Business Details
29 Years
experience
Trusted Early Learning & Child Care Centre in Mt Waverley
Essex Heights Juniors is a purpose-built early learning and child care centre established in 1997, dedicated to nurturing children's development through play-based learning. Our team, led by qualified educators Arthur and Paula Papanicolaou, prioritises individualised care and education for children aged 0 - 5. We operate under the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 and Victorian Early Years Learning Framework, ensuring compliance with national standards. Our programs balance active and passive play, indoor/outdoor activities, and family collaboration. The centre's philosophy emphasizes partnerships with families, sustainable practices, and preparing children for school through evidence-based methodologies.With over 25 years of experience, we maintain a safe, inclusive environment governed by strict hygiene and dietary protocols, including allergy management. Our facility accommodates 87 children across two age-specific buildings, reflecting our commitment to age-appropriate development. Regular communication with families ensures transparency in educational planning and policy updates. We actively seek parental input to enhance our services while adhering to government guidelines for early childhood education.
Services
Early Learning Programs
Child Care Services
Pre-Prep Program
Nutritious Meals
Allergy Management
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in early childhood education
- Our team includes qualified early childhood teachers and specialists
- Play-based programs align with Victorian Early Years Learning Framework
- Allergy-conscious meal plans developed with dieticians and families
- Purpose-built facilities catering to children aged 05 with separate zones
Associations and certifications
- Start Right, Eat Right Program
Services
Early Learning Programs
Our play-based programs follow government frameworks to develop children's cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Activities balance structured and spontaneous play, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. Educators observe and document progress through portfolio assessments.
Child Care Services
We provide full-day care for 87 children aged 05 across two purpose-built facilities. Services include age-specific learning environments, outdoor play areas, and individualised attention from qualified staff. Care operates 52 weeks annually excluding public holidays.
Pre-Prep Program
This program prepares 45 year-olds for primary school with literacy, numeracy, and social skills development. Qualified teachers deliver curriculum-aligned activities five days weekly, focusing on transition readiness and confidence-building.
Nutritious Meals
Our six-week rotating menus provide 50% of daily dietary requirements following Australian Dietary Guidelines. Meals accommodate allergies and preferences, with no outside food permitted. A certified cook oversees food safety and hygiene compliance.
Allergy Management
We implement strict allergy protocols including management plans for at-risk children. Staff receive regular training in anaphylaxis response, and emergency medications are stored securely. Communication with families ensures up-to-date allergy information.
People
Paula Papanicolaou
Approved Provider & Education Director
Qualified early childhood educator with primary teaching experience, overseeing curriculum development and staff management since 1997. Holds three children of her own, integrating practical parenting insights into educational practices.
Arthur Papanicolaou
Approved Provider & Administrator
Business owner managing financial operations and regulatory compliance since 1997. Ensures administrative systems align with national education standards while maintaining family-focused service delivery.
Questions
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 52 weeks a year excluding public holidays.
What age groups do you cater for?
We accommodate children aged 0–5 years across two purpose-built facilities: one for under-3s and another for preschool/kindergarten ages.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide nutritionally balanced meals following Australian Dietary Guidelines. Parents cannot bring outside food due to allergy protocols.
How do you prepare children for school?
Our pre-prep program, delivered five days weekly by qualified teachers, focuses on literacy, numeracy, and social skills aligned with Victorian curriculum standards.
How are allergies managed?
We require anaphylaxis management plans for at-risk children. Staff receive regular training, and all meals are prepared in a nut-free environment with strict cross-contamination controls.
Can parents participate in programs?
Yes, families are encouraged to contribute to program planning, view daily activities, and provide feedback through discussion with room leaders or the centre director.
Reviews (7)
Aj
Jan 17, 2022
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Reliability
The best childcare in the area. Our kids attended EHJ and loved it. They learnt a lot too in preparation for school. Great educators, we felt comfortable leaving our kids with them. Very well organised and smoothly run - big thanks, guys!
The best childcare in the area. Our kids attended EHJ and loved it. They learnt a lot too in preparation for school. Great educators, we felt comfortable leaving our kids with them. Very well organised and smoothly run - big thanks, guys!
Aj
Jan 16, 2022
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Reliability
The best childcare in the area. Our kids attended EHJ and loved it. They learnt a lot too in preparation for school. Great educators, we felt comfortable leaving our kids with them. Very well organised and smoothly run - big thanks, guys!
The best childcare in the area. Our kids attended EHJ and loved it. They learnt a lot too in preparation for school. Great educators, we felt comfortable leaving our kids with them. Very well organised and smoothly run - big thanks, guys!
Yvonne Xu
Jul 20, 2021
Report
This is not only the experience of my family and kid but another familys as I know whos kid attend Essex heights junior. I dare not post this review until my kids went to another cc and turns out shes very happy and content over there plus one of my friends whos son attend Essex height recently withdraw and change to another cc which had the same bad experience in there. We had only 20mins orientation and staff only ask few questions about the kids and said times up thats it. My daughter is unsettled over there and they asked for picking up every time after only 20-30mins(when I
Upeka Embuldeniya
Jan 18, 2021
Report
Essex Heights Juniors has been a part of our lives for 7 years. They are like a family and treat our children as their own. The quality of care and educators is second to none, with amazingly dedicated leadership from Paula, Arthur and Jane. They all go above and beyond to make sure our children thrive in their development. 2020 was a testament to this dedication, not only with their online learning but also the incursions and excursions organised with creativity and care, as well as a graduation concert they managed to organise to give our preschoolers a worthy and beautiful send off. Highly recommend
Aaron D'Souza
Dec 01, 2020
Report
Our daughter had a really good and enriching experience going to EHJ. The staff at EHJ were caring and responsive throughout the year to our queries and concerns. Our daughter over the year has shown significant positive changes in her speech and behavior, all thanks to the wonderful program outlined at EHJ. The children are kept creatively engaged throughout the year and are made to feel at home during the time spend there. I would highly recommend this daycare to anyone.
E. McCarthy
Sep 01, 2020
Report
This team of enthusiastic and dedicated educators is led by experienced management who are genuinely invested in the care and education of the children who attend this centre. Highlights for the children include incursions and excursions, cooking sessions, sports classes and impressive end of year concerts/graduation for the kinder and preschoolers. Would highly recommend!
Carolyn G.
Jun 26, 2020
Report
We had five wonderful years of our children attending Essex Heights Juniors and we feel so lucky that they had the opportunity to attend. Paula and Arthur run a very tight ship so we have always felt comfortable leaving our children in their care and have never had any issues. Jane and all the educators are all so caring, friendly and amazing with the children and the activities, excursions and learning opportunities available are the best part of program. Another highlight is the end of year functions for all the year levels. My children both loved attending and their time at Juniors has helped
