About us
ECMS is delighted to partner with Moorabool Shire Council to deliver high-quality three and four-year-old kindergarten programs from the Darley Early Years Hub. The hub also offers playgroups, maternal and child health services, toy library, family services, occasional care and community spaces. The facility will involve the relocation of existing services/groups (Lerderderg Preschool, maternal and child health, playgroups and occasional care) from the Lerderderg Children’s Centre.
Darley Early Years Hub
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Centre Philosophy
We prioritise inclusive practices to uphold children’s rights and safety. We affirm every child’s right to belong and feel accepted and valued through tailored support and understanding.
Our commitment to evidence-based practice underpins our belief that children thrive when interested and engaged in their learning and development.
Learning is a lifelong journey, and we encourage children to explore, discover, and participate in their educational experiences to foster a love for continuous learning and growth.
Families play a vital role in children’s learning and development. We prioritise partnerships between educators and families to enhance outcomes, valuing children’s first language for its cultural significance and impact on their overall development.
We partner to enhance children’s outcomes, acknowledging community influence on their development. We uphold the values of kindness, safety, and respect to create a nurturing and inclusive educational environment.
Learn more about the pre-prep program rollout
Your child may be eligible for more hours in 2026
Centre Highlights
Inspiring play spaces
Qualified and nurturing teaching teams
Learning through play
Child safe environments
Regular communication
Community visits and exploring
Frequently asked questions
Your child will need a backpack or bag, a refillable water bottle, a change of clothes, a wide-brim sun hat and their favourite toy, which can help them settle in.
Children love community visits. Experiencing different environments and groups of people helps them learn. You’ll get plenty of information in advance and have opportunities to ask questions. The centre will also need your written permission before your child can take part.
Germs spread quickly, and home is the best place when we’re unwell. Please keep your child home for at least 24 hours if they show any of these symptoms.
• 38C and higher temperature
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Rashes that can’t be explained
• Red, swollen and discharging eyes
• Unusually lethargic, irritable or not eating and drinking
When your child is feeling better with no symptoms for 24 hours, they’re welcome to return.
Infectious diseases
If your child has an infectious disease, please keep them at home and let us know straight away. Whatever you tell us is confidential.
See the list of infectious diseases at www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/school-exclusion-table
If your child becomes unwell while at the centre, teachers will make them comfortable and ask you to pick them up. If you’re not available, they’ll call one of the other contacts listed on your enrolment form.
Whether it’s a one-off issue or requires ongoing care, talk to your teachers if your child is on regular medication or has food allergies or intolerances. The team is there to support your family, and the more you can tell them, the better they can help. They will ask you for information from your doctor about how much your child takes and how often. Also, let the team know when anything changes. They will set up a new plan to support you, including any necessary training.
ECMS is a Child Safe organisation. We rigorously follow the child-safe standards set out by the Victorian Government. These standards guide us to drive a child safe culture, provide appropriate strategies and actions to put the interests of children first, keeping them safe from harm. We are committed to involving families and communities in our efforts to keep children safe.
Engaging in risky play is vital for children’s learning and development. Our teaching teams plan for and support opportunities for children to explore their environment and challenge themselves within play. Navigating risk promotes problem solving, persistence and resilience, and in a safe environment, is lots of fun!
Explore a day in the life
Immerse yourself into what a day at our service could look like for you and your family.
Questions about enrolling?
Get in touch and one of our team will help you.
ECMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live, learn, work and play. Aboriginal people have a long tradition of teaching and learning through sharing their connections with country, community, language and culture. We recognise their continuing connection to the country, and we pay respects to elders past and present.