Story House Early Learning Mernda

• Regular excursions and incursions within the local community 

• Cooking experiences with the on-site cook

• Sustainability program with worm farms, veggie garden and compost bins 

• Sports program by Kidzplay

Early Learning Centre Mernda understands that promoting children’s nutrition and health is an important aspect of providing a quality child care and early education service.  It is crucial that children are offered healthy, nutritious meals throughout the day and enjoy social, positive mealtime experiences and discussions as part of their overall growth, development and knowledge.

The centre’s menu is prepared by a professionally qualified centre cook in consultation with families, educators, the children and recognised authorities such as Nutrition Australia. The centre can accommodate individual dietary requirements due to family preferences, cultural background, allergies or food intolerances, by working closely and in consultation with families to make sure individual children’s needs are met. 

A positive attitude towards healthy eating is embedded into the curriculum and daily routines, for instance with their  interactive cooking classes; menu development; discussion of food choices; explaining the role of food and culture; educators modeling healthy eating; and making meal times a pleasant, social occasion.

At Early Learning Centre Mernda, the educators believe that each child is on their own unique journey that shapes the person they are and who they will become. Just like chapters in a book, they understand that each child steps through their ‘story’ at their own pace and in their own time.

The team at Early Learning Centre Mernda believes that learning is a lifelong journey and that early childhood education and care provides the foundation for learning for life. Children make sense of the world around them through the use of processes such as exploration, collaboration and problem solving across all aspects of the curriculum. They develop dispositions such as curiosity, persistence and creativity and use play to investigate, imagine and explore ideas, follow and extend their own interests.

The educators are key to supporting children on their journey and believe that relationships with families and community are essential for supporting children to be global citizens and helping them to reach their potential.

Over the next 12 months, our goals are to work towards an exceeding standard. To embed sustainable practice in our routines that are natural, and to have awesome programs delivered to our children each and every day.

I am most passionate about ensuring all children within my service feel safe and secure and most of all want to come to care. I love being a service manager and walking through the centre and spending time in each room alongside all ages. I am passionate about being a dedicated and supportive leader. I strive to achieve this every day, I love to be inspired and in return I love to inspire someone else! My team are fun, loving, supportive, dedicated and most of all, passionate. We are a big family, and that is what makes us amazing!

Bianca Elsayed, Service Manager, Early Learning Centre Mernda