Merrilands Uniting Early Learning Reservoir.
23-25 Ryan Street, Reservoir VIC
Kindergarten and Long Day Care
Early learning in Reservoir.
Merrilands Uniting Early Learning Reservoir is a welcoming, inclusive early learning centre where children and families feel a genuine sense of belonging from the moment they arrive. With a strong focus on play-based learning, experienced educators, and respectful relationships, this centre supports children to grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence.
As a trusted not-for-profit early learning centre, Merrilands provides a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, build friendships, and develop essential skills for learning and life. Families are welcomed as partners in their child’s early learning journey, creating strong connections that support each child’s wellbeing and development.
Merrilands Uniting Early Learning is a well-established and trusted early learning and kindergarten option for families in Reservoir and surrounding
suburbs. With deep roots in the local community, the centre has built a strong reputation for inclusive, high-quality early learning that responds to the needs of local families.
Families seeking a Reservoir kindergarten value our centre’s community focus and commitment to supporting children from diverse cultural backgrounds. As well as long daycare we provide 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs, supporting children at important stages of their early learning journey.
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.
- No upcoming events
The parents say
- Nikki, parent.
Centre details
- Address: 23-25 Ryan Street, Reservoir
- Hours of operation: Mon-Fri, 7:00am - 6:00pm
- Phone: 1800 100 103
- Email: [email protected]
About Merrilands Early Learning Centre in Reservoir
Merrilands follows a play-based, child-centred approach that recognises each child as a capable and curious learner. Educators support children’s social, emotional, and learning development by creating environments that invite exploration, creativity, and collaboration.
Inclusion is central to our centre’s philosophy. Children of all abilities are welcomed and supported, with learning experiences adapted to reflect individual strengths, interests, and needs. We also celebrate cultural diversity, recognising and respecting the languages, traditions, and backgrounds of the families it serves.
Through warm, consistent relationships and thoughtful learning experiences, children develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging from newborn to Kindergarten and school ages.
Programs we offer
Merrilands Uniting Early Learning offers a range of early learning and kindergarten programs designed to support children across different developmental stages, including dedicated baby and toddler care.
Early learning programs focus on building secure attachments, communication skills, and curiosity through play and exploration. Our kindergarten programs build on these foundations, supporting independence, early literacy and numeracy exploration, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Together, these programs help children feel confident and prepared for the transition to school in an age-appropriate and supportive way.
Learning experiences at our Reservoir Childcare Centre
Each day at Merrilands follows a gentle rhythm of learning experiences that balance structure and freedom. Children are supported to explore their interests through hands-on discovery, creative play, and outdoor exploration, helping build confidence and curiosity.
Support services, including the Preschool Field Officer program, strengthen learning experiences and provide additional guidance where needed.
Learning through play
Play-based, child-led learning supports babies, toddlers, and young children to explore ideas, experiment, and make sense of the world around them at their own pace. Through play, children develop early communication, literacy and numeracy skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in their own thinking.
Outdoor and creative play
Outdoor environments and creative activities support physical development, imagination, and wellbeing. Children engage in active play, art, music, and sustainability-focused experiences that encourage curiosity and connection to nature.
Building social skills together
Group experiences and daily routines help children develop communication skills, build friendships, and learn how to work alongside others. Educators provide gentle guidance and support, helping children navigate social interactions and develop a strong sense of belonging.
Meet our Early Learning educators
Our educator team brings together experience, warmth, and a strong commitment to inclusive, child-led learning. They work closely with families to build trusting relationships and ensure children feel supported both at the centre and at home.
With experience supporting culturally diverse communities, our team values open communication and collaboration, taking the time to understand each
child’s background and learning needs.
Co-ordinator
Lisa
Hi, I’m Lisa and I’ve been the Co-ordinator at Merrilands Uniting Early Learning for over five years. I’ve worked in the sector for over 30 years and hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. The team at Merrilands gets to know every child and their family, supporting their needs and developing a sense of belonging at the centre. We promote a strength–based approach where every child’s interests and routines are acknowledged and their family‘s values, beliefs and traditions are upheld to provide a continuity of learning.
How to enrol
Families can begin the enrolment process by expressing interest or booking a tour to visit Merrilands Uniting Early Learning Reservoir. Tours offer the opportunity to explore the environment, meet educators, and ask questions.
For additional support, families can contact Uniting’s customer service team on 1800 183 103.
Explore more Uniting Kindergartens
Families are encouraged to explore other Uniting kindergarten and early learning centres to compare programs or find a location that best suits their needs.
FAQs
Yes. Merrilands Uniting Early Learning Reservoir offers both 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs, subject to availability. There are also childcare options on site from newborn until school age.
Children experience play-based learning that includes hands-on discovery, creative activities, outdoor exploration, and group experiences that support confidence and curiosity.
Excursions and community programs help connect learning to the real world, supporting children’s social development, curiosity, and sense of belonging.
Yes. Our centre is committed to inclusive practice and works closely with families and relevant specialists to support children with additional needs in a respectful and supportive way.
Merrilands Uniting Early Learning offers baby, toddler, and kindergarten programs for children aged 0–5 years.
Health and wellbeing
Safe environment
As a child safe organisation, our educators undergo regular working with children’s and police checks. We are focused on delivering learning and development in a safe and supportive environment, so you can trust that your child is in good hands.
Nutrition
Your child will be encouraged to make healthy choices through our lessons on nutrition, food safety and cooking. Our hands-on activities in the garden will get your child excited about healthy eating habits and sustainable living.
At our early learning service, we:
- Grow our own fruit, vegetables and herbs
- Cater for all dietary requirements
- Emphasise food safety
- Work with families from a range of cultural backgrounds to ensure cultural foods meet requirements
- Prepare meals onsite with a focus on nutrition, flavour and variety
- Encourage exercise
- Offer a dental information session and van visit.
Mental health
Our educators are trained in various programs to support the mental health of your child and are skilled in working with children who have experienced challenges and trauma. We also offer mental health support for families if you find yourself in need of assistance.