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Our centre
Diggers Rest Early Learning Centre is in the heart of Digger’s Rest, close to Diggers Rest Primary School and the train station.
It is a welcoming, safe, stimulating environment for children to explore, make friends, help their peers and be themselves.
Our centre offers 100 places for long day-care, including 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten.
The curriculum is a play-based program informed by:
- The national approved Early Years Learning Framework
- The Education and Care Services Regulations
- The National Quality Standards.
Developing social and problem-solving skills
The children develop their social skills through imaginative play, story times, incursions, excursions and community events. Our educators challenge the children and help them learn independence and develop their problem-solving skills. We set up our 6 rooms with multiple activities so the children can choose how they learn and play.
Children can run, climb and ride bikes in our outdoor space. Or engage in quieter activities in our grassed area. We have a veggie garden where children can learn about science and sustainability.
Moving from indoor-play to outdoor-play also allows the children to engage with peers and siblings from the other rooms.
Creating open communication
Creating clear and open communication between educators, the child, and their family is paramount in supporting a child’s learning and development.
We use the Storypark platform to document each child’s development. Parents are welcome to talk to our educators about their child’s progress during drop-offs and pick-ups. Parents can keep updated with centre and community events by subscribing to our newsletter.
Providing nutritious, inclusive meals
Our service includes nutritious meals prepared on site by a qualified chef. We base our menu on seasonal produce and house favourites such as vegetable soup and casserole in winter and fresh salads in summer. Our menu caters for allergies and cultural and religious beliefs.
Get in touch
Phone: (03) 9740 0394
Email: drelc@ywhittlesea.org.au
Address: 10 Farm Road, Diggers Rest 3427
Operating hours
Mon: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Tue: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Wed: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Thu: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Fri: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Have you seen this symbol?
Diggers Rest Early Learning Centre uses the Kinder Tick because we’re an approved provider of a Victorian Government funded kindergarten program. That means our service delivers a play-based learning program, led by a qualified early childhood teacher.
We provide early learning and care for
Ages: 6 Weeks- 2 Years
No. of Rooms: 2
Room Capacity: 8
Teaching Ratio: 1:4
Nursery
Ages: 2 -3 years
No. of Rooms: 2
Room Capacity: 16
Teaching Ratio: 1:4
Toddler
Ages: 3-4 Years
No. of Rooms: 1
Room Capacity: 16
Teaching Ratio: 1:4
Pre-Kindergarten
Ages: 3-5 Years
No. of Rooms: 2
Room Capacity: 22
Teaching Ratio: 1:11
Kindergarten
Indoor learning spaces
Outdoor learning spaces
What we offer
Meet the Manager
Mikhaila Lawson
Since I was a younger child, I always knew I wanted to work with children, so I am very lucky to be in the position I’m in today.
I have been an educator at the Y for two and half years and then got invited to be the Director of this service.
Diggers Rest Early Learning is all about relationships with children and families as well as inspiring our children, families, educators, and community to strive for the best. To ensure every child feels safe, secure, to help them grow and develop and most importantly be themselves.
I am passionate about providing strong relationships with families and our growing community as well as ensuring that every child’s voice is heard and that they get giving every opportunity to learn, create, investigate, develop, and grow.
We are here for the children, their families and to provide a safe space for everyone.
I look forward to welcoming you, and your family to the Diggers Rest Early Learning Centre
Enrol today
If you would like to enrol at Diggers Rest Early Learning Centre please click the Xplor link below and fill out the form.
Alternatively, if you’d like more information on our programs and services, please fill out the enquiry form below and a team member will get in contact with you.