Business Details
9 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care and Early Education in Altona
Altona Early Education is a family-owned and operated early education provider established in 2017. Our purpose-built facility in Altona, Melbourne, offers long daycare and funded kindergarten programs for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. With small room sizes and a homely environment, we prioritise individualised care and high educator-to-child ratios. Our team includes experienced professionals like Centre Director Sarah, who brings 21 years of expertise, and owners Grace and Tom Azzopardi, who ensure hands-on management.We integrate community excursions, sustainability projects, and cultural programs to foster holistic development. Our educators hold above-award qualifications, and we provide free weekly incursions to enhance learning. The centre extends its services through a preschool and City Farm Kinder program, maintaining a commitment to nurturing confident, resilient children through evidence-based practices and family collaboration.
Services
Early Education
Kindergarten Programs
Long Day Care
Beach Kinder Program
City Farm Kinder
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer small room sizes for enhanced academic and social development
- Our homely environment ensures children feel safe and welcomed daily
- Centre Director with 21 years' experience leads our qualified team
- Free weekly incursions included in our all-inclusive fee structure
- Owner-operated service with daily onsite management and oversight
What people say
Caring educators
Safe environment
Amazing food
Individualised care
Positive development
Services
Early Education
Our early education program caters to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years with individualised learning plans aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework. We focus on social-emotional development, literacy, and numeracy through play-based activities. Our qualified educators create nurturing environments that support each child's unique growth and curiosity.
Kindergarten Programs
Funded 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten programs delivered by specialist teachers. Our curriculum includes literacy development, Indigenous cultural connections, and sustainability education. Weekly Beach Kinder sessions and community excursions enhance learning through nature exploration and real-world experiences.
Beach Kinder Program
Weekly outdoor education sessions at Altona Beach focusing on environmental awareness and physical development. Children engage in sensory play, coastal conservation projects, and community connections. This program builds resilience and fosters appreciation for marine ecosystems through hands-on discovery.
City Farm Kinder
Practical farming experiences at our City Farm program teaching food production and sustainability. Children care for animals, maintain vegetable gardens, and participate in cooking activities using harvested produce. This initiative develops responsibility and understanding of food systems through immersive learning.
Cultural Programs
Diverse cultural initiatives including Chinese language lessons, Indigenous cultural connections, and global traditions. Our programs celebrate Altona's multicultural community through language immersion, festival celebrations, and cross-cultural activities that promote inclusivity and global awareness.
People
Grace Azzopardi
Owner
Registered psychologist and qualified kindergarten teacher with extensive experience in child development. Previously worked at Royal Children's Hospital and completed voluntary child development work. Oversees educational programs and family engagement at the centre.
Tom Azzopardi
Co-Owner
Hands-on co-owner supporting daily operations while managing family responsibilities. Works in road construction but actively involved in centre management. Ensures practical aspects of centre operations align with educational goals.
Sarah
Centre Director
21-year early education veteran with comprehensive leadership experience. Provides mentorship to educators and ensures high-quality care across all programs. Known for exceptional communication skills and commitment to child engagement and family support.
Elise
Kindergarten Teacher
Specialist educator with focus on literacy development and beach-based learning. Implements innovative teaching methods through play-based activities. Coordinates weekly Beach Kinder excursions and literacy-focused curriculum components.
Dianne
Kindergarten Teacher
Cultural education specialist with Indigenous community connections. Develops programs that integrate land stewardship and traditional knowledge. Leads sustainability initiatives and cultural awareness activities across the centre's curriculum.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, offering both long daycare and funded kindergarten programs for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide nutritious meals daily, including morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack, with dietary requirements accommodated.
What qualifications do your educators have?
Our team includes diploma-qualified educators and specialist teachers, with most holding above-award qualifications in early childhood education.
Do you offer casual bookings?
Yes, we offer casual days subject to availability to accommodate unexpected changes in family schedules or public holiday requirements.
What extra programs are included?
We provide free weekly incursions, Beach Kinder, City Farm Kinder, sustainability projects, and cultural programs at no additional cost.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes, we maintain a waiting list for popular programs, with priority given to local families and siblings of current enrollees.
Reviews (4)
Ryan Marquez
Aug 04, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
Centre is very clean and children hardly ever get sick, staff and the owner are extremely fussy.
Centre is very clean and children hardly ever get sick, staff and the owner are extremely fussy.
Vikram Thakur
Jan 24, 2020
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Absolutely lovely facility. Everyone at the daycare is very caring and understanding of the kids needs. Lots of activities organised for kids including excursions and incursions. They have ample room for kids to play and best in class facilities inside the building. There is ample parking space for drop off and pick up. The staff is brilliant.
Joanne Hawli
Jan 20, 2020
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The best childcare / kinda centre in the west . I have had my boys there for about 2 years now couldnt be happier with the level of care and education they have provided it is on a top level . I Highly recommend .
Tegan Distel
Nov 17, 2019
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My baby currently goes to altona early education. I could not feel more comfortable leaving her there each day!! A fantastic centre and fantastic educators