Heart, creativity and soul
At Meraki Early Learning Centre, we bring heart, creativity, and soul into everything we do. Our play-based learning environment nurtures children to be curious, confident, and truly themselves, while prioritising their safety and wellbeing above all else. We actively create environments that protect children from harm, promote their rights, and support their autonomy. Children's voices guide our daily practices, programs, and decisions, ensuring they are heard, respected, and empowered to make choices about their learning and environment.
A True Home Away from Home
We strive to create a true home away from home, where children feel safe, nurtured, and valued. Families are an integral part of our community, and building strong partnerships with parents and caregivers is central to our philosophy. Their knowledge, perspectives, and involvement are respected and celebrated, and they are actively included in their child's learning journey through regular communication, shared experiences, and engagement in decision-making.
Celebrating Diversity, Nurturing Growth
Our programs celebrate diversity, inclusion, and neurodiversity, supporting each child's ongoing learning and development. Children are encouraged to explore, take safe risks, and develop a strong sense of responsibility and independence. Sustainability and environmental awareness are woven into everyday experiences, helping children understand their impact on the world and fostering habits that support a healthy planet. Natural and recycled resources are threaded through our programs to create meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities.
Educators Who Inspire and Care
Our educators are carefully selected based on their commitment to our philosophy and values, and are supported to continually reflect, grow, and embed best practice. Together, we foster genuine, respectful relationships, ensuring every child feels secure, nurtured, and able to thrive.
Meet our team
Community Connections
Being part of our local community strengthens the children's sense of belonging, identity, and active contribution. The children regularly participate in our Community Outings Program, building stronger connections and extending on their learning outside of the service. At Meraki, our vision comes to life each day through warmth, trust, and excellence — early learning with heart, soul, and purpose.
Testimonials
Words from the families who make Meraki home.
Caring, loving and kind — From the Management Team to the Educators, chef and staff; they are all passionate about the kids' development and they take sincere interest in creating an inclusive, caring and safe environment for the children. I appreciate the regular updates we get throughout the day and the photos to see what our kids have been up to with their friends. Long story short, my kids love it there and it has everything, if not more, that I look for in a childcare centre. Thank you for all the care and love you give to the little ones and parents!
My son has thrived under the care and guidance of the wonderful staff at Meraki. Activities and learning opportunities are set up based on the children's interest and every day is different! He enjoys the extra activities such as the music lessons, neighbourhood excursions and the many and varied incursions. It is great to be part of such a welcoming and caring community!
From the first day we toured, Meraki struck us as a healthy, safe and stimulating environment for our child. All of the staff were friendly and provided both us as parents and our baby personalised attention. The centre has a wonderful respect and understanding for our child's individual uniqueness and is supportive of our family type. We are always welcomed, communication is excellent and there is a great sense of community. Importantly the centre has stable and effective leadership which responds to my family's needs. Highly recommend.
Returning to work after having kids can be very overwhelming and stressful. The team at Meraki made this transition so much easier, just by being themselves. My kids instantly felt welcomed and included, and they look forward to the activities and friends they have waiting for them. As a parent, I know my kids are safe; they're eating delicious and nutritious food; and they're coming home happy. This was the best decision we made for our family.
We have two children who have attended Meraki ELC, and are very happy with the level of care they receive. The centre is always well maintained with ever changing and age appropriate resources for the children to engage with, both inside and out. They have an amazing team of educators who are warm and positive in their interactions with the children and their families. The level of communication we receive from the service management team is great. I highly recommend Meraki ELC to any family looking for a safe and happy place for their little ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions families ask about our program and approach.
What does play-based learning actually look like day to day?+
Play-based learning means children learn by doing — exploring, creating, asking questions and following their interests. Our educators set up rich, intentional environments and provocations, then observe and extend on what the children are curious about. You'll see art, sensory play, dramatic play, music, nature exploration, early literacy and numeracy all woven through the day in ways that feel like fun, not formal lessons.
How do you approach safety and wellbeing?+
Child safety and wellbeing sit above everything else we do. We follow the National Child Safe Standards, with clear policies, ongoing staff training, secure entry, supervised routines and a child-led culture where children's voices are listened to and respected. Our team builds trusting relationships so children always have a safe adult to turn to.
How are families included in their child's learning?+
Families are partners in their child's journey. You'll receive regular updates and photos through our digital communication app, be invited into the centre for events and conversations, and have ongoing input into goals and experiences. Educators take time at drop-off and pick-up to share how the day went and what your child has been exploring.
How do you support diversity, inclusion and neurodiversity?+
Our programs intentionally celebrate cultural, family and neurodiversity. Educators differentiate experiences to suit each child's strengths and needs, and we work closely with families and (where helpful) external specialists to make sure every child can fully participate and thrive.
How do you handle behaviour and big emotions?+
We use a respectful, relationship-based approach. Educators help children name and understand their feelings, co-regulate with them, and gently guide problem-solving and repair with peers. We don't use shame, time-outs or punitive consequences — instead we focus on connection, predictable routines and clear, kind boundaries.
Do you prepare children for school?+
Yes. Our four year old kindergarten program is led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. Just as importantly, we build the social, emotional and self-regulation skills children need to step confidently into prep.
How do you incorporate sustainability and nature?+
Sustainability is part of everyday life at Meraki. Children take part in recycling, composting, gardening and caring for plants and small creatures. Natural and recycled materials are threaded through our learning spaces, helping children build a real sense of care for the world around them.
What does a typical day include?+
Every day balances child-led free play with intentional group experiences, outdoor adventures, nutritious meals prepared on-site, rest or quiet time, and small-group learning. Routines are predictable but flexible — children's interests and needs shape how the day flows.