Before and After School Care

All the educators (teams) were so friendly and kind, making the environment comfortable and positive from the very beginning. They are all so good with the children, patient, understanding, and dedicated to creating a nurturing and happy environment. I also want to thank Bell (Centre Manager) and Jess (Assistant Manager) for being kind and understanding.Overall, I had a great time during my placement and  learned so much from everyone.
Please click the button below to add your child’s name to our Wait List. To make an informed choice, parents should approach the process with a thorough understanding of what to look for, and which questions to ask. We've found 26 Preschools and kindergardens in Pakenham, with 25 pakenham daycare having vacancies for your little one. Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Goodstart Early Learning Pakenham.

She even went with us and help us to get smooth transition with the school admission for our son, which nobody does that. While painting, Todd is learning how to express himself creatively and how to convey his ideas and emotions. Painting is also helping develop Todd’s hand eye coordination, finger, wrist and hand strength. Making marks on paper is important for self expression as well as later learning. Brianna and some of her nursery friends enjoy some story time and songs outside in the shaded garden.
Little Stars Early Learning & Kindergarten Pakenham provides high-quality education and care to children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. I have recently been photographing this centre and I must say it's amazing! The staff are so welcoming, friendly and personable with the children. There is so much fun at this centre and it shows on the kids faces.
With extended hours and a year-round program (excluding public holidays), our Kindergarten program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers committed to supporting your child’s individual development. At Pakenham Springs Children’s Centre, we foster a love of learning through play-based experiences that encourage children to discover, create, improvise, and imagine. Our environment is safe, stimulating, and designed to promote creativity and curiosity.

We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy that educators are co-learners who collaborate with children. Also, Amandi’s monthly cooking lessons, like making pizza scrolls for afternoon tea - give children a fun, hands-on experience with food. Plus, our little vegetable garden enables children to plant, grow, and care for fresh produce, deepening their understanding of where food comes from.
This allows us to share daily digital updates, photos, and learning stories, along with details about meals, rest times, and milestones. Families also receive face-to-face updates, ensuring strong communication and partnership. Eligible families can access the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and the Victorian Free Kinder program at our campus. Our team provides guidance on applications and entitlements to help reduce your childcare fees.
Everyone is  exactly where they're meant to be, and it shows. I have been working in the early childhood industry for over two decades. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience across various childhood services, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to guide and mentor my team of passionate educators. This experience has also deepened my understanding  of the community’s needs and the children I have the privilege to educate and care for.

To achieve this, I place immense value on building strong, transparent relationships with our families. You are your child’s first teacher, and I view our role as a partnership—working hand-in-hand to support your child’s unique journey. Our long day care services are open 50 weeks of the year, closing only over the Christmas/New Year period.Our Sessional Kindergarten services are aligned with school terms, operating approximately 40 weeks of the year. Integrated kindergarten is provided within a long day care setting, offering the same teacher-led curriculum but with the flexibility of longer care hours and year-round operation. Our community-based early learning centres are built upon engagement with each other, supporting your child’s growth and future within their community.
Conveniently located near Pakenham train station, Pakenham Central Marketplace, and local parks, our centre makes childcare easy for families. Most children's education and care services will have a National Quality Standard (NQS) rating. These are one way of helping families choose the best service for their children. I believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and we are part of that village. We are here to help and support you and your child on their early childhood journey.

At ELJ, our music program helps children develop rhythm, coordination, and self-expression through interactive musical activities. Our Art Program at Inspire Early Learning Journey Pakenham encourages creativity, imagination, and self-expression through hands-on artistic experiences. Children explore a variety of materials and techniques, developing fine motor skills, confidence, and creative thinking. The program values the creative process, supporting children to express ideas, emotions, and cultural understanding in meaningful ways. Our purpose-built Pakenham daycare and childcare campus welcomes up to 90 children, from 6 months to 6 years of age.
Early childhood education relates the education, learning and development of children which takes place predominantly from birth to five years of age. During this time, children will learn vital skills and set foundations that will prepare them for schooling and later life. Early childhood education focuses on the essential developmental milestones, skills, and concepts that children achieve during this period which include physical growth, social, emotional, and cognitive development. We believe in providing children with quality early education in which they will develop lifelong skills. For integrated kindergarten programs (where kinder is a part of long day care), Free Kinder will appear as a weekly credit of $50.00 on your YMCA account statement.
The centre is not too crowded, and as a result, I’ve always felt that my son has received positive attention from the educators. My little one walks in excitedly with a big smile in the morning and comes home happy. The incidents are handled very professionally with prompt communication and they have gone above and beyond my creating a ‘communication book’ for me to receive updates in case of late pick-ups.

Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn-taking, developing self-confidence and emotional self-regulation. Our skilled team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling. Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development.