A new chapter in early childhood education is about to begin in Wantirna, with Knox Early Learning Centre preparing to open its doors to local families.
Located at 505 Boronia Road, Wantirna, Knox Early Learning Centre is a purpose-built, multi-level 100-place early learning service designed to provide children and families with more than just a place to attend each day. The centre is built around the belief that children thrive when they are surrounded by strong relationships, meaningful experiences and a supportive community.
The centre is now welcoming families for tours – giving children and parents the opportunity to explore the new service, meet the team and experience the environment before opening day.
Owners Hugh and Joyce of The Unicorns Oceania are excited to introduce Knox Early Learning Centre to the Wantirna community. Drawing on their extensive experience in operating a high-quality early learning service, they are committed to providing exceptional education and care in a welcoming environment.
Their goal is to create a service where families feel welcomed, children feel a sense of belonging and the wider community becomes part of the children’s learning journey.
Leading the team is Director Nikki, who has worked in the early childhood education sector for more than 21 years and is also a mother of three. Throughout her career, Nikki has worked across a range of leadership and educational roles and has developed a strong belief in the importance of inclusive, respectful and community-focused early learning.
For Nikki, early childhood education is about much more than simply caring for children while their parents are at work.
“I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child,” Nikki said.
That belief has already become a major part of the centre’s vision, with the team working hard to build meaningful relationships throughout the Wantirna community before the doors have even officially opened.
One of the most exciting partnerships being developed is with Wantirna Views Aged Care. Knox Early Learning Centre is working towards creating opportunities for children and older members of the community to connect through shared experiences and intergenerational programs.
The vision is to bring children and older people together through activities, conversations, creative experiences, music, celebrations and shared learning opportunities.
These connections can provide enormous benefits for both generations, giving children the opportunity to develop empathy, respect and an understanding of the wider community, while older adults can enjoy the energy, curiosity and joy that children bring.
The centre is also building strong connections with Wantirna South Primary School to support children as they prepare for the important transition to school.
Through visits, shared experiences, buddy opportunities and traditional pen-pal style connections, the aim is to help children become familiar with their local school community and develop a sense of confidence and belonging before they begin school.
Knox Early Learning Centre is also working with City Life and other community organisations to support initiatives such as food pantries and community support programs. The team hopes to encourage families to participate in community initiatives and create opportunities for children to learn about kindness, generosity and helping others.
The centre’s community connections are continuing to grow, with plans to work alongside allied health professionals, local dentists and other professionals to support children’s health, wellbeing, development and learning.
“We want to build a community around the children,” Nikki said. “We want children to understand that they are part of something bigger than just their early learning centre.”
The centre itself has been designed to support children from 0 through to 5, providing care for up to 100 children across a multi-level environment.
Knox Early Learning Centre will operate from 7am to 6:30pm, providing families with extended hours to support the realities of modern family life.
The service will offer a warm, inclusive and engaging environment where children can learn through play, relationships and real-world experiences. The team is committed to creating spaces where every child and family feels welcomed, respected and included.
As opening day draws closer, the team at Knox Early Learning Centre has been busy putting the finishing touches on the centre, preparing learning environments and building connections with the local community.
For families considering early learning for their children, the centre is currently offering tours and stay-and-play sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity for families to meet the educators, explore the spaces, ask questions and begin getting to know the team – along with an OPEN DAY 1st of August!
Knox Early Learning Centre is not simply opening a new early learning service in Wantirna. It is working to create a village — one built on connection, inclusion, collaboration and the belief that children grow best when their families and communities grow alongside them.
With the doors set to open soon, a new community of children, families, educators and local partners is beginning to take shape at 505 Boronia Road. Wantirna
For more information or to arrange a tour or stay-and-play session, families can contact Knox Early Learning Centre at director@knoxel.com.au
