Childcare & Kindergarten Pakenham

Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Community Kids is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children. As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. Our centre promotes sustainability through various initiatives, including recycling, maintaining worm gardens, and cultivating a large, expansive vegetable garden. These activities teach children about environmental responsibility and the importance of caring for our planet.
We balance curriculum and play based learning to ensure children have every success as they transition to school. Developed by our qualified and experienced kindergarten teachers, our program thrives on play-based experiences. From 9am to 2pm, your little one will explore, play and engage in meaningful developmental experiences and pre-reading and number concepts. As part of our program, kindergarten hours childcare near pakenham integrate into your child’s day, ensuring their needs continue beyond 2pm. Progressing from the nursery through to our Kindergarten program, our centre has 7 learning rooms specifically designed for each age group and  development.

We currently offer two types of courses to cater to puppies of different ages and levels of training. Read more about our courses below to find out which course is best suited for you and your puppy. Why are learning dispositions the bedrock of educational success, and how can they be nurtured? To experience what Shine has to offer,get in touch here to arrange a tour.
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. We encourage your child to ask questions, experiment, and problem-solve, all while engaging their natural curiosity. By fostering this inquisitive mindset, we help them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them. All children who turn three or four by the April 30, 2025, and meet the Victorian Government criteria are entitled to 15 hours per week of free kindergarten. On behalf of the grade 2 students and teachers, we would like to say a massive thank you to Rachel who visited our school today.
We teach fundamental language, literacy, and numeracy skills along with social and emotional learning which  helps prepare children for school and future success in life. Our caring and qualified educators tailor programs to your child’s individual needs and interests to ensure they thrive and meet key developmental milestones. Our purpose-built childcare and kindergarten centre in Pakenham offers innovative early learning programs in a safe, nurturing and enriching environment. Our outdoor play areas feature spacious, natural environments with bike tracks, forts, climbing equipment and veggie gardens.

If you would like an update at any point, you’re welcome to reach out on our Web Chat or give us a call. One Tree Community Services acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of country where we operate. In the spirit of reconciliation, we recognise their continuing cultural connections to their land, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders both past and present and to all First Australians of today.
Our service offers a curriculum inspired by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), tailored to each age group. Programs include nature-based  experiences, art activities, STEAM and a school readiness curriculum. We value our connection to the Pakenham community and encourage children to explore the world around them. With local excursions, cultural celebrations, and sustainability-focused activities, we help children build empathy, awareness, and meaningful relationships with their environment and each other. Outside, our playground areas are a balance of natural and manmade elements and play surfaces – with sandpits, rock pool, dry creek bed, veggie patches, worm farm, cubbies and lots of shade.
As of 2025, families can save up to $2,101 a year for eligible children aged three years old and above in eligible long daycares. Use our CCS Calculator to estimate your child care subsidy & out-of-pocket costs. Aspire’s Step into Prep program is designed for four-year-olds to confidently prepare for primary school in a supportive and stimulating environment. Building on skills developed in earlier years, the program focuses on independence, communication, and critical thinking.

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps eligible families access approved and registered child care providers, by partially subsidising the cost of daily fees. Please note, the  prices below do not include any child care subsidy you may be entitled to. Visit the Department of Education website to find out more information. We also recommend using this Child Care Subsidy Calculator to generate an estimate of your new subsidy payments.
During November 2025Kindergarten service providers will manage the group preference process with families. At this stage, families placed during third-round will receive their group offer. During September 2025Kindergarten service providers will manage the group preference process with families. At this stage, families placed during second-round will receive their group offer.
With strong values and supportive learning,we prepare every child for success in school and in life. Families consistently praise our service for our nurturing environment, dedicated staff, and high quality care. At Story House, we care about every person and their individual journey because it takes a committed, diverse and passionate team to nurture each child’s unique story. We also have a cook at the centre providing tasty and nutritious meals for the children when tummies start to growl and can cater to any dietary needs.