At Y Whittlesea Early Learning, we take pride in being a not-for-profit early learning provider dedicated to making a lasting impact in our community. Our commitment extends beyond providing high-quality early childhood education—we actively invest in programs and initiatives that support children, families, and educators to create an inclusive and thriving learning environment for all. Here’s how we give back to our community:
Early Years Engagement Support Program (EYES)
We believe in the power of early intervention and support to ensure every child has the best start in life. Our Early Years Engagement Support (EYES) program assists children and families from our early learning centres who may be eligible to receive early intervention or NDIS support into the National Disability Insurance Scheme. In partnership with families and agencies we provide a holistic approach to education and care for children and deliver tailored inclusion support plans, and guide educators and families with strategies for the best interest of each child’s individual needs.
Investing in education: A new independent school
Understanding that mainstream education doesn’t suit every young person, we have recently opened a new independent school to support young people who have disengaged from traditional schooling. Y Community school is currently available to Year 10 – 12 students and provides a nurturing and flexible learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential, helping them re-engage with education and develop essential life skills.
Developing our educators for a stronger future
The strength of our early learning centres lies in our dedicated educators. We actively invest in staff development through leadership, safe behaviours, challenging behaviours, and inclusive environments training. By providing professional growth opportunities, we not only enhance the skills of our educators but also promote their longevity within our organisation, ensuring stability and high-quality care for our children.
Nutritional foods and veggie patches
We prioritise the health and well-being of the children in our care. Each of our early learning centres has a vegetable patch where children learn about growing and harvesting fresh produce. This hands-on experience fosters an appreciation for healthy eating while reinforcing sustainability. Our centres also provide nutritious meals to ensure children have the energy and nourishment they need to learn and grow.
Embracing nature in bush kinder
Bush Kinder provides rich learning opportunities for children to explore in natural outdoor environments. The benefits of such program fosters children development, curiosity, and connection to the community and support children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth while strengthening ties to local communities.
Commitment to child safety
Y Whittlesea Early Learning is a child-safe organisation that undergoes external audits to maintain the highest standards of child safety. Each of our centres has a dedicated Child Safe Centre Champion responsible for upholding child-safe standards, ensuring that our policies and practices create a secure and supportive environment for every child.
Reconciliation and Disability Action Plans
Inclusion is at the heart of our values. Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) promotes cultural awareness and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, embedding their histories and perspectives into our curriculum. Additionally, our Disability Action Plan ensures that children of all abilities have access to an inclusive and supportive learning environment, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment for every child.
Kinder committees: Amplifying the child’s voice
We believe children should have a say in their learning environment. Our Kinder Committees give children the opportunity to share their ideas and opinions, helping to shape decisions that impact their experiences. This initiative reinforces our commitment to listening to and valuing the perspectives of the children in our care.
At Y Whittlesea Early Learning, we do more than provide early education—we create opportunities, support families, and foster a community where every child can thrive. By reinvesting in our people, programs, and facilities, we ensure that our not-for-profit model truly benefits the children and families we serve.
Find your closest Y Whittlesea Early Learning Centre near you, click here.