Ararat Early Learning Centre

06/10/2026

A huge thank you to Shan!

Over several weekends, Shan designed and built this amazing race car for our AELC children — even 3D printing the steering wheel, wheels and racing flags! 🏎️

The children have loved taking turns, creating racing adventures, negotiating roles and using their imaginations with friends.

And the best part? Once Sprouts had their turn, the race car was shared across the centre so everyone could join the fun 🏁

02/10/2026

💜 Walk for epilepsy 💜

💜 Walking for Ava and for a future without epilepsy 💜

Everything changed in an instant for Ava and her family after she experienced her first seizure at age 10.

She was diagnosed with epilepsy, and suddenly they had to learn to navigate a whole new way of life.

Things that most children can take for granted now come with extra consideration. Ava needs daily medication, supervision when swimming, she can't simply be left alone, and even travelling in the car requires us to think about her safety. Tv shows, movies, games and concerts with flashing lights are always a concern due to photosensitivity. And perhaps one of the hardest parts is the constant awareness — always thinking about seizures, possible triggers and what could happen next.

Epilepsy has taken away some of Ava's independence, but it hasn't taken away who she is.

Now 11, Ava is still an active, happy, funny, kind and incredibly empathetic girl. She loves gymnastics, gaming and doing the things that make her smile.

Keep being you, Ava. We are all so incredibly proud of you!

Ava attended Ararat ELC during her early years and will always be part of our ELC family 💚

To donate follow this link:

https://www.walkforepilepsy.org.au/fundraisers/AraratEarlyLearningCentre

01/10/2026

We are walking for Epilepsy this month! October 1st - 25th 2026.

💜 Why are we walking? For Harlow 💜

This year, our service has created a team for the Walk for Epilepsy, and there’s a very special reason behind it — Harlow. 🥰

Harlow has been living with epilepsy since she was just 4 months old and has a rare genetic condition called SCN8A, which causes her seizures.

Harlow is non-verbal, but she has a beautiful voice of her own. She communicates through signs, gestures and her iPad (talker), and she is the happiest, bubbliest little girl with the biggest personality. 💕

She has faced more challenges than most little girls her age, but none of that defines her. Harlow is cheeky, loving, cuddly and full of life. She loves to laugh, communicate and be surrounded by the people she loves.

Harlow has been attending our service for several years now and we have seen, first hand, just how special she is, and we wanted to walk alongside Harlow and her family to raise awareness and funds for epilepsy. 💜

Every step, donation and message of support means so much to us.

Thank you for walking for Harlow, supporting Harlow and helping give epilepsy a voice. 🥹💜

Donate here:
https://www.walkforepilepsy.org.au/s/7851/12688

We will also host a "Walk with Harlow" day on 25th October 2026 - more details to come.

Go Harlow! 💜

24/09/2026

This October, a group of AELC staff are taking part in The Walk for Epilepsy, challenging ourselves to walk 100km in 25 days while raising funds and awareness for the Epilepsy Foundation.

This cause is particularly meaningful to us as we see the impact of epilepsy both professionally and in the personal lives of some of our educators.

If you'd like to support us, donations are always welcome. Every dollar makes a difference 💜

I'm raising money for a cause close to my heart and would love your support.

08/09/2026

Today we welcomed our pre-prep dads and father figures to the farm. We enjoyed sausage in bread and a hot chocolate before putting them to work! We appreciate you helping us in this amazing learning space we have for our pre-preps 💚
Happy Father’s Day to all our dads and all the father figures who play an important role in the development of our little people!

01/09/2026

Happy Early Childhood Educators’ Day!

To our incredible educators at Ararat Early Learning Centre — thank you for the love, patience, laughter and endless care you pour into our children every single day. 💚

You don’t just educate little minds — you help shape who they become.

We are so lucky to have you! 💕✨

Thank you for everything you do.

28/08/2026

📚✨ BOOK WEEK 2026! ✨📚

What an amazing week of imagination, creativity and BOOKS! ❤️

Our little readers (and our wonderful educators!) went all out with their Book Week costumes, bringing some of our favourite characters to life! 🧚‍♀️🦸‍♂️🐯👑📖

Take a look at all the incredible costumes and characters that made our Book Week so special! 🌟

A huge thank you to all our families for getting involved and helping make the week so magical. 💕📚

18/08/2026

💚💚💚
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1QQX7xwG2E/?mibextid=wwXIfr

26/07/2026

Our visit to the local police station provided the Pre- Prep children with a valuable opportunity to learn about the important role police officers play in keeping our community safe.
This excursion supported the children's understanding of community helpers, encouraged curiosity through hands-on experiences, and fostered positive connections with the local police service in a fun and meaningful way.

09/07/2026

Annual photos will be here July 20th-22nd.
To book follow this link:
https://AraratELC26.eventbrite.com.au
or scan the QR code below.
Only registered children will be photographed. :)