Everything families want to know about our Mount Waverley early learning centre — hours, rooms, our educational approach, and how to book a tour.
Little Sharkies Early Learning Centre welcomes children from 6 months through to 6 years of age. Our Mount Waverley centre is organised into three dedicated rooms — Baby, Toddler and Kinder — so each child spends their day in an environment specifically designed for their developmental stage, with routines, learning experiences and educators matched to their age group and needs.
We are open Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM, giving working families a generous window for drop-off and pick-up. Little Sharkies is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and on Victorian public holidays. Our long day means families can plan their day with confidence, and children enjoy a full, unhurried early learning programme.
Little Sharkies Early Learning Centre is located at 420 High Street Road, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149. We're easy to reach from surrounding suburbs including Glen Waverley, Ashwood, Chadstone and Oakleigh. You can call us on (03) 9830 8811 or email info@littlesharkies.com.au to arrange a visit.
Yes, Little Sharkies has its own on-site parking within the centre grounds, making drop-off and pick-up quick and convenient for families.
Our programme is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and goes further by embracing inquiry-based, child-led learning. We see children as capable protagonists of their own learning — encouraged to question, explore and actively construct their own understanding through meaningful projects, play and real-world experiences alongside qualified educators.
Our educators hold Bachelor's and Master's degrees in early childhood education and related fields, and they lead individualised planning for every child. Each child has a personalised learning plan that is reviewed and updated monthly, so families always know how their child is progressing and what experiences are supporting their next steps in learning.
Yes. Little Sharkies provides monthly incursions and excursions at no additional cost to families. These experiences bring specialist visitors into the centre and take children out to explore their local community, giving them rich, real-world opportunities to discover new ideas, meet different people and engage with the world beyond the classroom.
You can book a tour of our Mount Waverley centre online via our Book a Tour page, or call us on (03) 9830 8811. A tour is the best way to meet our educators, see our three rooms and ask any questions about routines, learning and enrolment. Use the Book a Tour link in the main menu to choose a time that suits your family.
We have three rooms tailored to each stage of development: Baby room (1 educator to 4 children), Toddler room (1 educator to 4 children, per Victorian regulations), and Kinder room (1 educator to 11 children). These ratios ensure every child receives attentive, individualised care and support at every age.
Our daily fees vary by room and by the number of days your child attends, and most families reduce their out-of-pocket cost significantly through the Child Care Subsidy. Because rates and availability change, we provide current fee information directly to families. Please contact us on (03) 9830 8811 or email info@littlesharkies.com.au for current fees, CCS information and availability, or book a tour and we will walk you through it in person.
Families are asked to pack a bag with a change of clothes (or two for younger children), a hat for outdoor play, a comfort item such as a favourite toy or blanket if your child uses one, and a labelled drink bottle. Nappies, wipes, sunscreen and all meals are provided by the centre, so there is no need to bring food. Please label everything clearly with your child's name. If you are unsure about anything, our educators will talk you through the list before your child's first day.
Days follow a gentle, predictable rhythm rather than a rigid timetable. Children arrive from 7:00 AM to a calm welcome and free play, then move into morning tea, indoor and outdoor inquiry-based learning experiences, and small-group projects with their educators. Lunch is followed by rest or quiet time, then afternoon tea and further play, both inside and in our outdoor spaces, until pick-up by 6:30 PM. Routines are adapted to each room, and younger children follow their own individual sleep and feeding patterns.
We take settling in at your child's pace. Families are welcome to book one or more orientation visits before the first day so your child can explore the room, meet their educators and become familiar with the space alongside you. Shorter first days are encouraged, and educators will keep you updated during the day. Every child adjusts differently — some settle within days, others take a few weeks — and our team will work with you on drop-off routines and comfort items that help.
Yes, Little Sharkies Early Learning Centre is an approved Child Care Subsidy (CCS) provider. Eligible families can use the Australian Government's CCS to reduce their out-of-pocket childcare costs. The amount of subsidy depends on your family's individual circumstances — contact us or visit Services Australia to find out your eligibility and estimated rate.
Our team is happy to help. Reach out or book a tour to meet our educators and see our three rooms in person.
