Regional Winner VIC

Hints, Tips & Stories
 23 Nov 2024

Mildura Early Learning Centre has come out on top in regional Victoria in the 2024 KindiCare Excellence Awards!           

BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE

NOVEMBER 24, 2024

We’re pleased to announce that Mildura Early Learning Centre is our Regional State Winner for Victoria, with an Excellent KindiCare Rating of 9.4, and it’s the people that make this Murray River service so successful. 

The educators at Mildura ELC are passionate and dedicated, with a wealth of experience and knowledge, and instead of just doing their job, they genuinely love working with young children. 

Mildura ELC is a place where early learners are supported to follow their interests and feel engaged, and Centre Director, Megan Gooding, says, “Our educators are committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that respect the individual needs and interests of each child. 

“Our educators have access to the best resources, expertise and professional development to allow them to deliver the highest quality education and care,” and a lot of thought goes into the curriculum.  

Mildura ELC is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which Megan is really passionate about, and she explains that the team facilitates an emergent play-based curriculum that nurtures the whole child. 

The emergent curriculum means there’s a focus on children’s interests, strengths and learning styles, and the program is tailored to be fun, exciting and enriching for every single child. 

Megan explains that, “Our education plans support children in all areas; physical, literacy, STEM, social, emotional and wellbeing aspects of their learning and development.  

“We continuously adapt our programs to meet each child’s unique needs and interests, while also partnering closely with families to ensure a holistic approach to learning and development.” 

She says, “Our focus on fostering strong relationships, promoting emotional well-being, and embracing diversity creates a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued and supported.” 

Families also feel very welcome at the centre, and educators’ passion and professionalism allows them to feel confident that their children are being given the foundation they need to thrive – academically, socially and emotionally.  

Day-to-day, there are many things that make the program and place special, but if you ask the children what they love most about Mildura ELC, then they’ll probably point to the outdoor areas!  

Mildura ELC has recently redesigned its outdoor spaces, and as well as being twice the size of your average childcare offering, the spaces also offers a lot of natural elements and fun features.  

Children especially love the timber forts, slides, bike track and rowboat moored in the sandpit, and Mildura ELC’s amazing outdoor play spaces support their Reggio Emilia philosophy that the environment is the third teacher of children (behind parents and educators). 

There’s a lot to love about this centre, though, and the team is absolutely thrilled to be recognised for their effort, and commitment to quality.  

Not too long ago, Mildura ELC received the Exceeding National Quality Standard rating from their regulatory authority, and being named Regional State Winner for Victoria is the icing on the cake!  

Megan says, “This Award is a tremendous honour for our service owner, Scott Zannes, myself as Centre Director, and everyone at Mildura Early Learning Centre.  

“It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our team, as well as the strong partnerships we have with families and the community.  

“This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education and care, and inspires us to continue striving for excellence in everything we do.  

“We're incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and excited about the positive impact we’re making in the lives of the children and families we serve.”  

And here at KindiCare, we give a huge congratulations to everyone who plays a part in Mildura ELC’s success! 

 

Learn more about Mildura Early Learning Centre 

Information correct as at 1 July 2024