Child Care Family Day Care in Pakenham, VIC
Thank you Rebecca for your kind words, the Educators love to see these types of reviews. We are so pleased that you are happy with the quality of care at FiRST early learning. It is our continued mission and vision to provide an educational, 'home away from home' nurturing environment for all children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. Our kids have been supported from the very first day that they started.
Take a tour of our service to experience our connected community where every child belongs. Great Beginnings uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. Our Family Support team can also help you find more G8 early learning centres near you, with the same offerings at the Great Beginnings centre you are interested in that have immediate availability. If you would like to childcare centre near pakenh get an update on your enrolment at any point, you’re welcome to reach out on our Web Chat or call our family support team. Our Family Support team can also help you find an alternate centre near you, with the same offerings, that might have immediate availability.
During the toddler stage, children will learn mainly through relationships and through play. Play is crucial to your baby’s cognitive development as they develop the ability to think, understand and communicate. Your child explores through play by experimenting, creating, and thinking.
Our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers collaborate with the local primary school to deliver a Government-approved Kindergarten program that prepares children for school. As part of the daily fee, children enjoy extracurricular activities, including weekly incursions by the Active8 Health and Fitness program in all classrooms. Erin is the passionate Service Manager at Story House Early Learning Pakenham, with over 21 years of experience in the early childhood sector and a Diploma in Children’s Services. Her love for early education began at just four years old when she told her kindergarten teacher she wanted to be just like her.
Disappointing Experience with YMCA Childcare Centre-PakenhamWe had a very disappointing experience with this centre. We drove all the way from the West for a scheduled tour for Kinder 3 in 2026, which was confirmed by the centre staff themselves. Unfortunately, due to heavy traffic and rain, we arrived around 20 minutes late.Upon arrival, we were not accommodated at all.
Having 3 children attend your service there are too many names to mention but each educator is outstanding and we recommend you all to all our family and friends. Dear James, thanks for leaving us such a wonderful review. Dear Tiarne, thanks for leaving us such a wonderful review. The staff and team are wonderful.They are always very happy to see my son and he loves going there to the team.
I only know a couple of staff, but the two kinder room teachers are all amazing. Thank you for always doing your best with my granddaughter, she absolutely loves coming in seeing Linda out the front, and Lekan, Kalpani and Sunil. Lisa the cook, wow I was lucky to get one of her parent treats the other week. We also engage with local schools and provide transition statements, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared for the next steps in their education journey. Stay connected with your child’s progress via our Xplor platform, which offers regular updates on their learning and development. We are a family-oriented daycare and make it a priority that your child feels at home in our centre.
Our children and educators enjoy community walks and excursions to nearby parks in Pakenham, fostering a connection with our local area. We also regularly welcome special guests, such as librarians and emergency services, enriching the children’s learning experiences. 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.
Brianna and some of her nursery friends enjoy some story time and songs outside in the shaded garden. We are committed to the ongoing encouragement and development of all members of our community. We've found 26 Preschools and kindergardens in Pakenham, with 25 having vacancies for your little one. I got the opportunity to do face painting and balloons at the centre.
We are able to walk across the community in a group with our large stroller, visit the school library and have the chance to join in the group activities planned by our OSHC facility. View a detailed summary of early learning centres, services, prices and ratings within this suburb. We have a spacious, natural yard that allows the children to engage in out indoor-outdoor program throughout the day. Our yard has space for climbing equipment for children of all ages, two sandpits, water play, mud play and vast spaces for learning. Our centre is located on the grounds of John Henry Primary School in Pakenham which gives us unique opportunities to develop school-readiness. It also offers parents a convenient one drop-off and pick-up location for children of all ages.
As a leader, I value empathy, transparency, and continuous improvement. I strive to create a welcoming and proactive environment where families feel heard, children feel safe, and educators are inspired to grow. Outside of work, I’m a proud mum of six and “Nanny” to ten wonderful grandchildren.