Children playing in the Fairfield ELC outdoor garden and sandpit
🌱 Now enrolling for 2026

Where curiosity grows and every child belongs

High-quality early learning and kindergarten for children aged six weeks to school age — in safe, purpose-built, nature-rich environments in the heart of Fairfield.

✓ Family-owned, 30+ years' experience ✓ Six weeks to school age ✓ Government-approved kinder
Children exploring the sandpit together at Fairfield Early Learning Centre
Welcome to Fairfield ELC

A trusted, family-owned start for your child

At Fairfield Early Learning Centre, we provide high-quality early learning and kindergarten programs for children aged six weeks to school age — nurturing curiosity, celebrating individuality, and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

We are a family-owned service with over 30 years' experience, part of the trusted Advance Early Learning family. Our experienced, qualified educators — many of whom have worked across our existing centres — bring a deep understanding of our practice to ensure a seamless, confident start for every child.

Through a play-based, inquiry-led approach, we foster creativity and early STEM learning while supporting wellbeing, literacy and numeracy — enriched by signature programs you won't find everywhere.

Play-based & inquiry-led EYLF & NQF aligned Architecturally designed Healthy meals daily
30+
Years of experience
6 wks
to school age
6
Purpose-built rooms
52
Weeks open per year
Our Curriculum & Programs

Learning that's joyful, intentional and hands-on

Our curriculum is developed in partnership with families, pedagogical experts and experienced educators. Grounded in play, it supports children to learn, explore and grow through meaningful experiences and responsive environments.

Our Curriculum

A holistic, inquiry-led approach guided by the EYLF and National Quality Standard, with intentional teaching tailored to each child.

3 & 4 Year Old Kinder

Government-approved Free Kinder programs delivered within long day care by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers.

Early STEM & Inquiry

Hands-on science, building, patterns and problem-solving that build curiosity, critical thinking and confidence.

Music & Movement

Develops coordination, rhythm, focus and mindfulness through joyful, engaging movement experiences.

Bush Kinder & Nature Play

Outdoor learning that nurtures curiosity, environmental awareness, problem-solving and safe risk-taking.

Languages & Mindfulness

Enriched experiences that broaden horizons and support emotional regulation, wellbeing and connection.

Children preparing fresh herbs and vegetables in the Playground to Plate program
Signature Program

Playground to Plate® Food Garden

Delivered by a qualified Garden Educator, our food garden program helps children build a positive, hands-on relationship with food and the natural world — from infancy through to school age.

Inspired by the simple joy of picking tomatoes straight from the vine and digging in the soil, children plant, nurture, harvest and share. They develop an understanding of where food comes from, alongside a deep sense of connection, curiosity and care for nature. Fresh produce becomes part of their meals, encouraging healthy habits for life.

See it on a tour
The Art Studio at Fairfield ELC with easels, paints and children's artwork
Signature Program

The Art Studio

A specialist, educator-led creative space where children explore imagination and self-expression through a wide range of materials and artistic experiences.

Led by qualified Art Teachers and guided by a process-based approach, the program encourages children to experiment, create and communicate their ideas in their own unique way — building confidence, creativity and meaningful communication.

Explore our programs
Our Children's Rooms

Six thoughtfully designed learning spaces

Each room has direct access to our outdoor environments, creating a seamless connection between indoor learning and outdoor exploration — designed with a strong focus on nature, sustainability and belonging.

Puggles infant room
Infants

Puggles

A calm, nurturing space where babies feel safe and supported as they begin exploring the world through secure relationships and sensory discovery.

Bluebells toddler room
Toddlers

Bluebells

Warm, secure connections help toddlers build confidence, friendships and independence through hands-on, imaginative play.

Saltbushes toddler room
Toddlers

Saltbushes

Children explore, take safe risks and develop a strong sense of belonging through play that supports communication and creativity.

Murnongs kindergarten room
Kindergarten

Murnongs

A responsive environment where children discover, imagine and connect, with play-based experiences that extend thinking and social development.

Kingfishers kindergarten room
Kindergarten

Kingfishers

Rich, sensory learning experiences encourage curiosity, confidence and the foundations for a smooth transition to school.

Apple Berries room
Kindergarten

Apple Berries

Hands-on play supports communication, movement and creativity, with flexible spaces where every child feels supported.

Our Learning Environments

Architecturally designed, with children at heart

Light-filled, flexible rooms with open-plan layouts and clear sightlines let educators move alongside children throughout the day — with seamless indoor–outdoor flow that keeps children calm, connected and secure.

Creative spaces

Flexible environments where children explore art, materials and ideas.

Nature play & discovery

Outdoor environments that invite curiosity and exploration.

Sensory exploration

Calm sensory spaces that support discovery and focus.

Active play areas

Safe outdoor spaces that build strength and coordination.

Safety & Wellbeing

Child safety is at the heart of everything we do

We follow the Victorian Child Safe Standards and the National Quality Framework, embedding best practice and continuous improvement across our service.

Robust recruitment processes

Rigorous checks and screening for every team member.

Continuous professional learning

Ongoing development keeps our practice at the highest standard.

Comprehensive policy framework

Clear policies and procedures guide safe, consistent care.

Children's voice & agency

Children are active, capable participants in their own learning.

Safe, purpose-built environments

Designed for supervision, safety and meaningful connection.

Partnerships with families

We work collaboratively with families every step of the way.

Operating Hours, Fees & Inclusions

All-inclusive care, all year round

We're open 52 weeks a year, Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 6:30pm (except public holidays).

Fairfield ELC operates on a daily fee and is eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Eligible families can also access the Victorian Government's Free Kinder subsidy. Please contact us for current fee information.

Your daily fee includes:

  • Nutritious meals prepared daily by our chefs
  • Playground to Plate® garden classes
  • Art & cooking experiences
  • Incursions & excursions
  • Nappies & wipes
  • Sunscreen
  • Bedding & linen
  • Specialist program educators

The 3 Day Guarantee

From 2026, CCS-eligible families are guaranteed at least 3 days (72 hours per fortnight) of subsidised early childhood education & care per week — regardless of work, study or activity levels.

Fairfield ELC will support eligible families to make the most of the guarantee, helping make high-quality early education more accessible and affordable.

Meet Our Team

Experienced leaders, building a warm community

Our foundations are guided by long-standing, deeply trusted members of the Advance Early Learning family — leaders who have shaped practice and supported children and families for many years.

Anna Papaleo, Owner Operator

Anna Papaleo

Owner Operator

Over 30 years in early childhood education, passionate about strong community connections and high-quality, relationship-focused environments.

Enza Ortisi, Assistant Centre Manager

Enza Ortisi

Assistant Centre Manager

With Advance Early Learning since 2015, Enza fosters warm, inclusive spaces where children, families and educators feel valued.

Veronica Martin, Educational Leader

Veronica Martin

Educational Leader

Over 30 years' experience, dedicated to inquiry-based learning, mentoring educators and inspiring curiosity and confidence in children.

Pauline Poursanidis

Pauline Poursanidis

Room Leader & 3IC
Liz Foran

Liz Foran

Playground to Plate Educator
Raveesha Perera

Raveesha Perera

Support Educator
Saki Hiraoka

Saki Hiraoka

Support Educator
Rod Lyn Santos

Rod Lyn Santos

Support Educator
A Glimpse Inside

Life at Fairfield ELC

Come and see what makes Fairfield special

A tour is the best way to experience our environments, meet our team, and understand how your child will learn, grow and be supported each day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful answers for your family

What age groups does Fairfield ELC cater to?

We provide high-quality early childhood education and care for children aged from 6 weeks through to school age — including long day care for infants, toddlers and young children, as well as 3 and 4 Year Old Kindergarten programs.

What are your operating hours?

We're open 52 weeks a year, Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 6:30pm, except public holidays.

Am I eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Eligible families can access the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy, which helps reduce the cost of care. Eligibility is based on family income, activity levels (work, study, volunteering) and the type of care. You can estimate your entitlements using a CCS calculator.

What is the Victorian Government Free Kinder subsidy?

The Free Kinder subsidy reduces the cost of eligible 3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten programs. We apply this funding directly to funded kindergarten places, helping reduce out-of-pocket fees. Families can access one funded kindergarten place per child each year.

What food is provided?

We provide nutritious meals each day, prepared by our qualified chefs with a commitment to healthy, seasonal, high-quality produce. Dietary and allergy requirements are fully supported. To ensure safety and allergen control, outside food is not permitted.

Are your educators qualified?

Yes. All educators hold or are working towards approved early childhood qualifications and maintain current first aid, CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis training. Our kindergarten programs are led by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers.

What are your staff-to-child ratios?

We meet and often exceed the educator-to-child ratios required under Victorian Government regulations, and we roster above minimum ratios so breaks and absences are covered with minimal disruption to children.

How do I enrol or join the waitlist?

The best first step is to book a tour. Our enrolments team will guide you through availability, fees, subsidies and the enrolment process — making it simple, personal and stress-free.

Get in Touch

We'd love to hear from you

If you have any questions or want to find out more about Fairfield Early Learning Centre, please reach out.

Address

295 Gillies St, Fairfield VIC 3078

Hours

Monday – Friday, 6:30am – 6:30pm
Open 52 weeks a year (except public holidays)

Book a Tour