The Access to Early Learning (AEL) program is a free service aimed at improving the participation of vulnerable three-year-old children in high quality early childhood education centres in the City of Greater Dandenong and City of Casey.
The AEL team can support three-year-old children to attend a kindergarten run by qualified teachers for up to 15 hours per week. This can be in a stand-alone kindergarten, or in kindergarten programs delivered in long day care centres.
Support can include:
- Linking parents and their children to local kindergarten programs
- Support parents so their child can attend kindergarten throughout the year
- Visit parents at home to help create an environment of learning through play
- Assist with the child’s transition to four-year-old kindergarten
- Support parents in developing their own parenting skills
Referrals for this program are completed by case managers or support professionals. If clients are interested in applying for this program, speak with your support worker.
Get in touch:
P: (03) 8792 8999 | E: [email protected]
Find out more information on the AEL program by clicking here
Hampton Park Community House (HPCH) offers a range of programs tailored to children under 5, ensuring a fun and enriching experience for all.
Download the flyer for more information by clicking here!
- Hampton Park Community Kindergarten – Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 2:00pm
- Occasional Care – Tuesday to Friday
- Before & After Kinder Care
- Bush Kinder
- Kindergarten Vacation Care
With lift services available via the HPCH Community Bus Service.
Sessions run across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at a variety of locations, see below table. For more information please contact Barbara Ingram on 9108 3500 or [email protected]
| KKHWC: Tuesday | KKHWC: Wednesday | KKHWC: Thursday |
| Time: 4:30-6:30pm | Time: 4:30-6:30pm | Time: 4:30-6:30pm |
| Venue: VACCA Dandenong- Level 2 1-7 Langhorne Street | Venue: Nairm Marr Djambana- Nursery Avenue Frankston (Near corner of Craig Street) | Venue: Cranbourne Community House- 49 Valepark Crescent |
| A tutor is available all evening. All children/young person must be enrolled before they attend. A healthy afternoon snack will be provided. | Connection with Elders, community, hear stories, learn about culture, participate in cultural arts and crafts, get to know other Koorie children in a safe and fun environment. All children/young persons must be enrolled before they attend. A healthy snack and main meal will be provided. | A tutor is available all evening. All children/young persons must be enrolled before they attend. A healthy afternoon snack will be provided. |
The City of Casey offers free sleep and settling information sessions every Wednesday at Littlecroft Family and Community Centre.
Online sessions are also run weekly on Thursdays for those unable to attend a face-to-face session.
Facilitated by Sleep Consultants and Maternal Health Nurses, all sessions provide information about:
- Typical sleep patterns and behaviours
- Preventing sleep concerns
- Solutions and strategies for sleep issues
- The importance of self-care for parents, families and caregivers
For further information and inquiries, please email [email protected]