About Monash
Early Learning Centre

Welcome to Gladesville’s premier Montessori-based early learning centre, where your child will embark on a journey of discovery, exploration and growth. Our centre is designed to offer the best of Montessori curriculum for children aged 0-6 years old, in a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment.

Monash ELC is more than just a day care centre, it is a place for children to learn and grow in every aspect of their lives. The Montessori-based curriculum and supportive environment encourage children to develop their cognitive, emotional, physical and social skills in a joyful and engaging way. The centre provides a safe and secure environment where children can explore, discover, and make meaningful connections with their world.

Owned and operated by Natasha, who has over 15 years of experience in the industry, we are proud to offer a unique, owner-operated long daycare service that is dedicated to providing exceptional care and education for young children. Natasha is passionate about the Montessori approach, and is committed to creating a centre that truly reflects the needs and values of the families we serve.

Natasha is also a mother of two young children. Her experience with them has allowed her to see first-hand how quality childcare can impart knowledge, skills, and confidence to children. In terms of childcare, she knows exactly what she wants to see. This involves providing them with love and affection, ensuring they are sustained daily with the highest quality nutritional meals, and providing access to stimulating learning resources.

What we offer:

Open for 51 weeks a year, Monday to Friday from 7:00am – 6:00pm
Closing on public holidays and for approximately one week over the Christmas/New Year period. To further support our families, Monash ELC will not charge full fees for days that fall on public holidays or the one week closure period.

Onsite undercover parking
Nappies provided
Parent communication portal (OWNA)
All meals including breakfast provided and cooked on site
Qualified and dedicated early childhood Montessori trained educators
Extra curricular activities – sport and language classes
School readiness program
Age appropriate shaded playgrounds
Strong emphasis on community connections

Our Mission:

Provide a full-day, Montessori-based early learning experience that supports the child on a journey of self-construction and self mastery. We believe that this is best achieved through fostering the child’s needs for independence, freedom of movement and a sense of belonging in a safe and secure community.
To act as a Guide or learning partner for the child. By keen observation we can modify the environment to ensure learning is developmentally appropriate to suit each child’s individual needs.
Nurture self-confidence and self-discipline by providing freedom of choice and opportunities to build a sense of responsibility for oneself and within the community.
Create a joyful and purposeful introduction to education for every child and set the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.
Create a prepared environment which reflects Dr. Montessori’s philosophy of Peace Education by nurturing respect of SELF, OTHERS, and the ENVIRONMENT.

What is Montessori?

Dr. Maria Montessori’s educational approach is based on her observations of how children learn and develop naturally. The prepared environment in a Montessori classroom is designed to support and encourage children’s natural curiosity and desire to learn, with a focus on individualized instruction and hands-on, experiential learning. The Montessori materials are carefully designed to promote children’s cognitive, motor, and sensory development, and to allow them to explore and learn at their own pace. The Montessori teacher plays a supportive role, guiding and observing children’s learning and development, and providing assistance only when needed. The Montessori approach aims to foster children’s independence, self-discipline, and love of learning, and to prepare them for success in life beyond the classroom.

Dr. Montessori believed in educating the whole child, addressing not only their cognitive abilities, but also their emotional and social development. Her method emphasizes hands-on learning through practical, sensory experiences, and encourages independence and self-direction. The Montessori approach is based on the idea that children have a natural desire to learn and that they learn best through exploration and discovery. It is widely recognized as a successful and effective educational model, and continues to be used in schools and classrooms around the world today.