News
2 December 2025
Curious minds lead the way at Fintona’s Early Learning Centre for three, four and five-year-old girls and boys.
At Fintona’s Early Learning Centre (ELC), we believe the best way to prepare children for their educational journey is by nurturing their natural curiosity. As our students explore, solve problems, and collaborate, they also develop essential social skills and self-confidence.
Our approach to education is based on the internationally renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy, which recognises that children express themselves in many “languages”, including movement, sculpture, drawing, writing and music. We create a dynamic learning environment where every child is encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings, ensuring a rich, engaging educational experience.
At Fintona’s ELC, we foster close, supportive relationships between staff, parents, and children. We strongly encourage parent participation, ensuring that families are actively involved in their child’s learning experience.
Throughout the year, our dedicated staff carefully document each child’s development through a personalised portfolio, which is presented at the end of the year. This special keepsake includes photos and drawings, offering a beautiful record of your child’s unique learning journey.
Our highly qualified and experienced Early Learning Centre educators are committed to creating the best start to your child’s learning journey before they start junior school.
The National Quality Standard sets a high benchmark for early childhood education and care in Australia, with services assessed and rated by the regulatory authority across essential quality areas. Fintona’s Early Learning Centre has achieved a rating of ‘exceeding’ – the highest rating – since it was first assessed in 2013.
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Proven learning programs
Every day we immerse our young learners in experiences that enable them to explore, question, collaborate, think critically and develop a love of learning.
In addition to the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, our educators are guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. This outline the principles, practices and outcomes essential to enhance learning and a natural transition to school.
Fintona’s Young Explorers program is a five or four-day program for three-year-old ELC girls and boys. The specialist program responds to the energetic, curious and discovery-driven nature of active young children who want to explore the world around them.
Through inquiry-based learning, our Young Explorers make meaningful connections between classroom lessons, their home life, and the wider world. They are introduced to language, numeracy, sustainability, the creative arts, and so much more, laying the foundation for a well-rounded education.
With a strong foundation in all areas of development, children in our program build essential social skills, gain confidence in group decision-making, and nurture their curiosity through hands-on exploration of various materials. They also develop the self-assurance to thrive in a school environment, setting them up for future success.
Fintona’s Young Thinkers program builds on the strong foundation of our Young Explorers program, enriched by our years of experience in early education.
This engaging five-day Pre-Prep program focuses on environmental science, while also offering opportunities to explore literacy, numeracy, art, and music. It’s an enriching curriculum that allows every child to extend their skills and enjoy new experiences.
Young Thinkers is a seamless transition for children moving from our three-year-old Young Explorers program, and is also ideal for children who would benefit from an additional year of early education before starting Prep.
Specialist Education
Our ELC students enjoy classes with specialist Fintona educators. These are always a highlight of the day, and help prepare children for concepts they will explore further in school.
Music is not an isolated discipline but an integral part of ELC. In music classes, children learn about pitch, beats, tone and volume, all while having fun with songs, rhymes, composing, playing instruments, dancing and performing.
We want to develop a love for reading, which is why children are introduced to a range of literature and encouraged to respond to the stories we share. All children visit the library each week to listen to stories and borrow books.
In art, we explore mediums, materials and techniques, helping every student create artworks they can be proud of. Our specialist art teacher guides the children to express themselves in a wide range of creative ways.
Our Physical Education (PE) program is designed to develop each child’s level of skills and fitness and their perception of themselves through movement and motor experience.
Program details
For entry into the 3-year-old program your child must have turned three, prior to commencement, and/or before 30 April.
For entry into the 4-year-old program your child must have turned three, prior to commencement, and/or before 30 April.
All programs begin at 8.45am and conclude at 3.00pm
| Young Explorers 5 day program | Monday to Friday |
| Young Explorers 4 day program | Monday to Thursday |
| Young Thinkers 5 day program | Monday to Friday |
A beautiful early learning environment
Our architect-designed ELC building is one of the best early learning centres in Melbourne. It features sun-drenched rooms, large creative studio spaces, a piazza, and gardens to explore, all of which provide space for our students to interact, learn and grow.
The ELC is in the Fintona Junior Campus in Balwyn, allowing access to classrooms and facilities that give the children a sense of belonging within the broader school community.
ELC Frequently Asked Questions
For entry into the 3-year-old program your child must have turned three, prior to commencement, and/or before 30 April. Additionally, your child must exhibit toileting independence.
For entry into the 4-year-old program your child must have turned three, prior to commencement, and/or before 30 April. Additionally, your child must exhibit toileting independence.
Please note, the major entry point is the 3-year-old program.
All programs begin at 8.45am and conclude at 3.00pm.
Our Out of Hours care program is run by Camp Australia and is provided from 7.30am to 8.45am and from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. In addition, a holiday program is offered during school term breaks.
Camp Australia is the leading provider of quality, safe, fun and professional Out of Hours Care. All families who wish to use these programs must be registered with Camp Australia.
Afternoon tea is provided at 4.00pm for children attending the After School Care program and breakfast is provided during Before School Care. Children requiring breakfast need to have arrived by 8.00am.
Our Holiday Program is run by Camp Australia and operates from 7.30am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, during term holidays (excluding public holidays).
Camp Australia is the leading provider of quality, safe, fun and professional Out of Hours Care. All families who wish to use these programs must be registered with Camp Australia.
Yes, Fintona’s Playgroup is held on Friday mornings during the school term, from 9.30am to 11am. Children aged 6 months to 3 years old can attend when accompanied by a parent or guardian. More information can be found here.
Please be aware that the CCS and Free Kinder Program subsidised by the Victorian Government are not applicable to our programs. At Fintona, we provide a day-long learning program rather than day care services with sessional programs. Fintona’s ELC provides a rich learning experience, built on the foundations of the Reggio Emilia approach, which is internationally renowned, and The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).
Our Out of School Hours Care Provider – Camp Australia may be able to provide subsidies depending on your family and household situation. For more information please visit: campaustralia.com.au/campaign/childcaresubsidy
Our equivalent day rate is approximately $130 making our programs very competitive for an extraordinary educational offering.
Yes, we welcome enrolments for both boys and girls in our ELC.
