Skip to main navigation
Skip to content
Goodstart stories
Early Learning Fund set to support more than 700 children in 2026
As Workplace Giving Month gets underway, Goodstart is celebrating its biggest year of ELF impact since 2022 and the community helping make it possible.
Goodstart Ivanhoe
Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre Ivanhoe is located in a quiet but convenient residential area close to schools, local shops and community facilities. We also have two-street frontage giving families dual access to the centre.
We have a highly qualified and experienced team of educators, all of whom are passionate about providing the highest quality in early learning. Our programs are all developed with the view to starting the child on a journey of lifelong learning, and ensuring complete preparedness for their school years!
Inside, all of the rooms - from Nursery to Kindergarten / Preschool - are all set up in line with an Early Years Learning Framework, with sensory and play based learning opportunities. Colourful, stimulating surrounds ensure the children have the chance to grow and develop through sensory, play-based learning.
Our Storypark platform, as well as regular family nights and emailed newsletters, enable us to stay in close contact with parents and families, ensuring open and clear communication. This also means we can tailor each program to the child’s individual needs, interests and strengths – as well as the strong level of cultural diversity in our centre.
Outside, we have age appropriate play spaces and equipment, all geared to enhance the children’s awareness of their surrounds and the greater environment, as well as their understanding of the importance of sustainability. Everything from our open play areas to our sandpits, forts and cubbyhouses, as well as our vege patch and worm farm, add to the experience and give the children a chance to explore.
We have a highly qualified and experienced team of educators, all of whom are passionate about providing the highest quality in early learning. Our programs are all developed with the view to starting the child on a journey of lifelong learning, and ensuring complete preparedness for their school years!
Inside, all of the rooms - from Nursery to Kindergarten / Preschool - are all set up in line with an Early Years Learning Framework, with sensory and play based learning opportunities. Colourful, stimulating surrounds ensure the children have the chance to grow and develop through sensory, play-based learning.
Our Storypark platform, as well as regular family nights and emailed newsletters, enable us to stay in close contact with parents and families, ensuring open and clear communication. This also means we can tailor each program to the child’s individual needs, interests and strengths – as well as the strong level of cultural diversity in our centre.
Outside, we have age appropriate play spaces and equipment, all geared to enhance the children’s awareness of their surrounds and the greater environment, as well as their understanding of the importance of sustainability. Everything from our open play areas to our sandpits, forts and cubbyhouses, as well as our vege patch and worm farm, add to the experience and give the children a chance to explore.
We have a qualified cook who cooks fresh, healthy and nutritious meals for the children each day. The centre provides all meals during the day, including breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack.
Community is also important to us and through visits to the centre and participation in events and activities throughout the year we are able to enrich the learning experience. Art and music experiences are provided on a daily basis which allow the children to freely express their creativity.
We look forward to meeting you and your family soon! Come in and meet the team, take a tour and see how we can work together to give your child the best possible start in life.
Kelly Shao
Assistant Director
Hi, my name is Kelly Shao and I’m the Assistant Director here at Goodstart Ivanhoe.
My name is Kelly Shao, and I have the privilege of leading our multicultural and diverse community here in Melbourne, on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples. With 16 years of experience in early childhood education and care, I’m deeply passionate about creating an environment where every child can thrive and discover their unique potential.
I hold a Bachelor of Education and began my career as an early childhood teacher. Over the years, I have led both kindergarten and toddler rooms, which has given me a strong understanding of children’s developmental needs and the importance of high-quality early learning. This journey has led me to my current role as Assistant Director at Goodstart Ivanhoe.
I believe all children, families, and educators should be nurtured, heard, and genuinely welcomed into a safe and happy centre. For me, it’s essential that every child and family feels included and experiences a sense of belonging in a culturally safe environment. I care deeply about supporting and empowering our educators and teachers, as their wellbeing and professional growth are key to providing the best outcomes for children.
Goodstart Ivanhoe is special because of its strong, connected community. I’ve been part of this centre for 13 years, and every day I see the warmth and positivity that greet families as they walk through our doors. We encourage you to share your cultural celebrations and stories, enriching our centre with diverse perspectives. I’m constantly inspired by the smiles, laughter, and learning that happen within our walls.
As Assistant Director, my door is always open to families. I’m here to ensure your child’s experience with us is nurturing, educational, and fun. I value transparent communication and believe in building genuine partnerships with parents and carers to support each child’s unique journey.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family to Goodstart Ivanhoe. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, or better yet, book a tour to see firsthand the wonderful environment we’ve created for our children. Together, we can make these early years enriching, joyful, and memorable
Government Funded Kindergarten Program
At Ivanhoe, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our early learning centre offers a Government-funded kindergarten program and long day care under the one roof. Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life.
Government Funded Kindergarten Program
At Ivanhoe, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our early learning centre offers a Government-funded kindergarten program and long day care under the one roof. Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life.
Nearby centres
6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Kindergarten
6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Kindergarten
7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Kindergarten
6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Kindergarten
