Nursery
Our nursery program is delivered across two nurturing rooms, each accommodating up to eight children with an educator-to-child ratio of 1:4, providing personalised care and support during the earliest stages of development.
Diggers Rest Early Learning Centre
Get your child ready for a world of discovery and adventure!
Diggers Rest
Located in the heart of Diggers Rest, our Early Learning Centre offers a warm, safe and stimulating environment where children can learn, play and thrive. We provide 100 long day care places, including funded 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs, with a play-based curriculum guided by Australia's national early learning standards.
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Operating Hours
Mon: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Tue: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Wed: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Thu: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Fri: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
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What makes The Y different
Developing social and problem-solving skills
Children build confidence, independence and social skills through play, hands-on learning and meaningful experiences. Our engaging indoor and outdoor environments encourage exploration, with open-ended activities, natural play spaces and a veggie garden that inspires curiosity, sustainability and connection with others.
Creating open and trusted communication
We value strong partnerships with families, because when families and educators work together, children thrive. Through Storypark (our family portal), regular educator conversations, newsletters, and centre updates, we keep you informed and connected, ensuring every family feels valued and truly part of their child's journey with us.
Providing nutritious, inclusive meals
Our service includes nutritious meals prepared on site by a qualified chef. We base our menu on seasonal produce and house favourites such as vegetable soup and casserole in winter and fresh salads in summer. Our menu caters for allergies and cultural and religious beliefs.
Toddler
Our toddler program is offered across two engaging learning rooms, each with a capacity of 16 children and an educator-to-child ratio of 1:4, encouraging confidence, curiosity and independence through play-based learning.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our 3–4-year-old program is delivered in a welcoming learning room for up to 16 children, with an educator-to-child ratio of 1:4, supporting children's social, emotional and educational development as they prepare for kindergarten.
Kindergarten
Our 3–5-year-old kindergarten program is delivered across two welcoming learning rooms, each accommodating up to 22 children with an educator-to-child ratio of 1:11. Our play-based program supports children's confidence, independence and school readiness in a nurturing and engaging environment.
Indoor learning spaces
Our indoor learning spaces are thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, creativity and confidence. Each room offers engaging, age-appropriate experiences that encourage children to explore their interests, build new skills and learn through play in a safe and nurturing environment.
Outdoor learning spaces
Our outdoor learning spaces encourage children to explore, discover and stay active every day. With room to climb, ride, create and connect with nature, children build confidence, develop physical skills and enjoy meaningful learning through outdoor play.
School Readiness
Our School Readiness Program supports children in their 4-year-old kindergarten year to feel confident and prepared for their transition to school. Through engaging, play-based learning, children build important skills in communication, early literacy and numeracy, independence, problem-solving, social connections and emotional wellbeing.
EYES Program
Our Early Years Engagement Support (EYES) Program provides additional support for children who may benefit from extra guidance with their learning, development and wellbeing. Working alongside families and educators, our EYES team helps identify individual needs, provides practical strategies and connects families with relevant services to support each child to thrive.
School ReadY Program
Our School ReadY Program combines play-based learning with intentional teaching to help children build the skills and confidence they need for a positive start to school. Designed for children attending 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten, the program supports key areas of development, including literacy and language, social skills and emotional wellbeing.
Incursions and Excursions
Our incursions and excursions at Diggers Rest ELC, bring learning to life through fun, hands-on experiences. From special visitors and interactive activities to exploring the local community, these experiences encourage curiosity, build new skills and help children connect their learning with the world around them.
What we provide
Meet our Manager Erin
Hi, I'm Erin, Centre Manager at Diggers Rest Early Learning Centre. With 15 years of experience in early childhood education and as a proud mum of three, I'm passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels safe, valued and inspired to learn. I believe strong partnerships with families and a supportive team culture are key to helping children thrive, and I look forward to building a connected community where every child can grow with confidence.
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Enrol Today!
Enrolling is simple, fill out our online Application Form and our friendly team will be in touch to confirm your child's place and walk you through the next steps. Alternatively, if you have further questions, please complete our Contact Us form.
Both of my kids have had the best experience at DRELC. They’ve been able to grow, build resilience, adapt to change, make friendships, learn, and be themselves. I highly recommend DRELC—the staff, teachers, and educators here are fantastic!
Shane Edward, Diggers Rest ELC Parent, March 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we are a Victorian Government-approved kindergarten provider and hold the Kinder Tick accreditation. We offer both 3-year-old and 4-year-old funded long daycare kindergarten programs, meaning eligible families can access government-subsidised kinder hours right here in Diggers Rest.
Families may be eligible for the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket fees based on your family's income and hours of approved activity. We are also a Victorian Government-funded kindergarten provider, so eligible children can access funded kinder hours. Contact us to discuss your family's entitlements.
Our centre is located near Diggers Rest Primary School, and we support children through dedicated school readiness programs and transition activities. Our educators work closely with families to ensure children feel confident and prepared for their first day of school.
We are open Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 6:30pm, offering flexible hours to support working families in Diggers Rest and surrounding areas. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Yes — all meals are freshly prepared on-site by our qualified cook. Children receive breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack each day. We accommodate dietary allergies, cultural, and religious requirements, so there is no need to pack a lunchbox.
Yes, we are a registered NDIS provider. We are experienced in supporting children with additional needs and work collaboratively with families, support coordinators, and allied health professionals to ensure every child receives an inclusive, tailored early learning experience.
Our outdoor environment includes open running and bike riding areas, a grassed zone for quieter nature play, and a vegetable garden where children learn about science, sustainability, and where their food comes from. Outdoor play is a key part of our daily curriculum.
We use Storypark, an online platform that allows educators to share photos, observations, and learning stories directly with your family in real time. Combined with daily conversations at drop-off and pick-up, you'll always have a clear picture of your child's day and development.
Diggers Rest Early Learning Centre is operated by Y Whittlesea, a not-for-profit organisation and part of the YMCA, the world's oldest and largest youth organisation. The YMCA operates across more than 120 countries, guided by a mission to build healthy, strong, and connected communities. As a not-for-profit, every dollar generated through our programs is reinvested into the services we provide for families across the local area. Y Whittlesea has been part of the local community for over 30 years and operates disability programs, youth programs, recreation and independent schools alongside our early learning centres.
Have you seen this symbol?
Our Kindergarten is an approved provider of a Victorian Government funded kindergarten program. It means we deliver a play-based learning program led by a qualified early childhood teacher.
Enrol Today!
Families seeking 3 and 4 year old kindergarten can apply directly through the City of Whittlesea website, visit their site to get started with your enrolment today.