Child Care Family Day Care in Pakenham, VIC

Thank you Rebecca for your kind words, the Educators love to see these types of reviews. We are so pleased that you are happy with the quality of care at FiRST early learning. It is our continued mission and vision to provide an educational, 'home away from home' nurturing environment for all children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. Our kids have been supported from the very first day that they started.
Please see our current daily price for child care (long day care) below. At Goodstart Pakenham, I am committed to leading a team that values collaboration, curiosity, and kindness. Together, we strive kindergarten funding victoria to create a centre where children are excited to learn, families feel supported and welcome, and educators are empowered  to grow and thrive in their practice. I’m excited to build lasting partnerships with our families and community and to help give every child the best possible start in life.

Each of our programs - whether nursery, toddler, or kindergarten - is play-based, culturally rich, and designed to spark curiosity and confidence, allowing children to strengthen their love of learning. Our Montessori program is designed to encourage independence, hands-on learning, and critical thinking. We provide a carefully prepared environment where children can explore at their own pace, developing confidence and problem-solving skills. As active citizens, children engage with their community through intergenerational programs, online and community safety, and school connections. Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook.
We balance curriculum-based and play-based learning to ensure children are set up for success as they transition to school. Our educators use the StoryPark platform to share photos and stories, keeping parents connected and engaged in  their child’s day. It’s a secure way for families to feel part of the learning journey, no matter where they are.
As part of the daily fee, children can enjoy extracurricular activities, including a sports program and a cultural program. The National Quality Standard (NQS) is part of the National Quality Framework (NQF), introduced to enhance the quality of early childhood education and care services in Australia. Under the NQS, childcare services are assessed and rated for the quality of education and care they provide. These ratings give parents a clear understanding of how well a service meets national standards, helping them make the best choice for their child’s needs.

All our children enjoy a balance of play-based learning and intentional teaching, with indoor and outdoor programs. We have a multipurpose room that we use for rest and relaxation, indoor play and smaller group experiences. And we have a separate sleep area for the little ones in nursery. We have fully funded, free kindergarten programs integrated into long day care.
The educators are lifelong learners, participating in regular and ongoing professional development to enhance their skills. They are encouraged to upskill, learning about the latest research and thinking in the sector. They can then bring this knowledge back to the centre to share with their colleagues for the benefit of the children. The curriculum involves different types of learning experiences and styles.

Stay informed and connected with daily updates, communication and information through our Eden parent channels. We regularly review room availability, as a result, you will receive a text message confirming if you’re still happy to remain on the waitlist each month or if your plans have changed. A virtual tour gives you a guided walk-through of your chosen centre, on your preferred device (desktop, mobile or tablet).
Our purpose-built daycare and kindergarten centre in Pakenham offers innovative early learning programs in a safe and nurturing environment. Our Pakenham childcare centre offers spacious outdoor play areas where children can learn and explore, including a bike track, climbing fort, and vegetable garden. Indoors, we provide purpose-built spaces with interactive and natural resources designed to encourage exploration and learning. Our highly trained educators are carefully selected to support each child’s development. We frequently venture out on community excursions to nearby locations while welcoming special guests like librarians, emergency services, and dancers to enrich the children’s experiences. Our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher delivers a Government-approved Kindergarten program to prepare children for school.
Your child will be able to freely explore our outdoor play areas and build on their own interests in both self-directed play and in groups. 20 out of 20 Child Care Centres in Pakenham South have vacancies, with an average cost of $148.62/day. A national Goodies Award in 2025, recognising extraordinary community impact. 20 out of 20 Child Care Centres in Pakenham have vacancies, with an average cost of $148.62/day.

My passion for early education stems from the opportunity to be creative, make a meaningful impact, and build strong community relationships. Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn-taking, developing self-confidence and emotional self-regulation. Our skilled team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling. At Little Stars, we provide most of the essentials your child needs throughout the day, including healthy meals, nappies, linen, and sunscreen. If your child requires formula or expressed milk, please include that as well.