Bacchus Marsh Montessori Uniting Kindergarten.
176 Gisborne Road, Darley VIC
3 and 4 year old Kindergarten
Early learning in Baccus Marsh.
For more than 25 years, Bacchus Marsh Montessori Uniting Kindergarten has been a trusted part of the local community, supporting children and families through their early learning years. Conveniently located near Darley Park, the centre offers a calm, welcoming environment where children can grow, explore, and feel a strong sense of belonging.
Families seeking Bacchus Marsh childcare or a nurturing early learning centre in Bacchus Marsh value the centre’s long-standing reputation and community connections. As a well-established kindergarten that Bacchus Marsh families rely on, the focus is always on helping children feel confident, capable, and ready for the next stage of learning.
The centre offers both 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs, aligned with Victorian Government guidelines.
Pre-prep: If your child meets the criteria for priority access, you may be eligible for up to an additional 7.5 hours of free kindergarten per week. From 2026, Pre-prep is available for 4 year old children enrolled in a kindergarten program in these priority cohorts:
• identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• are from a refugee or asylum seeker background
• have had contact with Child Protection services.
About our Bacchus Marsh Montessori Kindergarten
The kindergarten follows Montessori principles, supporting each child’s natural development through hands-on, play-based learning. Educators create thoughtfully prepared environments where children are encouraged to explore, make choices, and learn at their own pace.
Play, creativity, and self-expression are central to the program, with a strong emphasis on inclusion. Children of all abilities are welcomed and supported, with learning experiences adapted to individual strengths and interests.
Learn more about Uniting’s philosophy and values.
3-4-year old Kindergarten
The 3–4-year-old Montessori-aligned kindergarten program is designed for children preparing for school. It provides a consistent structure while allowing flexibility for child-led exploration, guided by Montessori principles that support each child’s natural curiosity and pace of learning. In a calm, prepared environment, children build confidence through hands-on activities, practical life skills, and purposeful play. Focus areas include independence, social skills, early literacy and numeracy exploration, and emotional development.
Marrum/Joey Early Learners (2-Year-Old Program)
The Marrum/Joey Early Learners program runs on Wednesdays and is designed to gently introduce 2-year-olds to a kindergarten-style setting. Through play, routine, and supported interaction, children build confidence and familiarity, helping them transition smoothly into 3-year-old kindergarten.
Features of our Bacchus Marsh Kindergarten
- Indoor and outdoor play areas
- Creative spaces
- Quiet retreat areas
- Gardening beds
- A bush tucker garden
Our centre includes a range of inviting spaces that support different types of learning, including indoor and outdoor play areas, creative spaces, quiet retreat areas, gardening beds, and a bush tucker garden. These environments encourage curiosity, calm exploration, and connection to nature.
Hear from a little learner
- Harvey, little learner
Centre details
- Address: 176 Gisborne Road, Darley
- Hours of operation: Mon-Fri, 8:45am - 4:15pm
- Phone: 1800 100 103
- Email: [email protected]
Learning experiences at our Bacchus Marsh Early Learning Centre
Each day follows a gentle rhythm of learning experiences that balance structure and freedom. Children take part in hands-on discovery, nature-based play, sustainability activities, and creative exploration. They also learn responsibility and care by helping look after the centre’s animals, including Bluey the lizard, fish, and hens.
Support from our Preschool Field Officers further strengthens learning outcomes.
Excursions and incursions
Children benefit from rich community experiences through excursions and visits from organisations such as Museums Victoria, CFA, Police, Swimland, Bunnings, Responsible Pet Ownership Program, Healthy Harold, Bravehearts, and more. These experiences extend learning beyond the classroom and build real-world understanding.
Supporting every child’s needs
Our centre is committed to inclusive practice, supporting children with additional needs through collaboration with families and external specialists. Educators work closely with inclusion services to make sure each child feels supported and valued.
Fostering family and community connections
Families are encouraged to be active participants through fundraisers, cultural celebrations, volunteering opportunities, and the Parent Partnership Group. Strong connections with local schools and emergency services help children feel connected to their wider community.
We Partner With:
- Local schools
- First responders
- Wellbeing practitioners
- First Nations groups
- Neighbourhood houses
- Animal handlers
Meet our Educators
The educator team brings together Montessori training, years of experience, and a deep commitment to child-led learning. Families are supported by a warm, passionate group of educators who speak a wide range of languages, including Tamil, Afrikaans, Punjabi, Arabic, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, and English. This diversity strengthens communication, inclusion, and cultural understanding across the centre.
Caroline
Team Leader
Hi, I’m Caroline and I’ve been the Team Leader at Bacchus Marsh Montessori Uniting Kindergarten for over ten years. I’ve worked in early learning for over 20 years and hold a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies, a Postgraduate Diploma of Education Studies (Early Childhood) and a Montessori Diploma.
I am passionate about early learning as I feel I can make a positive difference in young people’s lives, and their family. I learn something every single day from the amazing children and enjoy the positive experiences they bring.
We’re a truly amazing team of educators that will provide the best care possible for your child, as this is our combined greatest priority. We all highly value the Montessori method and are always striving for improvement. The prepared environment and lovely garden are very inviting and are a beautiful space for your child to continue their individual learning journey.
How to enrol
Families can contact us to express interest or book a tour. Alternatively, call customer service on 1800 183 103.
Explore more Uniting Kindergartens
Families are welcome to explore our other locations nearby to compare programs or find a centre closer to home or work.
Policies and downloads
FAQs
Is the Marrum/Joey Early Learners program available to all families in Bacchus Marsh?
The program is available to families in the Bacchus Marsh community, subject to availability. As places are limited, families are encouraged to enquire early with the centre team.
What Montessori learning experiences can my child expect at the Bacchus Marsh centre?
Children engage in hands-on, play-based Montessori learning that supports independence, curiosity, early literacy and numeracy, creativity, and social development.
How do excursions and community visits support my child’s learning?
Excursions and visits help children connect learning to real-life experiences, building confidence, curiosity, and a sense of community.
Do you support children with additional needs?
Yes. The centre offers inclusive support, working closely with families and specialists to meet each child’s individual needs.
What is the Montessori method and how does it differ to other kindergarten programs?
The Montessori method is a child-centred approach that encourages hands-on learning, independence, and self-paced development within a carefully prepared environment, differing from traditional kindergarten programs which are typically more teacher-led and structured around whole-group instruction.