Pipsqueaks Early Learning
Our Programs
Kindergarten
Your little ones are growing up fast, we’ll help them launch into life safely.
Find out more
Welcome to Pipsqueaks, a purpose-built centre offering a high quality education service and childcare in Lara for nursery to school age, including a three and four year old kindergarten program.
We are committed to offering a rich learning environment that fosters a sense of wonder. Our relationships will nurture each child’s capacity to live and learn to their full potential.
Meet Your Centre Director,
Mel
Mel has been in early childhood education since 2003 and worked across numerous centres in Geelong over that time.
She is passionate about providing an inviting, welcoming and inclusive place, not only for children, but their families.
Mel is Geelong born and bred – with two pipsqueaks of her own at home, Daisy & Oliver. Crazy about AFL, don’t be afraid to catchup with Mel and chat about the latest game – GO CATS!
At Pipsqueaks Lara, seven flexible indoor learning hubs allow children to explore their imagination and learning, while the two outdoor spaces encourage discovery of the natural environment with an abundance of space to play.
Pipsqueaks Lara is a childcare centre, early learning hub and pre-school – it’s a home away from home, with a recognisable sense of family, inclusion and encouragement. Replicating that safe haven family feeling, children gather for meals and become immersed in group learning, play and community get-togethers.
Nurturing children’s imagination, zest for adventure and creativity spark is a focus of the Pipsqueaks childcare educators as they lead them on a journey of discovery and growth. Pipsqueaks is a registered childcare provider, enabling eligible families to access Government rebates relating to the childcare subsidy. For further information and to access the childcare subsidy calculator visit the Department of Human Services information service.
The team at Pipsqueaks Lara aim to provide a safe environment for our little people to explore the outside world with a centre Sun Smart policy to protect against the harmful effects of sun and UV exposure.
Our commitment to child safety
Pipsqueaks Early Learning Centre is committed to child safety. We want children to be safe, happy and empowered. We support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers. We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children. We have zero tolerance of child abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously and consistently in line with our policies and procedures. We have legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously.
We are SunSmart
The team at Pipsqueaks Lara aim to provide a safe environment for our little people to explore the outside world with a centre SunSmart policy to protect against the harmful effects of sun and UV exposure
Community Programs
Pipsqueaks Market.
What originally started as a few handpicked vegies from our patch, has grown into an invaluable offering to our families In collaboration with The Geelong Food Relief Centre in North Geelong, and continued support from Coles Lara, we are able to offer families a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, refrigerator items and dry goods each week free of charge. Food donations of any kind are welcome.
Intergenerational Program.
At Pipsqueaks, we strive to make a significant difference within our community and our intergenerational program with the residents of St Laurence Park in Lara is doing just that. Our program creates opportunities for the children to connect to the wider community, develop an understanding of how the elder community can guide our ways and support the knowledge of their wider world. We want the children to grow in their empathy and look to how they can make a positive impact in others’ lives. We aim to promote responsibility, agency, and independence amongst the children, to share our knowledge and ideas with the residents but to also learn new skills from them.
Our Mural
This mural symbolises a journey across country, showcasing people travelling across country to come to Pipsqueaks. The You Yangs (Wurdi Youang) is shown in the middle of the design. Around them we have our water ways – freshwater of Hovels Creek and saltwater of Corio Bay. The dunes are showcased on the far right of the mural. On the far left is symbolising the Ramsar wetlands. All these elements showcase these important cultural places on Wadawurrung Country around Pipsqueaks. The leaves are for welcoming you all onto country. It’s important to be cleansed before entering country. Bunjil the wedge tailed eagle is the creator of Wadawurrung county and is seen flying over the You Yangs daily. A black swan is shown close to the wetlands as they are seen regularly flying and nesting at the wetlands.
Community partnerships.
We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without a supportive community. Many thanks to: The Geelong Food Relief, Coles Lara, and Geelong Mums for supporting our families. St Laurence Park Retirement Village for making our intergenerational program a reality. Rod’s Bakery Lara for your support with our Good Friday Appeal. Our local op shops for the treasures you provide. Bunnings and the Lara Community Garden.