Getting to know Hoppers Crossing Montessori Centre
A home-like environment for early learning
Hoppers Crossing Montessori Centre provides childcare and kindergarten programs for children from their early years through to school age, informed by Montessori principles and delivered alongside the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).
Our approach is founded on the belief that children learn best when they are given the freedom, within a carefully prepared environment, to explore materials and activities that interest them, supported by qualified educators. We describe our approach as home-like: a space where children can feel comfortable, safe and supported to explore, question and grow.
As the service has grown, this same approach has extended to our sister centre, Montessori Minds Childcare and Kindergarten, in Norlane, Geelong — continuing a shared commitment to quality Montessori-informed early education across both communities.
Dr. Maria Montessori
The educator behind our approach
Maria Montessori was a pioneering physician and educator whose observations of children informed an educational approach that continues to influence early childhood practice around the world.
She began her career by qualifying as one of Italy's first female doctors, later turning her attention to education. In 1907 she opened the first Casa dei Bambini ("Children's House") in Rome, where she developed and refined her method through close observation of how children learn.
The Montessori approach centres on supporting children to become confident, capable and independent learners, through purposeful activity in a carefully prepared environment. At our centre, we draw on these principles alongside the EYLF and VEYLDF to inform our programs — recognising that, as with any educational approach, individual outcomes vary and depend on each child's own pace of development.
The child has his own laws of growth, and if we want to help him grow, we must follow him instead of imposing ourselves on him.
What families can expect at our centre
Our commitment to a safe, quality service
- Documented Child Safety Code of Conduct and Statement of Commitment to Child Safety.
- Privacy and Confidentiality policy governing how family and child information is collected, used and stored.
- CCTV and site safety policies to support a secure environment.
- Ongoing engagement with reconciliation and inclusion, including our Vision for Reconciliation and Acknowledgement of Country practices.
- Policies reviewed and updated as part of our commitment to continuous improvement, a key focus of the NQS.