Childcare Centre Dandenong
Nurturing curious minds from 6 weeks to 6 years with our proven Montessori approach. A place where your child’s unique potential blossoms.
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Safe & Nurturing Environment
Montessori-Inspired Learning
Approved Kindergarten Program
Fresh, Healthy Meals Daily
Learn & Play together
Our Programs
Nursery
0 – Walking
"Follow the child"
We observe, respect and resond to each infant's individual needs and rythms.
Toddlers
Walking – 3 years old
"Help me to do it myself" Supporting independence, movement, and language development from walking to three years.
Kindergarten
3 years old - school aged
The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's natural desire to learn
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Purposeful learning that nurtures independence, focus, and confidence
Why Families from Dandenong Choose Our Childcare
Parents travel from Dandenong to Keysborough because we offer something different:
- Montessori, EYLF & VEYLDF-informed curriculum, combining intentional and play-based learning
- Hands-On, Montessori-Inspired Learning: Children explore, experiment, and problem-solve using real materials designed for discovery
- School-Readiness Skills: STEM learning builds confidence, curiosity, collaboration, problem-solving, and early numeracy and literacy, laying the foundation for lifelong learning
- STEM program introducing children to early scientific thinking, problem-solving, and exploration using Montessori-inspired materials and activities
- Science, Sports, Music, Yoga, Arts, and Cooking programs
- Early literacy and Maths
- Child safety and wellbeing embedded in everything we do
- VIT-qualified educators and Montessori-trained staff
- Low ratios for individual attention
- Open 52 weeks a year, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Government-funded Free Kindergarten
- Fresh meals prepared daily by an on-site chef
- Nappies, wipes, milk, and sunscreen provided
- Home library to support early literacy
Programs at Our Early Learning Centre
Our early learning centre near Dandenong caters to every developmental stage from babies to children preparing for school.
- Nursery Program (6 weeks to walking): Babies need attachment, comfort, and plenty of floor time. Our nursery educators follow each child’s individual rhythm, providing responsive care. Low ratios allow for one-on-one attention, tummy time, sensory exploration, and guided feedings. Montessori principles adapted for babies guide everything we do.
- Toddler Program (walking to 3 years): Toddlers develop independence, movement, language, and social skills every day. Activities cover five curriculum areas with a focus on physical education, art, culture, and community experiences. Practical life activities, like pouring, dressing, and tidying are set to encourage independence and confidence. Big and small muscle skills grow through everyday practice, while communication and social abilities expand through guided play and group experiences.
- Kindergarten Program (3 years to school age): Our kindergarten program is led by a VIT-qualified teacher and Montessori-trained educator together. The curriculum covers:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Indigenous studies, English, culture, practical life, sensorial learning
- Music, sports, and arts
Kindergarten rooms are arranged in Montessori-style learning areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Cultural Studies. Children develop school readiness through group play, managing emotions, learning letters and numbers, building physical confidence, and growing independence.
Our STEM Program Near Dandenong
Our STEM program gives children hands-on experiences that spark curiosity:- Babies: Explore cause and effect by interacting with objects
- Toddlers: Build ramps, watch what rolls fast or slow, and experiment safely
- Preschoolers: Mix colours, measure ingredients, construct towers, and test designs
STEM includes:
- Science: Experiments, life cycles, weather, and forces
- Technology: Simple coding toys and learning how everyday objects work
- Engineering: Block building, marble runs, and construction projects
- Maths: Counting, measuring, sorting, and comparing
Enrichment Programs
- Science – Life cycles, weather patterns, seasons changing, forces and movement, caring for plants and nature. Butterfly Life Cycle incursions and Sustainability programs.
- Sports and Music – Led by professional instructors to develop coordination, teamwork, and rhythm.
- Yoga and Mindfulness – Balance, flexibility, focus, and emotional awareness
- Home Library –Monthly books for children to keep and explore at home.
- Cooking and Gardens – Hands-on cooking with produce grown at the centre, teaching nutrition and responsibility
Child Safe Environment
At Bilbies ELC & Kinder centre near Dandenong, child safety is our highest priority. We follow the Victorian Child Safe Standards, ensuring every child is protected from harm and supported to thrive. Our policies and practices include robust screening and training of all educators, strict supervision at all times, age-appropriate activities, and thorough risk assessments. Children are encouraged to speak up, express their feelings, and participate safely in all experiences. Families are partners in safety through clear communication, regular updates, and open access to our policies and practices. This commitment ensures that every child in our care is safe, respected, and valued every day.Family Collaboration & Communication
At Bilbies ELC & Kinder, we believe families are partners in their child’s learning and development. Our educators work closely with parents to set individual goals for each child, ensuring learning is tailored to their interests, strengths, and developmental needs. Families stay connected through:- Daily updates via Xplor, including photos, notes on meals, naps, and activities
- Regular progress updates that track each child’s growth
- Six- and twelve-month summative reports, providing a comprehensive overview of learning, development, and milestones
- Open conversations at drop-off and pick-up, ensuring parents are informed and involved in daily experiences
Getting Started
Visit us at 32 Chapel Rd, Keysborough and see for yourself what makes our childcare centre near Dandenong so special. Take a tour of our classrooms, meet the educators who will get to know your child, and explore the spaces where learning and discovery happen every day. We welcome your questions and are happy to show you how we support each child’s growth, curiosity, and wellbeing.Frequently asked questions
FAQ's
We welcome children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Our early learning centre near Dandenong offers nursery, toddler, and kindergarten programs to meet every developmental stage.
We provide Montessori-based learning combined with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. Programs include STEM, science, sports, music, arts, yoga, practical life activities, and more.
Children engage in hands-on experiences that spark curiosity. Babies explore cause and effect, toddlers build ramps and towers, and preschoolers experiment with measurements, simple coding toys, and engineering challenges.
Our educators focus on independence, confidence, communication, emotional regulation, and school readiness. Activities encourage problem solving, social skills, physical development, and literacy.
Families receive daily updates through the communication app, photos, and notes about meals, sleep, and activities. Drop-off and pick-up conversations ensure educators and families work together to support each child.
