Eltham Child Care Cooperative

About ECCC

Eltham Child Care Cooperative (ECCC) is a community-based, parent-run, non-profit centre located in the suburb of Eltham, part of the Green Wedge of the Melbourne Outer Eastern suburbs.

We provide high quality child care and education for children from birth to six years in a truly inclusive environment. We offer equal opportunities for all children and their families, embracing their cultures, unique personalities and varying needs.

What is unique about ECCC?

One of the most unique aspects of ECCC, is the large and stimulating outdoor environment with its native environment, as well as vegetable gardens, compost bins, covered sandpit and large wooden cubby house just to name a few. The children in the Blue Room (ages 2-3), Purple Room (ages 3-4) and the Kinder Room (ages 4 - 6 years) love to be outdoors in this special space.

Another key unique quality of ECCC is that it is a cooperative. This means that every family who has children attending ECCC is a member of the cooperative (co-op) and is encouraged to take an active part in the decision making affecting the children.

As members of the coop, families, along with the Parent Management Committee and staff, work collaboratively to make decisions about operational matters, processes, policies, projects such as improvement works around ECCC and social gatherings that strengthen the ECCC community.

Not only does the ECCC community work together on decision making, but contribution from both coop members and the broader community is received in the form of learning opportunities for our children. These include a range of incursions (such as dance classes, workshops and guest visitors) and the involvement of our children in community events. We believe that participation in the community strengthens childrens' sense of identity and wellbeing.

Wellbeing and Equity

We provide a warm, stable and secure environment where the health and wellbeing of each child is protected and nurtured. At ECCC we acknowledge that wellbeing is not just about safety but also about children’s holistic experience. Therefore we view child care as an opportunity to provide an experience that enriches a child’s life, and create a positive and strong learning and social foundation for their journey through the education system. Educators/Staff and families work together to ensure a safe environment is provided for the children at all times. All children are included in the learning program and Staff commit to high expectations for all children’s learning and development whilst acknowledging children’s varying needs. Our Staff recognise that every child can learn, but some children require different opportunities and supports to do this. To achieve this, Staff work with families to support children’s learning and development, both at home and in the community.

Family involvement, the Parent Management Committee and the Wider Community

ECCC is a culturally inclusive environment and family involvement in the Centre is encouraged at all levels. Educators acknowledge, respect and support the values of families and understanding of their children to participate in shared decision making about each child’s learning journey. Educators provide feedback to families about children’s learning journeys through a variety of different means.

The Parent Management Committee is a volunteer group of parents who help lead the decision making of ECCC. They provide recommendations and information to General Meetings and facilitate members to be informed in order to make good decisions in the best interests of ECCC, particularly the children who attend.

ECCC has an active relationship with other children’s services including local schools and other child care centres, children’s health professionals, and Inclusion Support Facilities. These relationships help facilitate seamless transitions within and across services and work collaboratively to provide holistic approaches for each child. We respect the privacy and confidentially of all children, families and Educators at all times.