ECEC Provider in Focus: Mentone Preschool 

Mentone Preschool was established in 1958, and offers a sessional early learning program for children three and four years of age in the Melbourne suburb of Mentone. 

The preschool is not owned by the Council, or by an early years manager, and operates under Mentone Preschool Association Incorporated, of which all parents are members. 

What is the history of Mentone Preschool? 

The independently incorporated sessional kindergarten has been owned and run by the community since 1958 and provides high-quality, play-based and open-ended educational programs that celebrate each child’s individuality.

What is the Mentone Preschool vision and approach to learning? 

The preschool philosophy is a reflection of the Victorian and National Quality Framework and is embedded in the principles and practices of the service to ensure the provision of a meaningful discovery-based program for children and their families.

Educators and leaders believe all children have the right to explore their world and learn through play and encourage open ended, creative play that is child directed, intentional and meaningful, promoting a sense of self worth, agency and satisfaction.

They value a learning environment that is underpinned by the building of respectful, reciprocal and inclusive relationships and strive to create a sense of belonging for each child and family within the preschool by actively seeking family and community engagement. 

What is the Mentone Preschool approach to educator professional development?

Mentone Pre School has a dedicated teaching team, who are passionate, enthusiastic and experienced. 

Committed to laying down the foundations so that children develop a delight in, excitement for and life long love of learning, staff inspire, motivate and share in the enjoyment of learning with the children. 

They work together as a team, to provide the highest quality of early childhood education.