News
18 June 2024
Curious minds lead the way at Fintona’s Early Learning Centre for three, four and five-year-old girls and boys.
We believe the best way to prepare children for their education journey is by encouraging their natural curiosity. While Early Learning Centre (ELC) students are gaining knowledge, solving problems and working together, they are also developing vital 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 encourage all children to articulate their thoughts and feelings in a dynamic learning environment.
At Fintona’s ELC, we encourage close relationships between staff, parents and children, with parent participation strongly encouraged. Our staff record each student’s development through a portfolio presented to every child at the end of the year, featuring photos and drawings preserved as a record of your child’s 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.
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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.
The 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.
The Young Explorers program is designed for children to make connections between what they learn in the classroom, their homes and the world. Through inquiry-based learning, children are introduced to languages, numeracy, sustainability, the creative arts and much more.
With strong foundations in all areas of development, children can develop their socials skills, join in group decision making, explore a variety of materials, and feel confident in a school environment.
The Young Thinkers program builds on the groundwork of Young Explorers as well as our own experience from many years of early education.
This is a five-day Pre-Prep program emphasising environmental science and opportunities to explore literacy, numeracy, science, art, music, drama and dance. 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 by 1 February in the year they commence and exhibit toileting independence.
For entry into the 4 year old program your child must have turned four by 1 February in the year they commence.
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 |
Exceeding National Quality Standards
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.
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 by 1 February in the year they commence and exhibit toileting independence.
For entry into the 4 year old program your child must have turned four by 1 February in the year they commence and 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.
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.
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 $124 making our programs very competitive for an extraordinary educational offering.
Yes, we welcome enrolments for both boys and girls in our ELC.
