhood pedagogy, safety, and child well-being. We maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios to ensure personalised attention and high-quality interactions.

Join the Wattlewood Family

We are thrilled at the prospect of welcoming new families to our vibrant centre! Starting your journey with Wattlewood Early Learning Centre is a simple and supportive process. Here’s how you can begin:

1

Enquire & Visit

Reach out to us via phone or email to discuss your family's specific childcare needs and your child's interests. We'll answer all your initial questions and then schedule a personalized tour of our centre, allowing you to experience our welcoming environment firsthand and meet our dedicated team.

2

Application

Once you've decided Wattlewood is the right fit, you'll complete our straightforward enrolment form. Our friendly administration team will guide you through all the necessary paperwork, including details about Child Care Subsidy (CCS) applications and any supporting documents required to secure your child's place.

3

Orientation

To ensure a comfortable and happy start, we offer tailored orientation sessions. These visits help your child (and you!) become familiar with our educators, routines, and learning spaces, making their transition into our Wattlewood family as smooth and positive as possible. We work with you to create a settling-in plan that suits your child.

Enquire About Enrolment

We understand that places can be in high demand. We encourage families to join our waiting list if a suitable position is not immediately available. Please contact our Centre Director for current availability and to discuss your enrolment timeline.

Hear From Our Happy Families

Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of our families. We are incredibly proud of the positive feedback we receive and the strong relationships we build. Here’s what some of our parents have to say about their Wattlewood journey:

Sophie M.

Mum of Liam, 3.5 years old

"Our Liam has absolutely blossomed at Wattlewood! The educators are just fantastic – so warm and genuinely interested in his development. He comes home buzzing with stories about his day. The range of activities they offer is incredible, and we've seen such an improvement in his confidence and social skills. We couldn't be happier with our choice."

Chris P.

Dad of Olivia, 4 years old

"Moving to Kew, finding the right childcare was top of our list. Wattlewood ELC exceeded all our expectations. The facilities are brilliant, clean, and so engaging for the kids. The team’s communication is top-notch; we always feel informed and involved through their app. Olivia has made wonderful friends and truly loves her time there."

Grace T.

Parent of Charlotte, 5 years old

"The Kindergarten program at Wattlewood is phenomenal. Our Charlotte was so well-prepared for 'big school'. They don't just teach letters and numbers; they build confidence, resilience, and a real love for learning. The transition support was amazing. Thank you, Wattlewood, for giving her such a fantastic start!"

Jessica B.

Mum of Noah, 2 years old

"As a first-time mum, I was quite anxious about daycare. The Wattlewood team made the transition so smooth for both me and my little Noah. He adores his carers, and I've seen such a positive change in his social skills and language development. They truly create a family atmosphere, and I feel so comfortable leaving him in their care."

Ben W.

Dad of Chloe, 4, and Tom, 2

"We've had two children go through Wattlewood now, and the experience has been consistently wonderful. The staff are dedicated, the programs are thoughtfully designed, and they genuinely care about each child's individual needs and personality. It’s a very special place that feels like an extension of our family. The outdoor space is a huge hit too!"

Your Questions Answered

We understand you may have questions as you consider the best early learning environment for your child. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions. If you need more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Wattlewood Early Learning Centre is open from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Friday. We operate for 50 weeks of the year, closing only for Australian National Public Holidays and for a two-week period over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Specific closure dates are communicated well in advance.

Our daily fees vary depending on the specific program your child is enrolled in (e.g., Long Day Care, Preschool) and the number of days they attend per week. We are an approved Child Care Subsidy (CCS) provider, which means eligible families can receive financial assistance from the Australian Government to help with the cost of care. We encourage you to contact us directly for a detailed fee schedule and to discuss your potential CCS eligibility. Our team can guide you through the process.

The safety, security, and wellbeing of your child are our absolute highest priorities at Wattlewood. Our centre features secure access systems, including keypad entry, to ensure only authorized individuals can enter. We have comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures, including detailed risk assessments for all activities and environments. All our staff are qualified in First Aid, CPR, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis management. We conduct regular emergency evacuation and lockdown drills to ensure preparedness.

To ensure your child is comfortable throughout their day, we recommend packing:

A clearly labelled bag.
At least two complete changes of weather-appropriate clothes (including underwear and socks).
A sun-safe hat (wide-brimmed or legionnaire style) for outdoor play.
A labelled water bottle.
Any comfort items your child may need (e.g., a special blanket or soft toy for rest time).
If your child wears nappies, please supply these daily. Wipes are provided by the centre.

Please ensure all belongings are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

Effective communication is key to our partnership with families. We use a variety of methods:

Dedicated Parent Communication App: We use a secure app (like Storypark or similar) for daily updates, photos, learning stories, and important centre announcements.
Email Updates: For newsletters, policy updates, and event information.
Parent-Teacher Meetings: Scheduled throughout the year to discuss your child's progress and development in detail.
Daily Verbal Feedback: Our educators are always happy to chat briefly at drop-off and pick-up times about your child's day.
Notice Boards: Displaying weekly programs, menus, and community information.

We encourage an open-door policy and are always available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Get In Touch or Visit Us

We'd absolutely love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our programs, wish to book a personalized tour of our facilities, or are ready to start the enrolment process, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our friendly team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Send Us an Enquiry

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Our Contact Details

Address:
42 Parklands Drive, Kew, VIC 3101, Australia

Phone: 03 9876 5432

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Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

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