We believe every child is a capable, curious learner who deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Our approach is child-centred and play-based, drawing on the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) to guide everything we do.We create warm, inclusive environments where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, and build meaningful connections with their educators and peers. Learning at Happy Hippo isn't confined to a classroom — it happens in the garden, the kitchen, the music room, and outdoors, every single day.Our educators are deeply committed to continuous professional development, ensuring your child benefits from contemporary, evidence-informed early childhood practice. We work in genuine partnership with families, because we know that the best outcomes for children happen when home and centre work together.

Our curriculum is guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), ensuring your child's program is intentional, developmentally appropriate, and tailored to their individual strengths and interests.
Each child's learning journey is documented and shared with families through regular communication, giving you meaningful insight into your child's growth and milestones.
Our program focuses on five key areas of development: identity, community, wellbeing, learning, and communication. Across these areas, children engage in structured and unstructured play, creative expression, outdoor exploration, and collaborative projects that build the foundations for school and lifelong learning.
We embed enrichment programs directly into the daily curriculum at no extra cost, including our Mini Master Chef cooking program, Little Garden Gurus gardening initiative, Sports Program, and Music Program.

Happy Hippo Annadale offers integrated 3-year-old and 4-year-old Kindergarten Programs delivered by qualified early childhood teachers. Our kinder programs are embedded within our long day care environment, meaning children benefit from the consistency of familiar educators and routines throughout their full day.
Eligible families can access Free Kinder through the Victorian Government's Funded Kindergarten program, which provides up to 15 hours of funded kindergarten per week for 4-year-olds and up to 5 hours for eligible 3-year-olds — at no cost to families.
Our School Readiness Program prepares children for a confident and enthusiastic transition to primary school. Developed in collaboration with local school teachers and aligned with the VEYLDF, it focuses on emotional confidence, social skills, early literacy and numeracy, and physical wellbeing.
Places in our kinder program are limited. Contact us to find out about current availability and how to secure your child's spot.

Mini Master Chef — Our cooking program, led by a qualified chef, introduces children to healthy food preparation, kitchen safety, and a love of nutritious eating through hands-on, age-appropriate activities.
Little Garden Gurus — Our gardening program connects children with nature through growing, planting, and caring for an edible garden. It builds environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility.
Sports Program — Active play and structured sport build physical skills, teamwork, communication, and self-confidence. Our sports program is designed to foster a lifelong love of movement and healthy habits.
Music Program — From rhythm and timing to creative expression and self-confidence, our music program gives every child the opportunity to explore and enjoy making music in a supportive, joyful environment.