We have 2 children at Tecoma Childcare Centre, a 2.5yo and 9mo. I was nervous about starting them as my toddler is very anxious and my baby still so little. We have had such a positive experience, my toddler has such a great time and doesn’t want to leave at pickup! And it is such a nurturing environment, they give my baby lots of cuddles and even rock her to sleep if she needs it. All the staff are so lovely and the outdoor playground is my son's definite favourite! 

Miranda - parent

Amazing environment and an enthusiastic team. Everyone was very welcoming and made me feel so comfortable placing my son in care for the first time. My 15 month old son was so comfortable he just said bye and walked out the door to play with all the other kids. I thought it was going to be harder than that! Upon picking him up I was given so much information about how his day went I felt like I was there.

Caity - parent

• Language program using the ELLA online program

• Music and movement program to develop their creativity 

• Sports and fitness program for fun physical activity

• Cooking program to teach about healthy eating

• Regular incursions and excursions to explore the community 

The educators at Tecoma 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 covering the following ages:

• Nursery: 6 weeks - 12 months 
• Young Toddlers: 1 year - 2 years 
• Toddlers: 2 years - 3 years
• Pre Kinder: 3 years - 4 years
• Kinder: 4 years - 5 years

Our Kindergarten Program

We understand that your child’s kindergarten year is an important one and the skills, knowledge and friendships they develop throughout this time will support them through their schooling years and beyond. When your child attends a kindergarten within a long day care setting, they receive uninterrupted and extended learning which facilitates maximum growth and development.

Under the guided wing of our Early Childhood Teacher, the kinder group develop their independence, self-help, social and academic skills in a structured and supportive environment.

Our innovative and emergent programs allow the children to contribute to the development of the curriculum which is guided by individual and group interests. In support of the learning outcomes, we seek for every child, the kinder group also participate in many intentional teaching experiences throughout the year such as water safety, road safety, school readiness, literacy and numeracy projects, cooking, pet awareness responsibility, health and hygiene, and many more.

What does our kindergarten look like in 2024?

• In 2024 we will be offering 15 hours of 3yo and 15 hours of 4yo kindergarten each week.
• Our formal kindergarten program operates every day between 8.30am- 4.30pm and provides for the required 15 hours of Kindergarten per child per week
• A minimum 2 days per week is required to attend the funded kindergarten program.
• Who Can access funded kinder?
• Any child who is at least three or four years old on 30 April of the year in which they are enrolled to attend the funded kindergarten program.
• Is enrolled for at least 15 hours per week.
• Has written confirmation from the parent that our service is their funded kindergarten and they have enrolled to participate in the kindergarten program