Kids on Collins is proudly owned and run by The Eltham College Foundation Ltd, which was founded in 1982 as a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation. We’ve been providing excellent child care and early learning Centre since 2002 under the business name Little Flyers Learning Centres. Since 1996, Kids on Collins has built a long-standing reputation for high-quality care and creative learning. It was one of the first places for early education in Melbourne’s CBD. Our network of four Little Flyers Centres in Eltham North, Caroline Springs, and 2 Centres in Doreen (one in Laurimar and one in Laurimar Township) adds to our rich history. They also show how committed we are to caring for children all over the region.
We partner with local businesses to provide child care solutions that help companies attract and retain top talent.
💼 Why Corporate Partnerships Matter:
Helps businesses support working parents, making it easier to return to work.
Enhances Employee Value Proposition (EVP), boosting satisfaction and retention.
Aligns with family-friendly policies and work-life balance initiatives.
Kids on Collins has evolved to meet the needs of modern families while striving for excellence. In January 2022, we moved from our rented space at 600 Collins Street to the heritage-listed MacPherson Building at 544-546 Collins Street, which is now our state-of-the-art early learning centre. This move reflects our forward-thinking approach and our commitment to creating a safe, inspiring environment in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Our goal is to set a new standard in early education and provide every child with the tools they need to succeed.
Kids on Collins has changed over the years to meet the needs of modern families as we continue to strive for excellence. We used to work out of a rented space at 600 Collins Street, but as of January 2022, we moved to the heritage-listed MacPherson Building at 544-546 Collins Street, which is now our state-of-the-art early learning centre. This new location not only shows how forward-thinking we are, but it also demonstrates how committed we are to making the heart of Melbourne’s CBD a safe, exciting, and motivating place to work. Our goal is to raise the bar for early education and give every child we serve the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
At Kids on Collins, our values are at the heart of everything we do. What we believe in:
Play-based approach that promotes creativity, independence, and lifelong curiosity is an example of excellence in early learning.
We were the first ECEC in Australia to offer the "Gardens in the Sky" outdoor learning area, which is a unique, raised space that encourages kids to use their imaginations and go on adventures.
As a non-profit organisation, our goal is to invest in every child's future. Quality education and individualised care come first in our welcoming, caring environment.
My children have attended Kids on Collins for over three years now. Since day one, my children have only received the most exceptional care, attention, and education. We love all the great things my children learn and bring home. The app is also fantastic because I can see what my children are up to and what they know every day. I love their transparency and the trust we have for the centre. It's incredible, but I have never, not once, had any issue with any of the educators at the centre. On the contrary, every one of them has always greeted and treated all of us with the utmost respect. This is why I have always appreciated and always acknowledge the excellent work and care they carry out to ensure my children and all children at the centre experience just a pleasant adventure in one of the most critical stages in their lives. It is one of the best places you could send your children.
My children have been attending Kids on Collins for the past 3 years. The communication and responsiveness of all staff and management is exceptional. I am able to speak with the educators at pick up to get an update about their day. They are all very passionate about each child's development and needs. The centre runs a fantastic educational program and excursions throughout the year that keep them engaged. Each day journals are posted which give a run down of the day's activities together with lots of photos. They have an inhouse chef who makes freshly cooked nutritious meals that my children love. I am very thankful to have found an amazing centre with equally amazing staff.
Our family has been with Kids on Collins for the last 6 years with our three children and love this centre. The staff are so caring for our children and are invested in their wellbeing and early education. Jenn the Centre Director has created this safe and fun environment for all the families and amazes me on her personal knowledge of all the children and parents names. As a parent of a child with anaphylaxis, one of the key attributes of this centre is its comprehensive allergy procedure which ensures that all children are kept safe and gives us the reassurance of leaving our child in their care. I would highly recommend this excellent centre to anyone looking for care
Our daughter Lexi has attended Kids on Collins for the last 2 years. Jennifer Farrell and her team are knowledgeable, caring and professional. I am impressed as I watch my daughter's progress with new learning over the time she has spent at the Centre. Our daughter even eats vegetables at the Centre that we have been unable to feed her at home! One of the best aspects of the Centre are the detailed daily updates and photos on their app. That provides me confidence that she is being well looked after. I am grateful to Jenn and the staff at Kids on Collins for the excellent care and support they have shown us over the past couple of years. I highly recommend the Centre and will be sending our next daughter, Indie to this Centre shortly!
At Kids on Collins, we’re proud of our dedicated team of educators. Our consistent staffing ensures continuity and familiarity for every child in our care. This means there will always be a trusted educator present for your child. With one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry, we create a positive and supportive work environment for our team. We limit the use of agency staff and instead rely on our own bank of casual educators, who are well acquainted with our children, their families, and our centre’s policies and procedures.
Kids on Collins is governed by the Department of Education and Training whose Regulations state that there will be one educator for every four children under 36 months, and one educator for every 11 children over 36 months. Our staffing roster is consistent and ensures continuity for all of the children in our care. That is, there will always be a familiar educator on duty for your child. Kids on Collins prefer not to use agency staff as we believe it is important for all educators who come into contact with our children and families are familiar with the Centre’s policies, procedures and routines, as well as the children and families enrolled in our Centre.
At Kids on Collins, we believe that learning is a never-ending process. It is for this reason that we offer our staff up-to-date and current training in areas such as how children learn, respectful relationships, child protection, communicating with families, first aid, nutrition and hygiene practices, inclusion of people with diverse abilities… and much more.
Kids on Collins employs qualified Kindergarten Teachers who hold a Degree in Early Childhood or a Teaching qualification recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACEQUA) for both our 3 and 4-Year-Old Kindergarten Programs. Our teachers work a full 40-hour week, excluding state school holidays. They encourage and inspire various learning methods to cultivate a love of learning that will support your child’s educational journey.
Kids on Collins engages appropriately trained Kindergarten Teachers who hold a Degree in Early Childhood or Teaching qualification as approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACEQUA) for both our 3 and 4 Year Old Kindergarten Programs. Our kindergarten teachers work a full 40 hour week with the exception of state school holiday periods. Our teachers foster and inspire different approaches to stimulate a love of learning which will accompany your child on their school life journey.
Our educators are a diverse and passionate group with a wealth of knowledge from around the world. With our culturally rich team, we are able to offer translators for many of the most widely spoken languages globally.
Our educators are a globally diverse group of passionate and knowledgeable individuals. Our culturally expansive team facilitate our in house ability to provide translators for many of the most widely spoken world languages.
Our culinary team brings years of hospitality experience to Kids on Collins. With five meal services each day, you can be assured that your child will enjoy a diverse selection of delicious international and local dishes.
Our culinary team bring many years of hospitality experience to Kids on Collins. Through our 5 daily meal services, you can be guaranteed that your child will enjoy a variety of delicious international and native foods.
Jenn, Centre Director
Jenn joined the Kids on Collins team in 2006 and has since become an integral part of our leadership. With a strong passion for children’s rights, Jenn has dedicated many years to working in social care. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and is also a qualified Montessori Teacher, combining her expertise to foster a nurturing environment for both children and educators alike.
Jess, Assistant Centre Director
Jess, our Assistant Centre Director, has been with Kids on Collins for 13 years. Throughout her time with us, she has raised three children of her own, which gives her a unique perspective as both an educator and a mother. Holding a Diploma in Early Education, Jess brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep commitment to creating positive learning environments that support the development and well-being of the children in our care.
Russell, Educational Leader
With over eight years of experience in early childhood education, Russell is our dedicated Educational Leader. His commitment to fostering an environment of growth and development is evident in every aspect of his work. Russell is passionate about supporting both children and educators to reach their fullest potential, and his enthusiasm for early education is a driving force in our Centre.
Our Centre Director joined the Kids on Collins Team in 2006. She has a strong passion for children’s rights and has many years of experience working in social care. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and is also a qualified Montessori Teacher.
With a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, Jess has been working at Kids on Collins for 13 years. Jess brings enthusiasm, creativity and a patient caring approach, dedicated to creating positive learning environments.
Jess chose early education with a genuine love for children. Having now 3 children of her own. Our Educational Leader, with over eight years of experience in the early childhood education and care industry, Russell has dedicated his career to fostering an environment of growth and development for both children and educators alike.
Kids on Collins is dedicated to supporting the training of students pursuing studies in Early Childhood Education and fostering strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with training institutions.
Kids on Collins is committed to facilitating the training of students undertaking studies in Early Childhood education and to enhance development of mutually beneficial relationships with training institutions. Students will not be left unsupervised while in the presence of children and will not be counted in ratios.
