Introduction to Greythorn

Greythorn Early Childhood Centre is a community based non-profit organisation, with a dedicated parent management committee, offering 3yo & 4yo funded Kindergarten programs as well as Long Day Care and Occasional Care services catering for 91 children aged from 6weeks to 6years across 6 classrooms.

With a history of serving the local community since 1997, GreythornECC is situated in one of Melbourne’s highly sought-after areas in the Eastern Suburb of Balwyn North. Our purpose-built centre provides safe and stimulating environments where children can thrive and reach their full potential.

The Centre strives to distinguish itself from others in the area by the quality of the educators, the programs and policies, but most importantly through its innovative approaches to the provision of quality care.

We have a commitment to quality outcomes for children, which are reflected in the principles outlined in the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and the Early Years Learning Framework – and these guide everything that happens at our service.

Our Mission

We strive to be recognised as a leading provider of the highest quality early childhood education and care experiences. Through our innovative practices, commitment to excellence, and continuous integration of the latest research findings, we aim to set the benchmark for best practices in childcare within Victoria.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is based on six core principles:

Partnerships between staff and parents

We value the role of the family in a child’s life and recognise the support that parents and staff can provide to each other as active partners in the care and education of their child.

We encourage families to play an active part in their child’s care and discuss with them ways in which they can become involved in the Centre that are meaningful to them and that benefit the children.

Nurturing and educating children

We recognise that the Centre plays a key role in developing trusting, secure and loving relationships by providing a warm and safe environment that fosters the child’s self-confidence as well as develops social skills.

Learning through enquiry and discovery

We acknowledge the importance of play as a medium for many aspects of development and learning; valuing positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviour.

Respect for individuality

We treasure each child irrespective of her or his gender, race, religion, ethnic or social background; and know that they learn in their own way and at their own pace.

Highest Talent

We understand the value of retaining, developing and attracting the best talent available - staff who are consummate professionals driven to be and do their best knowing the development of their knowledge and skills play an important role in the lives of the children they care for.

This value leads potential staff to regard the Centre as an employer of choice and families are encouraged by this knowledge to entrust their children’s care to GreythornECC.

Sustainability

We recognise the need for the practical application of sustainability principles in regards to the built environment and environs. In particular, the responsible use of energy and water, management of waste and respect for the natural environment underpin decision-making and the daily activities of the Centre.

A respect for the environment influences the communications we have with children and the activities and resources we use. We also support the considered application of new technologies that promote sustainability.