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
Erin Daye
My name is Erin. I am a proud mother of three beautiful children and have worked in various roles throughout my 15 years in the education sector. I believe that a childcare centre should feel like a home away from home—warm, welcoming, and built on genuine relationships.
As a Centre Manager, my philosophy centres on nurturing children’s curiosity, supporting their wellbeing, and celebrating who they are as individuals. Every child brings their own strengths, interests, and personality, and it is our role to provide an environment where they feel confident, valued, and inspired.
Family partnerships are at the heart of my approach. I value open communication, trust, and shared decision-making, ensuring families feel heard, respected, and included. When families, educators, and leadership work together, children experience the greatest outcomes.
I strive to lead with kindness, consistency, and transparency. I am committed to supporting my team to grow, collaborate, and bring their unique strengths to our centre community. A positive culture creates an environment where both children and educators thrive.
Every child has the right to feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them. My commitment is to provide an environment where meaningful experiences, joyful learning, and lifelong memories are made—for every child, every day.
I look forward to building new relationships within Diggers Rest Early Learning Centre and supporting a warm, connected, and inspiring community for all.
Testimonials
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.
PRIVACY STATEMENT The YMCA acknowledges and respects the privacy of individuals. The information that is being collected on this document is for the purposes of processing your membership or enrolment and financial institution payments if applicable. The YMCA, its authorised staff and contracted service providers such as financial institutions and Government agencies covered by law, may be recipients of this information. By joining or enrolling in a program at the local Centre you have also become a member of the YMCA. You will receive communications from the YMCA from time to time to update you on items relating to your membership. The YMCA uses a range of mediums to communicate with its members including, but not exclusive to, direct mail, email, SMS and telephone. If sent by mail, communications are taken to be received on the day that they would be received in the ordinary course of post. If you do not wish to have your information contained in this document used or disclosed for this purpose the YMCA will be unable to process your membership or enrolment. You have the right to access and alter personal information protecting yourself in accordance with the Commonwealth Privacy Act (Amended 2001). The Privacy Policy is available on the YMCA Whittlesea website.