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Hawthorn East | Opening May 2025
Welcome to Maples Hawthorn East! Located at 760 Toorak Road, Hawthorn East. Our centre is designed with heart and purpose, offering enriching learning environments for children from nursery to kindergarten.
At the core of our philosophy is the Reggio Emilia Learning approach, which emphasises collaboration, community, and exploration.
Our layout features six thoughtfully designed classrooms spread across the service creating small and cosy spaces for the children. Each room is a haven of curiosity and wonder, where children are inspired to think creatively, explore their interests, and express themselves.
Every space reflects our commitment to nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
Join us at our family-driven, community-focused centre where your child’s journey of discovery begins.
Kilmore | Opening Late 2025
Welcome to Maples Kilmore! Located at 94-96 Powlett Street, Kilmore, we’re dedicated to nurturing young minds in an inspiring and enriching environment. From our carefully crafted nursery room to our innovative kindergarten spaces, every corner of our center sparks curiosity and wonder in children.
At the heart of our center lies the spacious central Piazza, inspired by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach. This vibrant space fosters a deep sense of community, collaboration, and belonging, creating an ideal space for meaningful learning and connection.
Our thoughtfully designed layout includes five classrooms, offering an open and engaging atmosphere for children to explore, grow, and thrive.
Join us at our Centre, where every day is an exciting journey of discovery!
Curriculum
Children are at the heart of everything we do
Reggio Emilia inspired early learning
Chef prepared tasty & nutritious meals
Endorsed by Nutrition Australia
Art, Gardening, Music and Physical Education
Connections with nature & sustainability
Nurturing and passionate Teachers
Commitment to child safety and wellbeing
Beautiful indoor and outdoor environments
Funded three and four year old kinder
Exploring the Maples Philosophy
We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia Philosophy and follow the EYLF Framework. We understand the importance of the environment as a key element in children’s learning and strive to create beautiful and purposeful learning spaces. We see children as valuable members of the community. Our goal is to create visually appealing environments that prioritize the use of natural and eco-friendly materials. Our service is grounded in a strong philosophy that focuses on six key areas:
- Children
- Families
- Education
- Educators
- Community
- Environment
Extra Curricular Activities
Maples provide an enhancement program called Maples Masterclass. All children are provided with opportunity to participate in experiences lead by specialists’ teachers including:
- Sustainability
- Music & Movement
- Creative Arts
- Prep for Prep
- Physical Education
Our Classrooms
We believe that it is important for all children to establish a connection to not only the Centre itself but also the individual classroom.
Our classroom’s are purposefully designed to create a sense of wonder and discovery. The environment is considered the third teacher with a strong focus on beauty.
All classrooms promote an indoor and outdoor curriculum to ensure children’s autonomy within their play.
We believe that children’s curiosity should be supported and encouraged and we achieve this through our rich environment with the use of both commercial and recycled materials.
It is important that our environment is seen to be a home away from home. This is achieved by sourcing unique and beautiful materials to provoke children’s interest and curiosity within the environment.
Why choose Maples
At Maples Early Learning we are inspired by the Reggio Emilia Philosophy and aim to be a step ahead with our educational programs. Our educators are deeply inspired by the approach and our service philosophy and believe that children have the right too:
- Have the ability to engage freely between the indoor and outdoor environments
- The right to explore an environment that is presented with respect and is aesthetically pleasing
- Explore and learn through a play-based approach
- Explore their learning through the 100 languages of children
- Explore the environment through investigation with the natural world
Maples Early Learning is family owned and operated.
Who are we?
Maples Early Learning was founded by Samantha and Jarrod Macdonald in 2019 with the first centre opened in Mernda, Victoria.
We have three children who have all attended our Early Childhood Centres over the course of their childhood and therefore we understand the need for high quality early childhood education.
Everything we do at Maples is centred around family.
A little about Samantha
Samantha has worked in the Early Childhood Sector for over 19 years. Samantha has worked across both private, not-for-profit and council Early Childhood settings.
Samantha holds a Diploma of Early Childhood, Advanced Diploma of Children Service’s and Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment.
A little about Jarrod
Jarrod has worked in the Early Childhood Sector for over 17 years, spanning across both the Early Childhood and Primary Sectors. Jarrod held the role of General Manager with a premium provider in Melbourne for nearly a decade.
Jarrod holds a Diploma of Early Childhood, Diploma of Outside School Hours Care, Advanced Diploma of Children Service’s and Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment.
Work with us
Maples are recruiting for Early Childhood Educators, if you’re interested in a role with Maples please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]
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- Above award wages
- 50% childcare discount
- Birthday Leave
- RDO’s
- Professional Development
- Supportive environment
Gallery
Testimonials
Maples early learning deliver the best quality care and education I’ve experienced. Both of my children attend this service and for a brand new centre I am astounded with how settled the centre is already.
The minute you walk into the centre and are greeted by the director or owners, you get the sense of family and feel completely comfortable with dropping your children off.
Maples early learning have delivered on every aspect when it comes to the service, from the warm and welcom you get the minute you walk in, to the beautiful spaces and experiences for children to engage in.
Not to mention my children don’t want to leave when it’s home time.
This is a centre you want your child to attend.
Well done to everyone involved with building the foundations of a beautiful service.
I could not have imagined how happy I would be after moving my daughter to this centre. She is a lot happier and does not seem to upset when I leave. She is always happy to see me when I go pick her up but she never wants to leave. The staff are excellent. Their communication is great. I love the pictures that the team add to their app. You don’t feel so far away.
The best part is my daughter really seems to be learning so much faster. She answers questions and follows direction really well now. Her understanding of her surroundings has really improved.
Maples is a team you can trust. I have no regrets at all moving my daughter here. Very happy!
Can’t recommend highly enough. It wasn’t an easy experience with my kiddo in the beginning (his first time and full of daylong tears). However the staff there made it possible finally. They encouraged me and offered advice on how to work on it in coordination with them. He’s still not totally settled but with all the support we are getting, definitely getting there. I also like the activities and experiences provided for the kids and the outdoor play area is amazing. After having a disappointing centre experience previously, Maples have certainly given me confidence that i can trust someone else with my child. Thankyou Maples.
My son is currently in his first week at Maples and I can’t say enough good things about this centre. We changed him from another centre that we were not 100% happy with and I honestly wish we had done it sooner.
All the staff we have met so far have been absolutely lovely, the communication is great (we love seeing photos everyday!) and most importantly my son is so happy there.
Thank you to Maples for making the transition so seamless for us. We couldn’t be happier with this centre.
If you are looking for a centre that is following hygiene procedures amist all this craziness Maples is it.
The staff have been ontop of it.
The minute you walk in not only can you see how clean it is but you can smell it. The educators are working around the top keeping not only their rooms clean but also hearing them encourage children and families to follow hygiene procedures. They are always keeping families updated. Well Done.
Contact Us
If you would like any more information about Maples Early Learning, please email [email protected] or call 1300 216 208.