Our early learning services
We provide two early learning centres for families with young children.
Our early learning centres are assessed and rated under the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development National Quality Framework.
The centres operate 50 weeks a year and close over the Christmas period and for public holidays.
Our centres
Annie Galvin Early Learning Centre
2 Gladstone Street, Bendigo
Monday to Friday, 7am – 6pm
Phone 03 5441 2307
Helen Jessen Early Learning Centre
145 Crook Street, Kennington
Monday to Friday, 7am – 6pm
Phone 03 5443 5868
Pay your childcare invoice
Pay your invoice online via BPOINT or by phone 1300 BPOINT or 1300 276 468 (biller code 3003269).
Apply for a place for your child
To place your child's name on the waiting list, please contact one of our centres.
You will be asked to nominate your first and second preferred centre of care.
If you are seeking to enrol your child at an early childhood (childcare) service in Victoria, your child must be immunised. Go to No Jab No Play.
Fees
- Full-time (under 3 years): $539.00
- Full-time (3+ years): $527.00
- Daily: $139.50
- Late collection of children: $6.50 per child, for every minute after 6pm
To find out about the Child Care Benefit subsidy please visit your local Department of Human Services (Centrelink) or view their website.
Early childhood education matters
The ages of three to five are critical periods in the development of children. By the time a child turns five, around 90 per cent of a child's brain development has already occurred. Neurobiology shows how the early years of development establish the basic structures of the brain. A child's relationships, experiences and environment during these years create neural pathways that have a long-lasting influence on health, wellbeing, behaviour and learning.
Between the ages of three and five, children develop skills that help them to manage their emotions and behaviour, build resilience and persistence, form positive relationships and focus their attention. These skills are vital in enabling children to transition into school and help navigate and adapt to the numerous changes they are likely to encounter in their future careers.
Research shows quality education and care early in life leads to better health, education and employment outcomes later in life. The early years are critical for establishing self-esteem, resilience, healthy growth and capacity to learn. Quality education and care shapes every child's future and lays the foundation for development and learning.
In 2022, funded kindergarten services are being expanded to include three-year-old and four-year-old children across Greater Bendigo and local children will benefit from this additional education.
In partnership with the Victorian Department of Education and Training the City’s goal is to ensure all three and four year old children have easy access to contemporary kindergarten programs.
Three and four year old kindergarten enrolments in Greater Bendigo
You can enrol with the Annie Galvin or Helen Jessen Early Learning Centres by contacting the Nominated Supervisors Delina or Diane.
For enrolments for other three and four year old kindergarten programs in Greater Bendigo please contact the Loddon Mallee Preschool Association (LMPA). To find out more, contact Kylie at LMPA on 03 5443 1229 or visit their website.
Contact us
For more information about the Helen Jessen Early Learning Centre, please contact Diane Murphy on 03 5443 5868.
For more information about the Annie Galvin Early Learning Centre, please contact Delina Wyatt on 03 5441 2307.
Alternatively, contact the Early Years Team on 03 4408 6590.
Code Red
Our Early Learning Centres are closed on Code Red Days.
