Mildura Early Learning Centre named region’s best

An iconic European teaching philosophy is one of the main pillars behind the Mildura kindergarten named the best in the region. See where your kinder ranks.

Mildura Early Learning Centre has been revealed as Mildura's best kindergarten. Picture: Facebook

A learning philosophy born out of 19th century Italy is one of the fundamental pillars behind a Mildura kindergarten named among the state’s best.

The Mildura Early Learning Centre — located at San Mateo Ave — was revealed as the region’s best kindergarten, boasting one of the state’s highest ratings for environment, culture and curriculum.

The centre earned an impressive 9.4 in the KindiCare Quality Index — placing it within the top 5 per cent in Victoria.

The index rated 17,680 childcare services across Australia and was based on the results of official government inspections, as well as online reviews.

The Mildura Early Learning Centre centre prides itself on using a Reggio Emilia inspired learning philosophy which gives children an active role in their learning with the teacher regarded more as a collaborator rather than just an instructor.

Mildura Early Learning Centre prides itself for its Reggio Emilia inspired learning philosophy. Picture: Mildura Early Learning Centre

The philosophy — which can be traced back to 1860 in Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy — also coined the term “100 languages of children”, recognising that students have many ways of engaging with their environment and obstacles.

Students at the centre are also provided fresh meals and snacks.

Mildura Early Learning Centre was one of four in the region to be given “Excellent” status.

Shine Bright Swan Hill South Kindergarten was also named among Mildura’s best with a score of 9.

Shine Bright Swan Hill South Kindergarten received a score of 9. Picture: Swan Hill Rural City Council

Despite only opening its doors 10 years ago, the Young Adventurers Early Childhood Education Service’s Yana St campus — built on a 0.81ha block — came in as Mildura’s third best kindergarten.

Mildura’s highest rated kindergartens

Mildura Early Learning Centre — 9.4

Mildura Central Early Learning Centre — 9.3

Young Adventurers Early Childhood Education Services — 9.2

Shine Bright Swan Hill South Kindergarten — 9

Pasadena Preschool — 8.9