In August 1948 the Mitcham Free Kindergarten Auxiliary was formed with a view to establishing a kindergarten in Mitcham. Over the next seven years much work was done in locating the site and fundraising to establish the kinder. The building sub-committee was formed in August 1955. The building was designed free of charge by architect R (Bob) J Rolfe and constructed by M E McQuade. It is proudly noted by Mrs Jess Brown (formerly Rayson), a longstanding and current Mitcham resident and inaugural Kinder Secretary, that the kinder opened debt free.

The Dr Stanley Cochrane Memorial Free Kindergarten commenced on 13 February 1957 with 50 children (30 in the morning and 20 in the afternoon). Mrs Pritchard was Directress. Dr Barbara Meredith BA MB BS, Director of Maternal, Infant and Pre-School Welfare, with the Department of Health, officially opened the kinder on Saturday 11 October 1958.