Childcare & Kindergarten Pakenham

• Once you have applied, ensure you have updated your child’s date of birth and CRN within the Camp Australia Parent Portal. Get in touch with our Family support team to discuss waitlists, enrolments, fee structure and centre availability. 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. If a centre is full, our Family Support team will place your child on our waitlist.
First Early Learning Pakenham provides centre-based care for up to 105 approved spaces. Big Childcare – Pakenham Public School OSHC is operated by Big Childcare Pty Ltd (Big Childcare Unit Trust), which contributes 1% to the total available child care capacity in Victoria. Big Childcare childcare centres pakenham – Pakenham Public School OSHC provides centre-based care for up to 120 approved spaces. Aspire Early Education Pakenham is operated by Ascot Early Learning Centre Pty Ltd, which contributes insignificant to the total available child care capacity in Victoria. Aspire Early Education Pakenham provides centre-based care for up to 122 approved spaces. I have worked in the child care and early learning sector since 1991 and I have an Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services.

We are really happy with the care and support we are receiving at Little Stars! The new renovations have brightened up the centre creating a welcoming and warm environment and the staff are so friendly! All children who turn three or four by the April 30, 2026, and meet the Victorian Government criteria are entitled to 15 hours per week of free kindergarten. Your child will need a backpack or bag, a refillable water bottle, a change of clothes, a wide-brim sun hat and their favourite toy, which can help them settle in. For kindergarten your child will need morning tea and lunch (dependent on the length of the program day). As a not-for-profit centre located in a culturally diverse community, we understand and respect all cultural backgrounds of the families at our centre.
These experiences lay the foundation for lifelong health, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. As a leader, I focus on empathy, transparency, and continuous improvement to ensure families feel heard, children feel safe, and educators are supported to grow. As a proud mum of six and “Nanny” to ten grandchildren, I understand the trust families place in us and the importance of positive early learning experiences.
We acknowledge the Bunurong people, whose land we share, learn on, and grow together. Our programs nurture a love of nature, a sense of community, fun, and wonder, while fostering respect for Country, culture, and connection. At Pakenham Springs Children’s Centre, we work in partnership with children and families, embracing the diversity of our community and creating a warm, inclusive environment for all. Little Stars Early Learning and Kindergarten is conveniently located in the heart of Pakenham.

Our purpose-built outdoor yards provide children with the freedom to play, explore, and develop safely within their own spaces, while also offering opportunities to interact with both older and younger peers. As a 120-place centre, we ensure every child has the space and support to run, climb, play, and grow into the very best version of themselves. I am passionate about creating a safe and educating space for children and watching them grow each day. I love watching educators grow daily to provide quality care, finding their passion and being able to support them in this. During the toddler stage, children will learn mainly through relationships and through play.
The staff consistently demonstrate warmth, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to each child's individual development and well-being. 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. Educators are trained to implement safe sleep practices, adhering to guidelines from Red Nose Australia and the National Quality Standards. We’re part of many different communities, supporting families from all walks of life. That’s why we believe our team should reflect that same rich diversity.
Through ongoing conversations and genuine care, we build strong, trusting relationships with our families. If you are looking for the most loving, caring and fun childcare then look no further. I would highly recommend Aspire Early Education Pakenham to care for your most precious gift.

We find the multicultural aspect of the centre to be very  helpful to our mixed race child. Our centres have an ‘open door policy’ and discounted rates for full-time enrolments. Immerse yourself into what a day at our service could look like for you and your family.
Building on skills developed in earlier years, the program focuses on independence, communication, and critical thinking. We offer exciting incursion programs at Aspire Pakenham that provide new experiences for the children and help them develop new interests and skills. These cover sport, music, art and drama, and are a highlight for the children at Aspire. Watching the children grow and learn is a privilege – and something I am fortunate to share with an excellent team of carers and educators, all of whom are experienced and qualified. My passion for early learning is based on a solid understanding that the first five years shape who a child will become. We have a responsibility to offer the highest quality in early education and support families along the way.