Mayfield Early Education Lyrebird Drive

• Language program using the ELLA online program

• Music and movement program to develop their creativity 

• Sports and fitness program for fun physical activity

• Cooking program to teach about healthy eating

• Regular incursions and excursions to explore the community 

The educators at Lyrebird Early Learning Centre understand that for children, the first eight years are fundamental in establishing core values, sense of identity, and self-worth. 

They see parents and families as the first educator, and that their role is to work together in a collaborative and supportive way on a child’s learning journey.

The educational philosophies at the centre are based on the Reggio Emilia approach to learning which supports enquiry and play-based learning opportunities in natural and responsive environments. The learning programs are designed to be emergent in nature and guided by the children’s interests and needs.

The centre’s learning programs are informed by both the National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) which is based on the fundamental belief that children’s lives are characterised as “Belonging, Being and Becoming”; and the 

Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) which identifies five learning outcomes for children that the centre strives toward:

• Children have a strong sense of identity (IDENTITY)
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world (COMMUNITY)
• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing (WELLBEING)
• Children are confident and involved learners (LEARNING)
• Children are effective communicators (COMMUNICATION)

There are four rooms at the centre covering the following ages:

• Nursery: 3 months - 2 years 
• Toddler: 2 years - 3 years
• Pre Kinder: 3 years - 4 years
• Kinder: 4 years - 5 years

Whilst my background is extensively Early Childhood, I taught kindergarten for 20 years and worked as an Early Years Consultant for kindergarten management services.

The past 18+ months has opened my eyes to the commitment and dedication educators bring to their work and I have loved reconnecting with families and children on a day to day basis. 

Carla, Centre Manager, Lyrebird Early Learning Centre

The centre’s cook prepares healthy, fresh meals on-site every day. With a rotating seasonal menu, the centre uses fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. The menu has been carefully designed through collaboration with families and children, and is approved by Nutrition Australia.