Questions parents ask

Montessori classrooms are designed to foster independence, choice and respect. Children choose their activities, work with specially designed materials, and are guided by educators who observe and support each child's individual learning journey, rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

Montessori materials are unique, hands-on learning tools that help children understand abstract concepts through concrete experiences. Each material is designed to teach a specific skill and allows children to self-correct and learn independently.

Yes. Montessori is designed to support children of all abilities, backgrounds and learning styles. The approach is flexible and inclusive, allowing every child to thrive.

We provide all five meals: breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack. We have seasonal menus (summer/spring and winter/autumn) and are an allergy-aware centre, catering to all dietary needs.

Our integrated kinder program runs within our long day care setting, offering continuous learning throughout the day. Sessional kinder has fixed, shorter hours. Our integrated approach gives families flexibility and children a consistent learning environment.

We offer fortnightly excursions and monthly incursions to enrich your child's learning, in addition to our Bush Kinder program.

Developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian educator, in the early 1900s, it is an approach that emphasises self-directed learning and hands-on activity. It is now used around the world.

Rather than formal tests or grades, teachers use their observations to understand each child's needs, documenting progress in academic, social and practical skills.

It is an approach that respects each child's natural development and curiosity. We create a calm, safe and engaging environment where babies can explore, move freely and learn at their own pace, while educators gently guide them as they discover the world through their senses and early movement.

Babies can start at Wyndham Vale Montessori Centre from as early as 6 weeks old. The program runs to 2 years of age and provides a nurturing, stimulating environment from the very beginning.

Montessori resources for babies are simple, natural and purposeful: wooden grasping toys, object permanence boxes, stacking rings, sensory balls and treasure baskets. They encourage hands-on exploration, develop fine and gross motor skills, and support concentration and independence.

The program supports every area of growth: physical, social, emotional, language and cognitive. Through gentle routines, age-appropriate activities and caring relationships, babies build confidence, independence and a love of learning.

Yes. We run government-approved 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs at both campuses, delivered by qualified early childhood teachers and integrated into our full-day Montessori program.

Our kindergarten places an emphasis on independence. Children take initiative in their learning and engage collaboratively, while teachers observe and guide each child, providing support and encouragement as they progress at their own pace.

Rather than formal tests or grades, teachers use observation to understand each child's needs, documenting progress in academic, social and practical skills.

We offer fortnightly excursions and monthly incursions, in addition to our Bush Kinder program.

It fosters a child's natural sense of rhythm, melody and expression through hands-on, self-directed activities. Children explore instruments, sounds and songs at their own pace, building creativity and confidence while music becomes part of their daily learning.

The program is designed for children from toddlers to kindergarten age, with sessions that grow with them. Younger children focus on simple rhythm and movement, while older children explore more complex melodies and group performances.

Sessions are planned alongside each room's learning program, so songs and activities reinforce what children are exploring in the classroom, from counting and letters to colours and cultures.

Create a home environment with simple instruments such as shakers or bells, play a wide variety of music and join in sing-alongs. Observe your child's interests and let them lead, just as we do in Montessori. We are happy to share tips during a tour.

Start by booking a tour of our Buffalo Campus or Ballan Campus. After your tour, complete the enrolment form to secure your child's place. We then arrange orientation sessions before your child's first day.

We welcome children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age at both campuses. Programs are tailored to each developmental stage and follow authentic Montessori philosophy.

Our daily fee covers your child's Montessori program, nutritious meals and essential care items such as nappies, wipes and sunscreen. We are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS). See fees and subsidies.

Our educators are qualified, experienced and passionate about Montessori education. Each classroom is led by educators trained in the Montessori method, with bachelor-qualified early childhood teachers overseeing our kindergarten programs. All staff hold Working with Children Checks and take part in ongoing professional development.

Both campuses are open 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday, 52 weeks a year. We are closed on Victorian public holidays.

We charge one daily rate for every booked day, the same for all age groups. Discounts apply for full-time attendance, siblings and holidays, and your Child Care Subsidy is deducted from the fee.

Yes. Fees are charged for all booked days, including absences due to illness, holidays or personal reasons. This is standard practice across the sector.

The CCS is an Australian Government payment that helps families with the cost of approved childcare. The amount you receive depends on your family income, your activity hours and the type of service.

Use the free, independent CCS Checker calculator with our daily fee of $154.42 and a 9 or 10-hour session. It gives an estimate only; Services Australia determines your actual subsidy.

Apply through your myGov account under Centrelink services. You will need to provide the required documents and confirm your child's enrolment before CCS can start.

The Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) supports families experiencing hardship or particular circumstances. Families approved for ACCS may have reduced out-of-pocket fees.

Yes. We offer a 5% sibling discount, a 35% holiday discount for up to 4 weeks per financial year, and a 5% discount for full-time attendance.

Families are responsible for paying the full fee until CCS or ACCS is approved or reinstated. Any backdated subsidy is applied once it has been processed by Centrelink.

Fees are billed weekly, every Monday, and are paid one week in advance. Direct debit is the preferred payment method.

Please contact the centre straight away. We encourage open communication so we can work with you before the account becomes overdue.

Yes. Public holidays are charged because your child's place is held for them and staffing costs still apply.

All outstanding fees must be paid before the final day. CCS cannot be applied to absences after the last day your child physically attends.

Yes, depending on availability. Four weeks' written notice is required for changes or cancellations.

We always make sure the attendance we submit to Centrelink aligns with your CCS-eligible hours. A half-hour allowance is included in the session, so if your child stays a little longer than 10 hours it is still covered and will not affect your CCS.

Our minimum session is 9 hours. This works well for families who receive 72 hours of CCS per fortnight and wish to attend 4 days a week.