25 Princes Highway, Norlane VIC 3214
(03) 5222 8135
contact@montessoriminds.com.au 
Mon-Fri: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Two years ago, in October 2023, Montessori Minds opened its doors with just three children and a big dream: to create a place where every child feels safe, seen, and truly capable. Today, that dream is alive in the laughter, friendships, and learning of more than 155 families, representing 58 nationalities, supported by a dedicated team of 40 educators from 16 nations. When we look back, the numbers are incredible—but what touches us most is what those numbers mean : a community that chose trust, chose belonging, and chose to grow together. In one of the region’s lowest socio-economic zones, Montessori Minds has become more than a childcare and kindergarten—we’ve become a nurturing village where diversity is celebrated daily, where families are embraced with respect, and where children learn that their culture, language, and identity are not just welcomed, but honoured.
From the very beginning, we set out to build strong community roots, because children flourish when they feel connected—to their educators, to their peers, and to the world around them. That’s why our program is rich with meaningful excursions and incursions, local connections, and hands-on experiences that make learning real. We explore our neighbourhood, build relationships with community partners, and create opportunities for children to see themselves as active citizens—even at three, four, or five years old. Our centre was intentionally designed to be a safe and accessible space, with qualified educators and strong systems that support inclusion, early intervention, and wellbeing. Families know that safety here is not a checklist—it is a culture: supervision, child-safe practices, respectful relationships, and environments designed so children can move confidently and independently. And for peace of mind, we are supported by close access to medical services for emergencies, because the wellbeing of children is always at the centre of every decision we make.
What has made these two years truly special is the transformation we see in children every day through Montessori practice. In a Montessori environment, children are trusted with real responsibility and given the time and space to concentrate, explore, repeat, and master skills at their own pace. Over time, we see children become calmer, more self-regulated, and more engaged, because they are not being rushed through learning—they are living it. They learn to wait, to take turns, to solve problems, and to care for their environment. They learn that their voice matters: through choice, collaborative discussions, and respectful guidance, children gain the confidence to express their opinions, advocate for themselves, and develop empathy for others. When we say Montessori builds independence, we don’t just mean putting on shoes or packing away work—we mean building the inner strength to think, speak, and act with purpose.
Our commitment to inclusion, safety, and quality has also been recognised beyond our walls. Montessori Minds has been honoured with prestigious Geelong awards for Inclusive and Accessible Education, and we were proud recipients of the Early Childhood Australia Sprouts Award for embedding sustainability in meaningful, age-appropriate ways in such a short period of time. These recognitions reflect what families see every day: thoughtful planning, qualified educators, strong partnerships, and a service that strives to lead with heart. Sustainability, for us, is not an “extra” activity—it is part of children’s identity as global citizens. Through composting, worm farms, caring for gardens, reducing waste, and creating with recycled materials, children learn that looking after the planet is a way of life. Alongside this, we’ve strengthened purposeful education around road safety, body safety, and respectful relationships—because we believe confident children are safer children. Children learn protective behaviours through simple, empowering language, and they are supported to understand boundaries, consent, and how to speak up—skills that matter for life.
Because our community is beautifully diverse, we work intentionally to ensure Montessori Minds is culturally safe for everyone. We celebrate events from many cultures with respect and authenticity, inviting families to share stories, traditions, languages, music, clothing, and food—so children grow up with pride in their own identity and deep respect for others. In our classrooms, belonging is not reserved for the loudest voice or the most confident child; it is created through warmth, accessibility, equity, and genuine relationships. Every family should feel, “This is a place where we are understood.”
Celebrating two years is a milestone—and we are deeply grateful—but we also know this is only the beginning. We are looking ahead with excitement and purpose: strengthening quality, expanding community partnerships, continuing our focus on child safety and wellbeing, deepening sustainability practices, and holding tightly to what has always mattered most—creating a calm, respectful Montessori environment where children can thrive. From three children to a flourishing community of 155+ families, Montessori Minds is living proof that when you build with love, vision, and values, growth follows. Thank you for being part of our journey—our story is still being written, and the best chapters are yet to come.
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