Castlemaine Child Care

At Castlemaine Childcare Co-operative, we are a not-for-profit community co-operative situated in the heart of Castlemaine in Central Victoria. We operate a 65-place long day care centre for children between the ages of six weeks and five years of age, including a full kinder and pre-kinder program. We also operate and manage Carinya Family Day Care scheme; a network of educators who provide programs for under school age in their own homes and school-age children in schools.

Our Philosophy and Mission

We aim to give children the best possible experience of childhood in an environment where they feel safe, stimulated and encouraged to develop their individual strengths. Our philosophy is centered around providing a nurturing and educational environment that fosters social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development in children. We believe in partnering with parents and caregivers to provide a seamless transition from home to care, and to support the unique needs of each child and family.

Our Services

We offer a range of services to support the needs of families and children, including:

• Long day care for children aged six weeks to five years
• Full kinder and pre-kinder program
• Family Day Care scheme with a network of educators providing programs in their own homes and schools
• Before and after school care, holiday care, and 24-hour care
• Accredited and quality child care with a focus on child-led learning and play-based education

Our History and Governance

Castlemaine Childcare Co-operative has been providing accredited, quality child care since our centre was founded by a group of parents in 1979. The Co-operative continues to be governed by a Committee of Management of elected parents who are shareholders. This ensures that our centre remains true to its community-based roots and continues to prioritize the needs of children and families above all else.

Why Choose Us

At Castlemaine Childcare Co-operative, we are committed to providing a safe, stimulating, and supportive environment for children to grow and thrive. Our experienced and qualified educators are dedicated to providing individualized care and education that meets the unique needs of each child. We believe in building strong relationships with parents and caregivers, and in fostering a sense of community and belonging among our families.