babies program
— — Programs —

Babies (0-2 years)

The Montessori infant program provides a nurturing and secure environment for our youngest learners. Our carefully designed classroom is filled with stimulating materials that support their unique developmental needs. As active learners, infants naturally absorb information through their senses, including touch, movement, sound, and sight.

Safety and care are of the utmost importance in our program. The classroom is designed with this in mind, and our educational materials are carefully selected to support the growth and development of our infants. A consistent routine helps children adjust to their environment, and repetition promotes learning.

We believe in fostering warm relationships and trust between our caregivers, infants, and parents through positive, open communication. Our program also places great importance on cultural sensitivity, and we strive to collaborate with families to create a supportive learning environment that values diversity.

baby coloring

Learning through the senses

In the first two years of life, babies naturally take in the world around them through touch, movement, sound and sight. Our infant room is designed with this in mind: a calm, uncluttered space furnished with Montessori-inspired materials that are safe, low to the ground, and suited to each stage of development.

Rather than following a fixed program, our educators observe each baby closely and offer experiences that respond to their individual interests and stage of development — because every child grows and learns at their own pace.

"We must construct an environment for the child in which he can be active."

— Dr Maria Montessori

— The Foundation of Montessori —

Supporting early development, guided by the EYLF

Our infant program's daily practices are shaped by the five learning outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF v2.0), adapted to the needs of babies and very young children.
Identity
A strong sense of self
Consistent, warm relationships with a small group of familiar educators help babies build a secure sense of identity and trust.
Belonging
Connection to community
Babies are welcomed as part of our centre community, with routines that recognise each family's culture and home life.
Wellbeing
Comfort and security
Predictable daily rhythms around rest, feeding and play support each baby's physical and emotional wellbeing.
Exploration
Active discovery
Open-ended, hands-on materials invite babies to explore movement, texture and cause-and-effect in their own time.
Communication
Early language foundations
Educators talk, sing and read with babies throughout the day, laying the groundwork for early communication skills.
Family
Working with parents
We share daily updates with families and welcome your input, because you know your baby best.

— — Quick answer

Montessori Minds Childcare and Kindergarten is a Montessori long day care centre and funded kindergarten at 21–29 Princes Highway, Norlane (North Geelong) VIC 3214, serving families across Geelong. We care for children across Babies, Toddlers and a mixed-age 3–6 Kindergarten, and deliver a Victorian Government funded kindergarten program of 15 hours a week for eligible children, taught by a teacher registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, 52 weeks a year excluding public holidays. Phone (03) 5222 8135.

  • Rooms Babies · Toddlers · Kindergarten (3–6)
  • Hours Mon–Fri, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Daily fee From $148 before Child Care Subsidy
  • Funded kinder 15 hours a week for eligible children
  • Free Kinder Up to $2,101 per child per year in 2026
  • Location Norlane, Geelong VIC 3214

Every child develops at their own pace. Fees are current from 8 August 2026. Subsidy and funding amounts are set by the Australian and Victorian Governments and may change; we confirm your entitlement at enrolment.

Safety, qualifications and quality assurance
As an approved education and care service under the National Quality Framework, our infant program is delivered in line with the National Quality Standard (NQS) and Victorian regulations.
“Qualified, screened educators”
Our educators hold recognised early childhood education qualifications and hold a valid Working with Children Check, as required under Victorian law. All staff receive ongoing training in child safety and wellbeing.
“Regulated educator-to-child ratios”
A minimum of one educator to every four children under 36 months is maintained in our infant room, in line with National Quality Framework requirements, with additional educators rostered according to the needs of the group.
“Child Safe Organisation”
Montessori Minds operates as a Child Safe Organisation, with policies covering child protection, privacy, and family communication available to all enrolled families on request.
“A genuinely inclusive community”
Our centre welcomes families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and we work with families to support children with additional needs wherever we reasonably can.
— — A continuous pathway — —
From six weeks to six years, in one consistent environment.
Children at Montessori Minds can stay with us through three carefully designed stages — each one prepared for the way the child is changing.
You are here
6 weeks – 2 years
Babies
A peaceful, sensory-rich environment that supports secure attachment, freedom of movement, and the foundations of language.
Book a Tour
Stage Two
2 – 3 years
Toddlers
The age of independence, language and big feelings — supported by real work, rich conversation and a calm, consistent rhythm.
Explore Toddlers
Stage Three
3 – 6 years
Kindergarten
A mixed-age Montessori community where children dive deeper into language, mathematics, culture, and the wider world.
Explore Kindergarten
— — Common Questions
Your questions, answered
Answers to common questions from families considering our infant program.
All FAQs
— Come and see it in person —
Experience our curriculum in action
The best way to understand our approach is to step inside and see it for yourself. We warmly invite you to visit Montessori Minds and watch children at work in their prepared environment.
Enquire Admission
Programs at Montessori Minds Childcare & Kindergarten in are delivered in accordance with the National Quality Framework, the National Quality Standard and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Every child develops at their own pace, and outcomes vary between individuals. Free Kinder funding amounts, Child Care Subsidy entitlements and the 3-Day Guarantee are administered by the Victorian and Australian Governments and may change — we will confirm your specific entitlement during enrolment. Information on this page is current as of the date of publication.