Take a virtual tour
Our centre
Orchard Road Community and Early Learning Centre is a purpose-built community hub located in the heart of Doreen. It is next door to Ashley Park Primary School and Riverstone Shops and a short drive from Yarrambat Primary School.
Orchard Road is a one-stop shop for our community’s young families:
- a maternal child health centre
- taekwondo
- music lessons
- ballet classes
- parent support groups
- tutoring
- other community groups such as the Doreen 1st Scouts.
Creating a stimulating and fun environment
Our centre has 8 rooms catering for nursery-aged children (2 and under) up to kindergarten (4 to 6 years old). Each creates a stimulating and fun environment aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework. Each room has spaces that encourage children to play on their own or in groups, both small and large.
We aim to create spaces that are as comfortable as possible. The spaces include:
- soft furniture such as couches
- non-toxic plants
- natural lighting
- cushions
- rugs
- family photos from the children and staff
- neutral paint colours.
Making mud pies and climbing walls
Our outdoor play space is over 2500 m2 and has plenty of room to run, jump, ride bikes and laugh.
Our under 3s love our digging patch, sandpit, cubby house, climbing equipment and slides. The children can explore and discover new skills at their own pace. With the large shade sails, we encourage outdoor play all year round.
Our kinder-aged children can access a large rock climbing wall, a slide, swings and climbing equipment. Our water pump and rock river bed allows us to gather water to add to the sandpit to make mud pies or to have leaf races!
We also have bamboo screening where children can sit, reflect and enjoy quiet time.
Building an open dialogue
Our educators build an open dialogue with families. They are always happy to discuss your child’s progress with you. There are also opportunities to connect with our educators during our family events such as our centre’s birthday and family Christmas parties.
We connect with families via the Storypark platform. It’s a great resource for everyone to track learning milestones.
Healthy eating
The centre’s cook prepares morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Our educators also prepare breakfast for children who arrive before 8:00 am and a late snack just before 6 pm.
The Healthy Eating Advisory Service guides our menu that caters for all dietary requirements.
Hiring a room
We manage several large, medium and small rooms in the centre. Enquire about hiring a room.
Get in touch
Phone: 1300 153 332
Email: orcelc@ywhittlesea.org.au
Address: 121 Orchard Rd, Doreen 3754
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
![kinder-tick-logo-colour-hi-res new size High-quality education at Victorian Government approved Kindergarten](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/kinder-tick-logo-colour-hi-res-new-size.png)
Have you seen this symbol?
Orchard Road Community & Early Learning Centre is an approved provider of a Victorian Government funded kindergarten program. That means we deliver 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: 1
Room Capacity: 12
Teaching Ratio: 1:4
Nursery
Ages: 2 – 3 Years
No. of Rooms: 2
Room Capacity: 12
Teaching Ratio: 1:4
Toddler
Ages: 3- 5 Years
No. of Rooms: 2
Room Capacity: 22
Teaching Ratio: 1:11
Pre-Kindergarten
Ages: 3 – 5 Years
No. of Rooms: 3
Room Capacity: 22-33
Teaching Ratio: 1:11
Kindergarten
Indoor learning spaces
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![diggers (49) Inside the centre: craft tables set up for activities and lots of craft supplies on the nearby shelves](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-49.png)
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![ORELC (11) ELC Programs and Activities at Whittlesea YMCA Kindergarten](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/ORELC-11-300x250.png)
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![diggers (35) Inside the centre: Shelving with a variety of toys, equipment and objects from nature.](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-35.png)
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![diggers (39) Inside the centre: wooden play equipment](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-39.png)
![ORELC (9) Early Learning Center (ELC) Activities at Whittlesea YMCA Kindergarten](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/ORELC-9-300x250.png)
![diggers (42) Inside the centre: activity table and chairs with a large container, filled with colourful bricks, in the centre of the table](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-42.png)
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![diggers (48) Inside the centre: large corridor with walls covered in posters](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-48.png)
![diggers (40) Inside the centre: child sized tables and chairs set up for craft next to shelving with colourful craft supplies](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-40.png)
![diggers (69) Inside the centre: planetary play area](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-69-1.png)
![diggers (46) Inside the centre: child appropriate tables and chairs and equipment in different areas fo the room](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-46.png)
![diggers (59) Inside the centre: shelf with play equipment](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-59.png)
![diggers (58) Inside the centre: kitchen play equipment](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-58.png)
![ORELC (18) ELC Exploration at Whittlesea YMCA Kindergarten_2](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/ORELC-18-300x250.png)
![diggers (57) Inside the centre: view of activity areas and equipment](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-57.png)
![diggers (56) Inside the centre: tree branch mobile with crafty creations hanging from it](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-56.png)
![ORELC (10) Whittlesea YMCA Kindergarten Enriching ELC Experiences](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/ORELC-10-300x250.png)
![diggers (55) Inside the centre: engaging play area](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/diggers-55.png)
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Outdoor learning spaces
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![ORELC indoor photos website 2024 (7) Outdoor swing](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/ORELC-indoor-photos-website-2024-7-300x250.png)
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![ORELC indoor photos website 2024 (10) Outdoor stepping stones](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/ORELC-indoor-photos-website-2024-10-300x250.png)
![© Jonah Meaden 2023 © Jonah Meaden 2023](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/20230717-IMG_8031-scaled-300x250.jpg)
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What we offer
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Meet the manager
![Rosa](https://childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Rosa-scaled.jpg)
Rosa
Centre Manager
Hi, my name is Rosa, and I am the Centre manager and Educational leader at Orchard Road Community and Early Learning Centre.
I have been employed with the Y for 22 years. Over the years my roles have included kindergarten assistant educator, room leader, 2IC, kindergarten teacher and kindergarten Coordinator.
I am very passionate about Early Years education, and this has led me to study and learn more about children from birth – 5 years. I studied my Diploma of Children’s Servies in 2002, in 2010 I completed the Advanced Diploma in Children’s Service, and I then went on to complete the Bachelor of Teaching in 2015.
I would describe Orchard Road Community and Early Learning Centre as an extended family. A place where you can feel safe and supported.
I am passionate about building strong relationships with all stakeholders and I believe in the importance of teaching children lifelong skills.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family to Orchard Road Community and Early Learning Centre.
Testimonials
See what our families have to say about Orchard Road Community & Early Learning Centre
Timetable and enrolment
3 & 4 Year Old Sessional Kinder
If you are applying for your child to attend 3 or 4-year-old kindergarten, you will need to contact Whittlesea Council to apply and submit your completed application form, you can do this by visiting the following website: https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/community-support/children-and-families/kindergarten-applications/
Early Learning and Long Daycare Kinder
If you’d like to jump on the Orchard Road Community and Early Learning Centre waitlist 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.