The early years of a child’s life are among the most formative. Between birth and age five, a child’s brain develops more rapidly than at any other stage, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, emotional wellbeing, and healthy relationships. At Altona Early Education, we understand just how important these years are—and that’s why we’ve created a nurturing, engaging environment that supports every aspect of early childhood development.
More Than Just Care: A Foundation for Growth
Childcare is often seen as simply a place for working parents to leave their children during the day—but it’s so much more than that. Quality early education plays a crucial role in helping children develop key cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills.
At Altona Early Education, we combine expert knowledge with genuine passion. With the leadership of Sarah, our experienced Centre Director with over 21 years in early education, and the family-centred approach of Grace and Tom Azzopardi—locals raising four children of their own—our centre is deeply connected to the needs of both children and families in our community.
Key Benefits of Childcare for Early Development
Here are just some of the powerful ways childcare helps children thrive in their early years:
1. Cognitive Development
Children learn through play and exploration. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking from an early age. Through hands-on activities, storytelling, art, music, and nature-based experiences—like our exciting City Farm Kinder program—children engage in meaningful learning every day.
2. Social Skills & Emotional Resilience
Interacting with other children and educators helps little ones build essential social skills. They learn how to share, cooperate, take turns, and resolve conflict—all under the guidance of caring educators. This helps to build emotional resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of self.
3. Language & Communication
Whether it’s through storytime, songs, or conversations with peers and teachers, children in childcare settings are immersed in rich language environments. This constant exposure supports vocabulary development, expressive language skills, and early literacy.
4. Physical Development
Our programs encourage active play, fine motor skill development, and healthy movement. From climbing and running to threading beads and building with blocks, children develop coordination, strength, and confidence in their bodies.
5. Routine & Readiness for School
Structured routines help children feel secure and develop a sense of time and order. Familiarity with group settings, following instructions, and participating in group learning all help prepare children for a smooth transition to school.
A Community That Cares
At Altona Early Education, we pride ourselves on being more than just a centre—we’re a community. Grace’s background in psychology and early childhood education, paired with Sarah’s extensive leadership and dedication to supporting both educators and children, ensures that our approach is thoughtful, research-based, and always centred on the needs of the child.
We believe that empowered educators create empowered children. That’s why we invest in our team through ongoing professional development, mentorship, and a culture of respect and support.
Our expansion in 2023—with the launch of our dedicated preschool on Railway Street and our nature-based City Farm Kinder—demonstrates our commitment to providing meaningful, high-quality educational experiences for local families.
Your Child’s Journey Starts Here
Choosing the right childcare provider is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. At Altona Early Education, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way—providing your child with the care, guidance, and early learning opportunities they need to grow into confident, capable individuals.
Speak with us today to learn more about our curriculum and how it supports your child’s early development. We’d love to welcome you to the Altona Early Education family.