Nursery
Our nursery program provides a nurturing environment for babies in one dedicated room, accommodating up to 12 children with an educator-to-child ratio of 1:4 to support personalised care and early development.
Orchard Road Community and Early Learning Centre
Get your child ready for a world of discovery and adventure!
Orchard Rd, Doreen
Located in the heart of Doreen, Orchard Road Community and Early Learning Centre is a purpose-built community hub offering a range of services and activities for local families. Alongside early learning, the centre provides access to maternal and child health services, community groups, classes and programs including music, ballet, taekwondo, tutoring and family support initiatives.
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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 delivered across two welcoming rooms, each accommodating up to 12 children with an educator-to-child ratio of 1:4, encouraging confidence, curiosity and independence through play-based learning.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our pre-kindergarten program is offered across two learning rooms, each with a capacity of 22 children and an educator-to-child ratio of 1:11, supporting children's social, emotional and developmental growth.
Kindergarten
Our kindergarten program is delivered across three spacious learning rooms, accommodating between 22 and 33 children with an educator-to-child ratio of 1:11. Children are supported through engaging, play-based experiences that build confidence and prepare them for their next learning journey.
Indoor Learning Spaces
Our eight learning rooms provide warm, engaging environments for children from nursery to kindergarten, designed around the Early Years Learning Framework. Spaces include natural light, comfortable furnishings, family photos and flexible areas for independent and group play.
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Our expansive 2,500m² outdoor area encourages children to explore, create and stay active, with climbing equipment, sandpits, water play, cubby houses, bike areas and quiet spaces for reflection. Children can develop new skills through hands-on experiences, including creating mud pies and exploring nature.
Healthy Meals
Our onsite cook prepares nutritious meals and snacks daily, with menus guided by the Healthy Eating Advisory Service and tailored to meet children’s dietary needs.
Spanish Program (4-year-old Kinder)
Our Spanish Program at Orchard Road ELC introduces children to the Spanish language and culture through fun, play-based experiences. Using songs, stories, games and everyday conversations, children learn new words and phrases while building confidence, curiosity and an appreciation for different languages and cultures.
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 Orchard Road 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 Rosa, our Centre Manager
Hi, I'm Rosa, Centre Manager and Educational Leader at Orchard Road Community and Early Learning Centre. With 22 years of experience at the Y across a range of educator and leadership roles, I am passionate about early childhood education and creating a safe, supportive environment where children and families feel a strong sense of belonging. I believe in building meaningful relationships and providing children with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Enrol Today!
If you would like to enrol in long daycare please fill out the Long Daycare Application. Alternatively, if you are applying for your child to attend 3 or 4-year-old kindergarten, you will need to contact Whittlesea Council to apply and submit your completed application form.
Montana has been going to Orchard Road Long Day Care for 18months and in that time Montana has blossomed and thrived beyond our belief. Every room she has been in and every educator she has had, has been beyond caring, nurturing and educating Montana to the highest of levels. Montana loves every time she goes to daycare and can’t wait until the next time she can go.
Amy, Orchard Road Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we are a Victorian Government-approved kindergarten provider. We offer both 3-year-old and 4-year-old funded kindergarten programs, meaning eligible families can access government-subsidised kinder hours right here in Doreen.
Families may be eligible for the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket fees based on your income and hours of approved activity. As a Victorian Government-funded kinder provider, eligible children can also access funded kinder hours. Contact us at orcelc@ywhittlesea.org.au or call 1300 153 332 for a personalised fee estimate.
Yes, we are located right next to Ashley Park Primary School, and we actively support school transition through structured readiness programs and close communication with local schools. Our educators help children build the confidence, social skills, and independence needed for a smooth start to primary school.
We are open Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 6:30pm, offering flexible hours to support working families in Doreen, Mernda, South Morang, and the wider City of Whittlesea. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Yes — all meals are freshly prepared on-site by our centre cook every day. Children receive breakfast, morning tea, lunch, and an afternoon tea, so there is never a need to pack a lunchbox. We cater for dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural or religious needs.
Yes, we are a registered NDIS provider. We have experience supporting children with a range of additional needs and work closely with families, support coordinators, and allied health professionals to ensure every child has an inclusive, tailored early learning experience.
Our purpose-built centre features over 2,500 m² of outdoor space, one of the largest in the area, including climbing walls, sandpits, water play features, and dedicated nature exploration areas. Time outdoors is a core part of our play-based curriculum every day.
We use Storypark to share real-time photos, learning observations, and developmental updates directly with families. Combined with our open-door communication philosophy, you'll always have a clear window into your child's day and their growing achievements.
Orchard Road ELC 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 Whittlesea, including the Orchard Road Community Centre and the kindergarten programs it houses. 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.