Early Learning & Kindergarten Pakenham

Here, you’ll find all you need to make your child’s experience safe, enriching, and inspiring. Complimentary hat & wetbag are provided to help your child feel part of the Eden Academy community. All Aboriginal children are entitled to two years of free kindergarten. Henry Family and Children’s Centre is operated by th Cardinia Shire in Pakenham.
This strong sense of belonging and community forms the basis of our learning programs for the children and reflects our belief that it takes a community to raise a child. The kindergarten curriculum at childcare pakenham Aspire Pakenham is based on a play-based learning approach that offers different learning experiences for our children. The children participate in many different activities that promote creativity, numeracy, literacy and more. I really value my role as a director, and to do that, I  create a safe and caring environment for all the children so they can get the best learning and care possible.

Our Pathways to School curriculum fosters a love of reading and strong language skills through storytelling, vocabulary building, and phonological awareness. With personalised support, children develop critical thinking and communication skills. We nurture enthusiasm for language, believing strong foundations are essential for academic success and lifelong learning. The light, bright and colourful interiors are carefully designed for safe, comfortable and sensory learning.
If a centre is full, our Family Support team will place your child on our waitlist. 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. How a scholarship helped Andrea Bolton, educator at Goodstart Trinity Beach, gain her Certificate III in early childhood education. With an upheld National Quality Rating and educators recognised for excellence, families can expect consistent, exceptional care at every step.
You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child. As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. I am so grateful to Little Star for the loving care and attention they provide to my son. The nurturing environment and dedicated staff have truly made a positive impact on his growth and happiness.

At My Stars, we recognise the importance of a diverse educational experience. We offer a variety of extracurricular activities, art and craft workshops, and exciting field trips to engage your child creatively and intellectually. Below we've answered some common questions to support new parents when choosing an early learning centre.
The child is free to explore, discover and learn in an environment they feel they belong in. The decision will need to be made before a child starts a funded year of kindergarten. Henry Family and Children’s Centre is culturally diverse, and has strong ties to the community, established relationships with families, low staff turnover and friendly staff. Your child will need a backpack or bag, a refillable water bottle, a change of clothes, a wide-brim sun hat and their favourite toy, which can help them settle in. For kindergarten your child will need morning tea and lunch (dependent on the length of the program day).
We are an inclusive organisation that values the unique perspectives of all our employees. We believe diversity makes us stronger and helps us better serve our community. Our goal is to create a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. For 4-year-old kindergarten, your child must turn 4 years old by 30th April in the year they are attending. For 3-year-old kindergarten, your child must turn 3 years by 30th April in the year they are attending. Nestled in an idyllic country property setting we offer families an AustSwim accredited swimming program, along with our farm animal program which includes horse riding lessons, all at no extra cost.

Within the curriculum framework, play enables your toddler to develop fundamental skills for life-long learning. It also creates the perfect environment to socialise and form friendships. Our activities enhance language skills and promote collaborative group play, laying a strong foundation for their future learning experiences.
We offer free Victorian Government funded sessional kindergarten for three and four-year-olds. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards (NQS) to support each child’s learning and development. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who no longer don’t sleep in centre. Integrated kindergarten in a long day care combines the structured learning experience of a kindergarten program with the flexibility and extended hours of long day care services. We are proud of our long and rich history of community involvement and ownership of the preschool by families, children, teachers, staff and members of the local community.

Our skilled chef Amandi leads interactive cooking classes tailored to each age group, encouraging children to discover new flavours and learn new skills. Children enjoy a variety of foods while gaining confidence in the kitchen. Popular dishes like Chickpea Curry, Creamy Chicken Pasta with hidden vegetables and Pizza Scrolls are amongst the children’s favourites, making each class a delicious adventure!
Families and members of the community celebrated the official reopening of the kindergarten, located at 27 Main Street, on Thursday 4 April. The kindergarten – one of the shire’s oldest – was in desperate need of building upgrades before the refurbishment, which was funded by council and the state government. We are committed to the ongoing encouragement and development of all members of our community.

Both centres are rated as ‘Exceeding’ under National Quality Standards. In 2016, Little Beacons introduced a pre-schooler camp – involving parents – believed to be an Australian first. The Jungai program is based around Indigenous learning and includes activities such as a cultural session and nature trail walk. Plenty of natural light and great ventilation – our programs focus primarily on an indoor outdoor style of learning , where children are given more choice as to where they wish to learn.
Here within the tranquil grounds of Lakeside Children’s Centre, children play, discover and learn, engaging with each other and the world around them in a warm environment suitable for exploration. Our experienced and attentive educators encourage children to set their imagination free and uncover their own path to learning. Henry Family and Children’s Centre is in a community hub that is purpose-built for children and families. Within this bustling service, you’ll find a secure playground for imaginative, outdoor play and three rooms for kindergarten so there’s plenty of space. Choosing Inspire ELJ for child care in Pakenham means giving your child the best possible start in life. Join our waitlist today and become part of a community that values growth, curiosity, and lifelong learning.