6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
Open every weekday of the year, except public holidays
More details
Goodstart Early Learning Wantirna is a purpose-built centre consisting of five separate large classrooms and three spacious outdoor yards. We are located on Mountain Highway, opposite the Wantirna Mall and is in close proximity to many local primary schools, the Knox Hospital and the Boronia Road Eastlink entry.
Our diverse team of highly qualified educators strongly believe that the first five years are the most important in a child’s development. This is evident in our play-based programs which are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards.
We have a fulltime chef that prepares nutritious meals which are tailored to all children’s dietary requirements and allergies.
Early Childhood Teachers deliver both our 3 and 4 year old Funded Kinder programs. This allows our families the flexibility of a long day care setting in these essential programs..
We have two pet turtles, Crush and Squirt, who live at the centre. Our much loved pets are greeted daily by the children and their families and on most occasions, they are also farewelled as the children leave for the day.
Across the service we participate in incursions and excursions engaging with our local communities including dental visits, weekly library sessions, emergency services visiting the centre and anything else that may arise within our programs.
Our centre provides children with a warm, friendly, safe, secure and inviting environment which encourages families input in all aspects of the daily program.
We strongly suggest an orientation process before beginning your early learning journey, which will enable educators to form positive relationships with you and your children from day one!
We are so incredibly grateful for the care and support that Goodstart Wantirna has provided for our little family. From the very first day we joined, the educators, leaders, and director have been incredibly welcoming and nurturing. It’s clear they genuinely care about the children and their families, and they go above and beyond to create a safe, fun, and enriching environment. Sending your child off to be cared for by someone else is never easy, but the team made the transition so much smoother for us. They didn’t treat us as just another family walking through the door—they took the time to get to know our son, understand both his and our needs, and consistently reassured us—and showed us—that he was in the best hands. Thank you to the entire team for everything you do. You’ve made such a positive impact on our lives, and we feel truly lucky to be part of this wonderful community.
Centre Director
Hello my name is Lauren Poppenbeck. I would like to introduce myself, the Centre Director of Goodstart Wantirna.
I have been in the Early Childhood Industry, nurturing and developing young children for over 27 years.
I have been here at Goodstart Wantirna for the past 18 years. This has provided me with a great understanding, knowledge and experience of the early childhood sector, which also includes establishing and sustaining great collaborative partnerships with families, educators, other professionals and the wider community, to ensure the best possible outcomes for children.
In my time away from the centre I love to spend time with my family which includes, 3 children, my husband and my 2 dogs.
I look forward to meeting you and working together to educate and care for your children.
7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday
7:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
7:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
