Business Details
Trusted Child Care & Early Learning Centre in Mentone
At Happy Times, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Our purpose-built facility fosters imagination and sensory engagement through natural and raw materials, aligning with the Early Years Learning Framework. Our team of educators, selected for their qualifications and passion, holds certifications in first aid, CPR, and child safety, with over 70 years of combined experience. We prioritise play-based learning, creating flexible environments that cater to individual needs while promoting independence and collaboration. Our nutritionally balanced meals are prepared daily by an on-site cook, meeting dietary requirements and approved by Nutrition Australia.We maintain strong partnerships with families and the community, offering transparent communication through our Kindyhub app and regular updates on children's progress. Our small class sizes ensure continuity of care and consistent educator relationships, supporting seamless transitions for children. We actively engage with local services like libraries, emergency responders, and health providers to enrich learning experiences. Our commitment to cultural inclusivity is reflected in our acknowledgment of the Bunurong people and integration of family traditions into our programs. Through professional development and mentorship, we continuously enhance our practices to deliver high-quality early childhood education.
Services
Long Day Care
Casual Day Care
Funded Kindergarten
Play-Based Learning
Nutritional Meal Services
Community Engagement
Transition Programs
Cultural Inclusivity
Professional Development
Family Partnerships
Highlights and features
- Our educators have over 70 years of combined experience and hold certifications in first aid, CPR, and child safety.
- We provide play-based learning environments designed with natural materials to stimulate creativity and exploration.
- Nutrition Australia-approved meals are prepared daily by an on-site cook to meet dietary requirements.
- Small class sizes ensure continuity of care and consistent educator relationships for children.
- We maintain partnerships with local emergency services, libraries, and health providers for enriched learning.
Services
Long Day Care
Our Long Day Care program provides a nurturing environment for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, operating 50 weeks a year with flexible hours. Qualified educators deliver play-based learning, fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development. The program includes nutritionally balanced meals and access to purpose-built facilities designed to stimulate creativity through natural materials.
Funded Kindergarten
Our Funded Kindergarten program aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework, offering structured play-based education for 3-5-year-olds. Certified teachers facilitate curriculum-linked activities that prepare children for school while promoting independence. The service includes parent-teacher collaboration and access to resources that enhance literacy, numeracy, and social skills development.
Nutritional Meal Services
Daily meals are prepared by a professional cook following a Nutrition Australia-approved menu that rotates biannually. The service provides five meals/snacks daily, accommodating dietary requirements and allergies. Children participate in cooking experiences to develop food awareness, while the menu meets National Heart Foundation guidelines for early childhood nutrition.
Community Engagement
We organise regular incursions and excursions connecting children with local services including fire brigades, libraries, and health providers. Monthly incursions feature cultural and educational experiences like African drumming and museum programs. Termly excursions to parks and shops extend learning beyond the classroom, fostering community awareness and real-world connections.
Family Partnerships
Our Kindyhub app provides real-time updates on children's activities, meals, and learning progress. Families receive daily documentation linked to the Early Years Learning Framework and can participate in transition programs that maintain home routines. We offer subsidy guidance and orientation sessions to ensure seamless integration into our care environment.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years in our purpose-built facility with two dedicated class groups.
How do you support transition to school?
Our Funded Kindergarten program follows the Early Years Learning Framework, preparing children for school through structured play-based learning and literacy/numeracy activities.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide five nutritionally balanced meals/snacks daily, prepared on-site by a professional cook and approved by Nutrition Australia.
How can families stay informed about their child's progress?
Our Kindyhub app offers real-time updates, learning documentation, photos, and direct communication with educators throughout the day.
What qualifications do your educators have?
All staff hold first aid, CPR, and working with children checks, with over 70 years combined experience and regular professional development.
Do you offer flexible booking options?
We provide Long Day Care, Casual Day Care, and Funded Kindergarten programs with support for Child Care Subsidy applications.
Reviews (7)
Rebecca Pearce
Aug 07, 2021
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Happytimes has not been our centre but our second home for the past 2 years. We started childcare with our 10 month old and and she has grown into a beautiful toddler with the help of the centre. We loved the staff and the interaction helping the kids. The app was always up to date and the photos and learnings were amazing. Would highly recommend this as a centre and were sad to leave as we have moved over the other side of the city.
Qin Siu
Apr 01, 2021
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Our 15mo joined the center for one week and put on 1kg. Her face is always clean and clothes are tidy after a long day. Not easily get sick like the previous childcare. well taken care by all the educators and everyone knows her experience throughout the day. highly recommended.
Warren Sheean
Dec 12, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
My children loved Happy Times, they're both at school now but still regularly ask me if they could go back and see the staff who were simply fantastic.
My children loved Happy Times, they're both at school now but still regularly ask me if they could go back and see the staff who were simply fantastic.
Joanna Vos
Sep 04, 2020
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My daughter attends Happy Times Childcare and loves the centre and staff! The Staff are really caring and fun, they really take the time to get to know the children and families. Happy Times provide a very high level of quality care. My daughter always looks forward to attending at the centre and has made many friends. She really enjoys going there and is happy and engaged in the variety of activities and experiences that are on offer daily. The centre also offers an amazing menu which is fresh and nutritious! :)
Belinda Livolti
Jan 01, 2019
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Both my kids love Happy Times! The educators are caring, my children are really engaged, facilities are very clean (very few creche like illnesses!) and there is very low turn over of staff. No tears with drop offs either!
Erin Pattie
Nov 14, 2018
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Our 3yo has been attending Happy Times for over a year now. He is very happy there, the staff are energetic, kind and caring. He is exposed to plenty of play and learning opportunities. We love that it is a smaller centre where every child receives the attention they need.
Britt Allen
Nov 08, 2018
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I highly recommend Happy Times. The staff are dedicated, friendly & passionate. I feel safe leaving my son there with all his allergies & anaphylaxis as the communication and care is wonderful. And I love all the nature focus and hands on activities done daily. 😍
