What should I know about arrival, collection and safety?

The centre uses controlled entry to manage access. During orientation, the team can explain arrival and collection procedures, authorised collection arrangements and the routines that apply to your child’s room.

Keeping contact and collection information up to date helps the centre and your family work together. A visit is also an opportunity to see the indoor and outdoor spaces and discuss how supervision is organised.

How do you keep families connected with their child’s day?

Our parent app shares updates, photos, learning observations and centre announcements. These give you a window into your child’s experiences and help you stay connected with the learning happening at the centre.

We also value what families share with us. Changes in routines, new interests and important moments at home help the team build a fuller picture of your child.

How does Montessori support the transition to school?

Montessori learning helps children practise skills they can carry into the school years: choosing and completing an activity, caring for materials, communicating with others and participating in a group.

In Cycle 1, practical experiences with language and mathematics sit alongside growing concentration and independence. Educators respond to each child’s readiness, recognising that preparation for school includes social confidence and everyday capabilities as well as early literacy and numeracy.

Who leads the Doncaster centre?

Our Centre Manager is Tina Francis. Tina holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and brings more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education and leadership in Singapore.

Her approach is shaped by Montessori principles and a commitment to strong relationships with children, families and educators. You can read Tina’s own welcome on this page and get to know the team during a centre visit.

What are the Infant Community and Cycle 1 programs?

The Infant Community gives younger children opportunities to learn through movement, their senses and everyday practical activity, with a focus on coordination, independence and language.

Cycle 1 extends that exploration through individual and small-group activities. Educators introduce Montessori materials in response to each child’s needs and readiness, supporting concentration, language, number concepts and participation in the learning community. Learn more about the Montessori programs at Little Lane.

How do fees and Child Care Subsidy work?

The centre can provide current fees and inclusions for the care you are considering. Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is Australian Government assistance with the cost of eligible child care; your eligibility and subsidy amount depend on your circumstances.

Services Australia provides the eligibility information and application process. See the official Child Care Subsidy information, and speak with our team about the centre fees and attendance details you need when planning care.

What if my preferred days are not available?

Availability depends on the room, the days you need and when you would like to start. If a suitable place is not available, the team can discuss waitlist options with you.

Let us know whether your days or start date are flexible. We can then discuss the days and starting timeframes that may suit your family.

How does enrolment work at Doncaster?

Start with an enquiry and tell us your child’s date of birth, the days you need and your preferred starting timeframe. We’ll discuss current room options and help arrange a centre visit.

From there, the team can guide you through fees, availability, enrolment information and orientation. This is also a time to share your child’s routines, interests and anything that will help us get to know your family.

What food will my child enjoy at Doncaster?

Our Centre Chef, Amber, prepares food for the children in our in-house kitchen. Her background includes Chinese and Western cooking, baking and food service, and she brings that experience to meals made for young children.

Little Lane’s seasonal menus draw on homestyle food from different cultures. Share your child’s allergies, dietary requirements and cultural food preferences during enrolment so the team can discuss the arrangements needed. Read more about our approach to food and nutrition.

What are your opening hours?

Little Lane Montessori Doncaster is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 am–6:30 pm, at 90 Tram Road, Doncaster VIC 3108.

We are closed on public holidays. To arrange a visit, call (03) 9964 1600.