O'Shannessy Early Learning Centre

• Library room

• Art studio 

• Music and movement program

• Sports and fitness program

• Cooking program

• Regular incursions and excursions

The educators at O’Shannessy Early Learning Centre 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:

• Nursery: 3 months -  18 months

• Toddler 1: 15 months - 2 years

• Toddler 2: 2 years - 3 years

• Pre Kinder: 3 years - 4 years

• Kinder: 4 years - 5 years

Children are so capable when given the opportunity and right environment, I love seeing them improve and develop new skills, their delighted faces say so much. I believe every child deserves to feel like they belong somewhere. 

Kaity, Centre Manager, O'Shannessy Early Learning Centre Pakenham

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.