Where Passion Meets Purpose in Kilmore & Hawthorn East
At Maples Early Learning, our passion lies in nurturing children and supporting families. With centres in Kilmore and Hawthorn East, we provide high-quality early education that fosters growth, creativity, and meaningful connections. Discover our story and see how we’re making a difference
Our Values
At Maples, our mission is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. Guided by our core values, we:
Foster Kindness
by promoting respect and empathy in every interaction.
Embody Compassion
by ensuring each child feels cared for and valued.
Uphold Honesty
to build trust and integrity within our community.
Prioritise Safety
to provide a secure and supportive space for all.
Pursue Excellence
in offering enriching educational experiences that inspire curiosity and achievement.
Strengthen Connections
by cultivating meaningful relationships with families, children, and the broader community.
Together, we aim to empower children with the confidence and skills they need to thrive in life.
Our Philosophy
Maples philosophy is grounded in fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and collaborative environment guided by the principles of Reggio Emilia and nature pedagogy. Key highlights include:
Children
- Viewed as active participants in their learning, trusted to make choices and contribute to their environment.
- Programs are play-based, stimulating exploration, creativity, and social connections.
- Emphasis on fostering empathy, community belonging, and multi-sensory learning.
Families
- Recognised as the primary influence on a child's development, with respectful and transparent partnerships cultivated.
- Opportunities for engagement, feedback, and collaborative discussions are highly valued.
Education
- Intentional teaching practices focus on meaningful learning opportunities.
- Professional growth is encouraged through reflection and sharing diverse pedagogical approaches.
- Documentation tracks and celebrates children's learning progress.
Community
- Emphasis on building strong connections with local communities and celebrating cultural diversity.
- Active involvement in community-driven initiatives and sustainability efforts.
Environment
- Nature-inspired settings that foster exploration and care for the environment.
- Programs include sustainable practices, such as recycling and community gardens, to instil responsibility and environmental consciousness.
This holistic approach emphasises partnership, sustainability, and child-centred learning to create a thriving educational experience for all involved.
Explore the Maples Masterclass
Enhance your child’s learning with the Maples Masterclass. Our specialist-led activities spark creativity, build confidence, and develop essential skills for a bright future.
Hear from our wonderful music teacher Sarah.
Meet the proud owners and operators of Maples Early Learning
At Maples, we offer premium early learning and funded kindergarten to the local community for children aged between six weeks and six years of age. We are largely influenced by the Reggio Emilia Approach which was founded in Reggio Emilia, Italy by Loris Malaguzzi. Our philosophy embraces the children, families, educators, community, education and the environment. It is important to all of us at Maples to practise what we promise and therefore we are confident that you will feel at home within our environment. Our team are qualified and experienced in providing meaningful educational programs for the children. Our funded Kindergarten program is taught by a qualified early childhood teacher who holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or equivalent. Maples Early Learning was founded by Jarrod and Samantha Macdonald in 2019. What sets Maples apart is that it is not just family-owned and operated—it is led by owners who are themselves trained early childhood educators. Samantha and Jarrod both hold qualifications in early childhood education and care, with over 20 years of experience each working in the sector. They have walked in the shoes of the educators in their centres, and that lived experience shapes every decision they make. Before founding Maples, Jarrod served as General Manager of a Victorian-based early learning organisation, overseeing 16 centres and 1,000 employees. Samantha built her career as an Area Manager and Team Leader at Hume City Council, driving quality and leadership across multiple services. Together, they bring a rare combination of hands-on teaching experience and large-scale operational expertise—meaning your child is in the care of people who understand both the classroom and the business of delivering exceptional early education. Our centre is operated by a strong leadership team, all experienced and qualified in Early Childhood Education. This allows our team to appropriately guide the practice of our educators, and in turn support each child to reach their full potential. We believe that the early years are the most critical in a child's development, and we are committed to providing the highest quality of care and education during this important time.
We prioritise family values in every aspect of learning.
Our leadership brings over 36 years of combined expertise.
We deliver exceptional early education tailored for growth.
We build strong partnerships with families and children.
The Maples Advantage
Child-Centred Learning
Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy to inspire curiosity and growth.
Nature-Focused Environments
Indoor and outdoor spaces designed to spark curiosity and exploration.
Family Owned and Operated
Locally operated, with Early Childhood trained owners actively involved.
Our Personalised Communication App
Our Maples App documents your child's learning journey and keeps families connected.
Nutritious Meals
Freshly prepared each day by our in-house chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
Funded Kindergarten
Led by qualified Kindergarten Teachers, within long day care hours. Free Kinder subsidy available.
Maples Extra-Curricular Program
Maples Masterclass offers specialised experiences led by expert teachers.
Excursions and Incursions
Excursions and incursions that enrich each child's learning experience.
Why choose Maples?
At Maples Early Learning, we don't just teach—we inspire. Guided by the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, we're proud to offer forward-thinking educational programs that nurture creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Here's why families choose Maples:
Freedom to Explore
Children are encouraged to engage freely across beautifully designed indoor and outdoor spaces, sparking imagination and discovery at every turn.
Aesthetic and Respectful Environments
Our spaces are thoughtfully curated to be both visually inspiring and respectful of the child's natural curiosity and creativity.
Play-Based Learning
Play is at the heart of our philosophy. Through play, children learn, grow, and explore the world around them in ways that feel natural and joyful.
The 100 Languages of Children
We celebrate the many ways children express themselves—through art, movement, music, and more—unlocking their unique voices and potential.
Connection to Nature
Outdoor exploration is woven into every day, helping children develop a deep appreciation for the natural world and their place within it.
Seamless Connections
Communication, accounts and your welcome pack
Our Personalised Communication App
Our Maples App documents your child's learning journey and keeps families and educators connected. Curriculum updates, policies and procedures, your account, bookings and everyday messages are all in one place. You'll receive your login details once your bond has been received.
Fees and Accounts
We keep our fees flexible and family-friendly:
- Holiday discount: 50% off day fees for up to four weeks of holidays each year.
- Public holiday make-up days: when a permanent booking falls on a public holiday, you can book a make-up day.
- Sibling discount: 5% off for families with more than one child enrolled.
Please refer to centre policy and procedures for full details.
Your Welcome Pack
We want every child to feel prepared, comfortable and included from their very first day. Each new family receives a Maples Welcome Pack:
Spacious and durable for daily essentials, from snacks to art projects.
Keeps your child's personal items organised and easy to find.
Stores wet or soiled clothing separately.
Sun protection for outdoor adventures.
Keeps little ones cosy on cooler days.
Extra or replacement items can be purchased from the centre. We recommend labelling all belongings with your child's name.
Families: Essential Partners in Early Learning
Collaborative Partnerships
We build trusting relationships through honest communication, shared respect, and mutual support.
Aligned Goals
Families and educators work together to create shared goals that nurture every child's growth.
Meaningful Moments
We encourage families to cherish moments that strengthen bonds and enrich their child's development.
Hear From Our Families
Don't just take our word for it. Hear what a Maples family has to say about their experience.
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