About Us

Our Philosophy

At Highgate Early Childhood Centre our belief is that each child is an individual. We are sensitive to their emotional, physical, social and intellectual needs. We believe our centre creates a physical environment that is clean, safe, healthy and orientated towards children. Our programs are designed to develop in children a sense of independence and responsibility whilst instilling a mutual respect for others.

We believe that Highgate is a childcare centre that values people, the children in our care, the parents, and our professional caregivers. Highgate Early Childhood Centre strives each day to be a high quality provider of childcare service in the community.

Our Centre

The Centre is well equipped with facilities and services necessary for quality childcare. These include, amongst others:

• four large rooms for age groupings with an abundance of natural light;
• various playground equipment, toys and materials for the different age groups;
• bedding, cots and linen;
• provision of disposable nappies;
• a modern and functional kitchen for the preparation of hot meals and snacks;
• bathroom facilities for the children;
• ducted heating and cooling;
• a staff room;
• laundry facilities; and
• contract cleaners to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the centre.

Family members are encouraged to participate in the centre's planning of programs and daily operations. We believe that your contributions enrich our centre and bring diversity and participation to your child's learning. We encourage and maintain an 'open door' policy, which facilitates an orientation process to all family members and allows parents to visit the Centre throughout the day.

Accreditation

The Centre has been accredited as part of the Federal Government's Quality Improvement and Accreditation System, which applies to all childcare centres seeking to access Commonwealth Childcare Assistance (the 'Accreditation Process'). The Committee of Management, Centre Director, staff and parents continually work together to maintain the quality standards required for accreditation, whilst providing the highest level of individual care for the children attending the centre.

Our Background

In 1982, a group of Ashburton Toy Library parents felt that there was a desperate need for occasional day care in the area. As a result of their concerns, a public meeting was held at the Ashburton Library in mid-1983 and about 30 volunteers formed a committee for the childcare centre project. Almost a year was spent in discussions and negotiations with the (then) Camberwell City Council, seeking their support for the project and identification of a site. Time was also spent analysing the feasibility of setting up a privately run centre and looking at the availability of State or Federal Government funding.

Finally, in 1984, the Federal Government decided to fund a childcare centre in the City of Camberwell for 30 places, on the condition that the childcare centre would be located in the South Ward and more specifically, Ashburton.

Building commenced early in 1985 and after some delay Highgate Grove Childcare Centre was officially opened in August 1986, four years from the initial public meeting. The centre was extended in 1993 allowing for five extra places to be made available, and for the Kindergarten program to be introduced.

In 1995 at the urging of the centre's Committee of Management, the City of Boroondara acquired the residence behind the Centre. As a result, additional Federal funding was applied for and approved in 1996, to extend the Centre to accommodate a further 20 places. The result is a 55-place centre that we enjoy today.