Pakenham Childcare & Day Care

I believe children are capable, curious learners who thrive in a play-based learning environment that expands their thinking and inspires a lifelong love of learning. Our centre has dedicated spaces for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as music and language programs. We have large outdoor spaces and a vegetable garden for children to explore and learn about sustainability. Fresh, nourishing meals prepared daily by an in-house chef help children grow strong, and build healthy relationships with food. Our Art Program at Inspire Early Learning Journey Pakenham encourages creativity, imagination, and self-expression through hands-on artistic experiences.
Aspire childcare centres frequently run engaging and exciting excursions throughout the year. Aspire Pakenham runs regular excursions to the local park, local primary school, Pakenham library, Myuna farm and more. These excursions further bolster the learning of students in every age group, as they align with Aspire's curriculum and the interests of the children. The early learning landscape in Pakenham is extensive, with a large number of long day care centres across postcode 3810. The pakenham childcare centres suburb average daily fee sits at approximately $145, below the Greater Melbourne average.

The community hub also offers Maternal Child Health Service, Irabina Autism Services, playgroups and various community groups. We Love Little Stars Pakenham 🌟There 4yr old Kinder program is amazing. My daughter goes on excursions often and she comes home excited to share her stories of the day. And is always excited to see her friends and teachers Shikha and Roshini. We find the multicultural aspect of the centre to be very helpful to our mixed race child.
18.5% of long day care centres in Pakenham hold an Exceeding NQS rating, significantly above the national average of 6%. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in early childhood education since I was in high school. I have always loved watching children grow, learn, and develop throughout the years. Since I started in early childhood, I knew I had chosen the right career for me, and every day has been so rewarding. Even better, our year-round program will be tailored to accommodate your child’s individual learning and development needs, which will do wonders for boosting their enthusiasm, motivation and willingness to learn.
“My grandchild has been attending INSPIRE and it has been incredibly rewarding to witness his growth in such a nurturing and well-structured environment. The staff consistently demonstrate  warmth, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to each child's individual development and well-being. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, The Learning Sanctuary is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children. We offer a community-wide recycling program and clothing drive, where families can donate clothes, books, and toys. Our foyer features an area for recycling plastics and cardboard, promoting sustainability within our centre and community.

Large indoor rooms include interactive whiteboards, Apple programs on iPads and plenty of natural resources. Every Thursday and Friday, 3 and 4-year-olds go on bush walks and community excursions, a genuine point of difference for older children. Great Beginnings Pakenham (Exceeding across all 7 quality areas, July 2023) and Ryan Road Childcare and Swim School (Exceeding, November 2022) both hold the highest possible NQS rating.
We understand that navigating the Child Care Subsidy can be tricky, especially for families new to child care. When it comes to your child, we go beyond core language, literacy and numeracy to also focus on supporting their social and emotional development – including overall resilience. Our passionate teachers and educators deliver the Early Years Learning Framework through Community Kids’ innovative play-based learning program, which covers key curriculum areas.

Designed to complement our Montessori-inspired curriculum, the program connects children with their local community, nature, culture, and hands-on opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Families choose Inspire Bentleigh West for engaging, safe, and meaningful excursions and in-centre experiences that support every child’s growth, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. At our Pakenham childcare centres, seasonal, delicious and nutritious meals are freshly made daily. You will also receive daily photos and updates of your child’s learning and development through our family communication app. The qualified and committed teams at our local child care centres in Pakenham ensure that every child’s learning journey is filled with fun, discovery and purpose.
I began my career in early childhood education in 2012 as an Assistant Educator and have since progressed through roles including Lead Educator and Assistant Centre Manager. I have been working as a Centre Manager since 2018, and joined Community Kids Pakenham in 2025. We are committed to the ongoing encouragement and development of all members of our community. Hollins Children’s Centre is operated by Cire Services Incorporated, which contributes 0% to the total available child care capacity in Victoria.
While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Great Beginnings is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children. Our Pakenham centre is rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard across all 7 quality areas, placing us among the top 8% of early learning services in Australia. Additionally, through the Sleep Smart program, educators receive expert guidance to enhance sleep practices, further ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. Story House Early Learning prioritises children’s well-being ensuring each child’s comfort and safety during rest times.

Eden Academy acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn and play. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Whether you’re wanting to start now or still deciding – we are here to support with your enrolment questions. Educators support toddlers to express their ideas, make choices and develop confidence in their abilities.
All items should be packed in a clearly labelled bag so our educators can easily identify them. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government-funded support that helps families reduce the out-of-pocket cost of childcare. At Little Stars, we encourage families to apply through myGov before starting care. The amount you receive depends on your family income, activity level (work, study, or volunteering), and the type of care your child attends. Individual and collaborative play helps children to develop cognitive skills through learning how to problem solve, think creatively, and concentrate. Play also supports literacy and numeracy development, by learning new concepts such as counting, measuring, vocabulary and identifying letters and words.

The centre operates an AustSwim-accredited swimming program, with children receiving weekly swimming lessons as part of their regular program, at no extra cost. A farm animal program includes fortnightly horse riding lessons on Ferno the pony, with Tiny Tim the turtle a firm favourite among the children. Exceptional quality childcare, kindergarten and early learning for children aged six weeks to six years in Officer. Henry Family and Children’s Centre is in a community hub that is purpose-built for children and families.
Our Family Support team can also help you find an alternate centre near you, with the same offerings, that might have immediate availability. To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details. On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child. Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.