If you’ve ever tried walking with a toddler, you know it’s rarely in a straight line.
A stick becomes a magic wand. A pebble becomes treasure. A puddle becomes an irresistible adventure. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
The FiRST Early Learning Pakenham team sees children as capable, curious, and full of ideas worth listening to. They believe childhood is a time for wonder, exploration, and delight – not a race to grow up.
Environments that inspire curiosity
The centre is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which sees children as active learners and recognises the environment as a ‘third teacher’.
This means FiRST spaces are carefully designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and discovery at every turn.
Spaces are softly lit and gently scented, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere where children feel safe to explore, imagine, and simply be themselves.
Everything encourages children to investigate, imagine, and experiment.
The centre’s outdoor environment, gardens, mud kitchens, and loose parts invite hands-on exploration, while indoor areas offer quiet nooks for reflection, art, and building big ideas.
Every shelf, every corner, and every tool is chosen to give children the freedom to follow their interests, test their theories, and learn through play.
It’s a space where children can build towers just to watch them tumble, observe bugs with wonder, or try on a hat that becomes a crown for a whole afternoon.
Learning that grows from curiosity
At FiRST Early Learning Pakenham, educators walk alongside children, not in front of them.
They listen, respond with curiosity, and encourage children’s ideas.
Learning unfolds naturally in muddy hands, quiet moments, shared laughter, and imaginative play.
Families often tell the team that FiRST feels different. Calmer. Warmer. More like a community than a centre.
That’s because at FiRST, childhood is protected, celebrated, and given the time it deserves.
For children aged six weeks to five years, FiRST Early Learning Pakenham offers a nurturing, inspiring sanctuary where play is powerful, environments spark creativity, and relationships build confidence every day.
Book a tour at firstearlylearning.vic.edu.au and see a place where children are free to explore, discover, and simply be themselves.
