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Early Learning Centre

The start of the journey

Haileybury Early Learning Centres (ELC) are the start of an exciting and rewarding journey. Children are given new opportunities to explore, discover and grow together while developing their unique capabilities and a love for learning.


The Haileybury program is tailored to each educational stage and builds resilient and independent learners with a strong work ethic and critical skills in decision-making, leadership and enterprise. They leave Haileybury as well-rounded young citizens with a love for learning, prepared for life on the global stage and with the drive to be active members of society.

Developing unique capabilities

We understand that the early years of learning are a time for exploration and for the initial development of core skills. We draw on the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework to deliver a range of educationally inspiring ELC programs.

Our play-based curriculum combines inspiring learning experiences and teaching strategies to sustain each child’s engagement and develop their individual creativity, social skills, emotional wellbeing, higher-order thinking skills and sense of belonging. An immersive suite of play-based activities includes Language and Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Social Thinking, Inclusion and Diversity, Child Safety, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultural Perspectives.


Providing an engaging environment

Each Early Learning Centre provides spacious indoor and outdoor environments, with natural play areas inviting young learners to explore and discover as they build their curiosity, confidence and competence.

Children are encouraged in independent and collaborative play and our experienced educators use early childhood learning strategies to provide support and guidance as children progress their learning journey.

Delivering a specialist early childhood learning program

The Early Learning Centre curriculum is enhanced by a Specialist program developed and refined by Haileybury over many years of early childhood teaching and includes Music, Library, Creative Arts, Physical Education, and Movement.


Developing language ability at an early age

Global connectivity means languages are an important tool for communication and understanding.

To give our young learners the best possible start, Haileybury provides a digital, play-based language learning program called ELLA (Early Learning Languages Australia), which enhances the Pre-Prep Language program. Children are introduced to Mandarin using iPads and play-based resources.

Exceeding National Quality Standards

Our Early Learning programs and activities are informed by critical reflection that guides best practice and is embedded in all aspects of ELC education.

All of Haileybury’s Early Learning Centres exceed National Quality Standards, as set by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority.


Educating with experience

Haileybury's highly experienced and qualified educators develop strong relationships with families and their children, shaped by meaningful engagement and based on our values.

Educators spend time getting to know each child's interests and learning dispositions while recognising the importance of working in partnership with families as their child's first educator.

We aim for our children and families to have a genuine sense of belonging and take pride in our welcoming, safe and inclusive ELC environments.


Offering flexible hours

Daily life is busy and so we offer flexible opening hours at different centres.

Early Learning Centre City and Keysborough (Newlands) Campuses
Early Learning Centre Brighton and Berwick Campuses

Early Learning Centre City and Keysborough (Newlands) Campuses

  • City and Newlands operate under the long day care model.
  • Open from 7.30 am – 6.30 pm, five days a week and 50 weeks of the year.
  • The City and Newlands ELC's offer full-time places to Pre-Prep and Reception children.
  • The Brighton and Berwick ELC's offer full-time places for Pre-Prep and Reception children, as well as part-time options for Reception (2- or 3-day program).
  • The City and Newlands ELC's are closed for three professional development days, Melbourne Cup Eve, all public holidays and for two weeks over the summer holiday period. Brighton and Berwick ELC's are closed during term holidays.
  • Families using the City and Newlands ELC's can apply for Child Care Subsidy via the MyGov portal and/or the 3- and 4-year-old Kindergarten funding.

Early Learning Centre Brighton and Berwick Campuses

  • Open during School hours, five days a week during school terms.
  • The Pre-Prep program (4–5-year-olds) operates on a full-time basis and the Reception program (3–4-year-olds) offers the following options:
    • 2-day program, Thursday and Friday, 8.45 am - 3.15 pm
    • 3-day program, Monday to Wednesday, 8.45 am - 3.15 pm
    • 5-day program, Monday to Friday, 8.45 am - 3.15 pm.
    • These programs follow the school terms and operate for 38 weeks of the year and are closed for three professional development days Melbourne Cup Eve all public holidays and school holidays.