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Ages: 6 weeks - 6 years
We are excited to be part of the largest master planned community in Ballarat, and in the heart of the Ballarat West Growth zone. As a growing regional suburb, Aspire is thrilled to bring more childcare options to the Ballarat community.
Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten Lucas is a brand new childcare centre in Lucas, a suburb in the City of Ballarat. It is located within the new Lucas master-planned community and situated next to parks and sporting facilities. It is also a 3-minute drive from Lucas Primary School, making it a convenient location for families.
Incursions play a large role in the development and growth of each child. Aspire Lucas, Ballarat incorporates incursions to align with Aspire’s curriculum, as well as the interests of the children. Incursions on topics such as tiny mini beasts and insects, first aid, sports, and talented magicians and face painters are frequent inclusions.
At Aspire Lucas, Ballarat, our in-centre chef prepares fresh and nutritious meals every day, guided by the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Our approach to food focuses on variety, balance, and mindful eating to support children’s healthy growth and development.
We focus on variety, balance and whole foods with each meal containing vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy. Our chefs also make mealtimes special, whether it’s baking a birthday cake or preparing a festive spread to celebrate an occasion. Food is a meaningful and joyful part of our community.
Our Lucas, Ballarat childcare is staffed by a team of experienced and fully qualified educators who are committed to providing the best possible care for every child. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, our teachers closely collaborate with families and offer every child the opportunity to succeed.
Aspire Lucas, Ballarat will feature seven purpose-built rooms designed to support every stage of your child’s early learning journey. Each room is filled with high-quality educational toys, books, crafts, and imaginative play experiences, ensuring endless opportunities for discovery and fun every day! We collaborate closely with families and ensure that any personal needs and requests are accommodated.
Our service is a state-of-the-art facility with beautiful indoor and outdoor environments for children to learn and grow in. We have a beautiful, architecturally designed outdoor space that connects seamlessly with our indoor rooms. This makes it easy for children to move between the indoor and outdoor spaces, supporting a holistic learning experience for the children.
The philosophy of Aspire Lucas is to provide a nurturing second home, where a comfortable vibe fills the air. Children have the freedom to express themselves in our well-crafted play spaces, essential for their development. Our passion for early learning is evident in every detail of our program, and we eagerly await the opportunity to welcome new families to our community.
Hear from parents who’ve experienced the care, quality
and connection that make Aspire different.
All of the staff have been fantastic with my daughter, her dad and I. It’s so beautiful to see all the connections she’s formed with all the educators. Everyone seems to know her by name, even educators not in her room that I’ve never met before. They are all so passionate and great at what they do.
Beth – family at Aspire Lucas, Ballarat, VIC
We moved to Aspire Lucas from another centre and our experience has been entirely positive. The centre is clean, warm and welcoming, and the rooms and outdoor spaces are fresh and engaging. The staff are friendly, patient, and dedicated to understanding and accommodating the individual needs of the children that attend. Our child is now excited to attend daycare each day and we feel confident that she is being cared for and supported while she is away from us. We can’t thank Vanessa, Kim and the team enough for their hard work in creating such a wonderful centre 🌟
Eliza – family at Aspire Lucas, Ballarat, VIC
We’ve had such a wonderful experience with this centre. The staff are absolutely incredible—so warm, welcoming, and genuinely caring. Every educator knows both my name and my daughter’s, which makes it feel so personal and comforting. What really stands out is how much they truly care. It shows in everything they do, and it gives me so much peace of mind as a parent. My daughter loves it so much she even asks to go on the days she’s not booked in—which says everything! The centre is always super clean, the activities are engaging, and the outdoor space is amazing. But it’s really the staff that make this place so special
Breanna – family at Aspire Lucas, Ballarat, VIC
We started at Aspire Lucas in December 2025 and have been absolutely thrilled with the centre ever since. The staff provide such a caring, nurturing, and educational environment, and our child has grown in confidence and is truly thriving. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re welcomed with a smile and a real sense of belonging. From Centre Director Vanessa and Assistant Director Kim to Donna, the Kindy teacher — in fact, every staff member — everyone is simply wonderful. Our child has some additional needs, and it means so much to us that he is supported so thoughtfully in every aspect of his learning and care. We truly love Aspire Lucas and look forward to seeing what our child will learn each and every day. Thank you for creating such a positive and supportive environment for families. 💛
Leeanne – family at Aspire Lucas, Ballarat, VIC
Great center
Ryan – family at Aspire Lucas, Ballarat, VIC
Aspire at Lucas has restored my faith in childcare. What felt like being thrown from room to room, educator to educator before coming to aspire now feels calms and comforting. The educators are amazing, management give a individualised approach to each family and are welcoming each day. The kids are feed a range of nutritious and delicious food. Honestly a credit to the whole team it's such a humbling centre to be apart of.
Kate – family at Aspire Lucas, Ballarat, VIC
We were one of the first to Join Aspire after some bad experiences at other daycares and since joining Aspire Lucas our son has thrived. The centre is beautiful and the staff there are so interactive and friendly. I Can Not recommend this centre enough. We love the Aspire lucas Family!!!
Kyle – family at Aspire Lucas, Ballarat, VIC
I can’t recommend this childcare centre highly enough. The staff are incredibly caring, empathetic, and well-trained. truly some of the most genuine people you could hope to have looking after your child. My partner and I actually followed the management team from a previous centre because we trusted and valued them so much and our daughter absolutely adores them too. It’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our family. They provide excellent educational programs and meaningful learning experiences for children of all ages. I would highly recommend this centre to anyone looking for a nurturing and supportive environment for their little ones.
Ashleigh – family at Aspire Lucas, Ballarat, VIC
We know handing your child over to someone else is one of the hardest things a parent does. Here’s exactly how we keep them safe.
Only authorised people can drop off or collect your child. Our centres use controlled access points and require photo ID verification for anyone not on your authorised pickup list.
Every educator holds a current Working With Children Check. Our teams include diploma and degree-qualified staff, with qualified teacher ratios that exceed national requirements.
Through the StoryPark app, you receive photos, observations and daily updates directly from your child's room. You can message educators and see what your child has been up to, any time.
Aspire operates under the National Child Safe Standards across every centre. Our policies, spaces and staffing are designed with visibility and supervision at the centre of everything.
Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten operates in a long daycare setting and has four main education programs, tailored to each stage of early development.
Ages 6 weeks - 2 years
Ages 2 - 3 years
Ages 3 - 6 years
Ages 6 weeks - 2 years
Ages 2 - 3 years
Ages 3 - 6 years
Catch up on all the centre news, events and early-learning highlights.
Last week, Aspire centres commemorated the important women in our children’s lives during Mothers and Special Persons’ Day! Mums and special people had the royal treatment at Aspire centres, being pampered with nail painting, bouquet making, paint and sip sessions, and a whole lot of love. See how we celebrated these important people this Mother's and Special People’s Day.
Mother’s Day Celebrations
Cranbourne East
The mums at Aspire Cranbourne East were especially pampered during their Mother’s Day celebrations. One of the reasons why they had a great time was the amazing array of food to eat, thanks to Soulayma and De. Everyone loved the fresh scones with jam and cream!
What made this celebration unique is that the talented Lara offered guests free eyebrow waxing, laminating, shaping and tinting services. As well as this, Soulayma’s daughter made the mothers feel extra special with a touch of makeup. Everyone turned the glam up to 11 by the end of the afternoon!
Baldivis North
At Aspire Baldivis North, the day was a truly special day for the centre to pause, connect and celebrate the incredible bond between mothers and their children. The centre connected their Mother’s Day celebrations with a gorgeous picnic. Mums, special people and their children bonded over many activities. These included Mother’s Day crafts, block building, a story time session with the mums, and nail painting. The centre has a connection with a local baker, who supplied a bunch of delicious plain sugar cookies for everyone to decorate! Using food-safe dye, the mums and kids painted the plain biscuits into a colourful, and edible, masterpiece! All in all, it was a beautiful afternoon.
Thornhill Village
Aspire Thornhill Village spoiled Mums and special people this year! The children excitedly chose special designs for the incredible face painter to bring to life on their faces. Another favourite activity was the photobooth. The families loved being silly and taking some happy snaps with a variety of fun props.
Before the event, the Nursery Room (0-12 months) children made special Mother's Day cards for their mums. The children were engaged in making the colourful cards, which helped their fine motor skills develop. As well as that, the babies developed their social skills by sharing resources to make the cards. The mums loved the cute cards that their children lovingly made.
Pakenham
Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten Pakenham celebrated their amazing mums with a beautiful event. The Sip & Paint session with Sketchroo was a huge hit! The mums enjoyed relaxing time expressing their creativity while sipping delicious drinks.
“To celebrate the amazing mothers and mother figures in our community, Aspire Pakenham hosted a special Mother’s Day Sip & Paint event! It was a wonderful opportunity for families to unwind, connect, and enjoy a creative experience together” – Sadeep, Aspire Pakenham mum.
Other Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten centres offered even more enjoyable Mother’s Day experiences. Check out the photos below to relive the fun!
Thank you to all the incredible mothers for your endless love, strength, and care. We appreciate you today and every day!
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the women who shape each child’s lives at Aspire. This Mother’s Day, we see you. We celebrate you. We thank you.
From 27 May to 3 June each year, it's National Reconciliation Week in Australia. This is a time to reflect on our shared history, cultures and the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. It’s a moment to acknowledge the truth and look towards a more inclusive future.
At our centres, we see this week as a meaningful opportunity to introduce children to the values of understanding, inclusion and shared history in age-appropriate, engaging, fun ways.
Reconciliation isn’t just a single moment or even, it’s an ongoing journey. And that journey begins with awareness. For young children, the foundations of respect, empathy and curiosity are built early on. That’s why it’s so important to create space for these conversations, stories and cultural connections right from the start of their learning journey.
We’re proud to support this through all sorts of experiences such as incursions, chats, sharing stories, artworks and everyday moments.
Why reconciliation matters in early childhood
What’s so beautiful about young children is their nature: they’re naturally curious and open-hearted. They’re learning how the world works through what we tell them, what we show them, what we share, and how we encourage their imagination.
When we bring First Nations stories, voices and experiences into our centres and into everyday learning, we help build a foundation of respect that they carry with them as they grow.
Reconciliation isn’t just something for adults, it involves all of us. And in early childhood education, we have a special opportunity to begin that journey with children in thoughtful and age-appropriate ways. That might be through a storybook about our history, a painting with natural materials, learning about native plants, or a quiet moment spent listening to the sound of traditional instruments.By acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of this land, we’re also recognising that their culture is not just part of our past, it’s as much part of the present and the future.
What we’ve been doing in our centres
This year, across all centres, we made space for connection, learning and celebration. Our educators planned a wide range of experiences to mark Reconciliation Week, with a focus on hands-on learning and stories!
Arts and crafts
We explored culture through lots of creative work! Children across all centres created beautiful pieces using dot painting techniques, natural materials, and earthy tones. These weren’t just art projects, they were a way to tell stories and express ideas about land, community, and identity.
At some centres, the children worked together on collaborative artworks, each adding their own mark. Isn't this a beautiful symbol of unity and connection?
Here are just a few of the arts and crafts activities our centres enjoyed:
Playdough sculpting with Aboriginal symbols
Bunjil finger painting on fabric scraps
Cardboard didgeridoo-inspired shakers filled with sand, buttons, pebbles and bark
Boomerang dot paintings on cardboard
Music and storytelling
Music and storytelling were an important part of the week, too. Some centres invited First Nations guests to share their culture in person. At Aspire Berwick Waters, we welcomed Didgeridoo Australia, where First Nations artist Ronan shared stories, instruments and artwork. Ronan explained the history and traditional use of the didgeridoo, and the children listened all carefully to its deep and rhythmic sound. He talked about its connection to nature and storytelling.
He also brought along native animal skins. The children were invited to gently touch them and guess which animal they came from, sparking respectful curiosity. He showed a variety of boomerangs, explained their different types and purposes and answered many of the children’s eager questions about boomerangs and animals.
This incursion offered a beautiful opportunity to learn through storytelling, sensory exploration and meaningful dialogue. Personal experiences like this bring culture to life, creating real connections beyond books or classroom lessons.
Smoking ceremonies
One powerful experience was the smoking ceremony held at Aspire White Hills. These traditional practices are used to cleanse and connect to Country. They offer a beautiful, respectful way for children to experience culture firsthand.
Many children watched in silence and asked thoughtful questions afterwards. These are the kinds of moments that stay with them, when learning becomes something they feel, not just something they hear.
Celebrating reconciliation with our local councils
We were honoured that some of the Aspire centres were invited to take part in the Day Flag Raising Ceremony. Aspire Cobblebank was proud to be represented at the event held at Melton Civic Centre, hosted by Melton City Council and Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation.At the same time, another Aspire Riverwalk welcomed by Trung Luu, Member of Parliament for Werribee, who kindly presented the Aboriginal and Victorian flags to the children in their centre.
A shared journey
Involving families and community
We know that learning is strongest when there's a strong link between the centre and home. That’s why we encourage families to get involved, whether by joining us at events, sharing stories at home, or simply talking with their children about what reconciliation means, in simple, everyday ways.
Reflection as educators
Reconciliation Week is also a time for us, as educators, to reflect. None of us know everything, but being open to learning, listening, and growing is what matters most. Throughout this week we’re having honest conversations with each other about this important topic. We don’t need to be experts to listen and grow and. What counts is respect, curiosity and a willingness to learn.
More than just a week
The goal is to make these learnings part of everyday life. It’s not about one activity or a themed display, it’s about truly embedding First Nations perspectives into our daily routines, all year round.
What does that look like in our centres?
• A warm Acknowledgement of Country that welcomes you as you enter• First Nations storybooks into our reading time• Learning about the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and play on• Cushions, rugs and mats featuring Aboriginal art in our spaces• Exploring native plants as part of outdoor play
When these elements are part of our everyday environment, children grow up knowing that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures aren’t just part of the past and they’re alive, present and valued.
Looking ahead
Reconciliation Week was a week for all of us. A week to pause, reflect and ask how we can help create a more inclusive and fair Australia.
We’re proud of how our centres embraced the week, all the centres organised meaningful, engaging activities where the children showed curiosity, kindness and a real openness to learn. And by starting young, we’re helping raise a generation ready to walk forward together, with knowledge, respect and care.
Because reconciliation isn’t just about remembering the past. It’s about shaping a better and happier future together.
At Aspire Early Education, we know how important it is for families to feel confident and informed when it comes to the cost of early childhood education.
From 7 July 2025, changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will come into effect. These updates happen every year to keep pace with the rising cost of living, and they impact how much the Government contributes toward your childcare fees.
We’ve broken down everything you need to know in simple terms to help you feel prepared and supported.
What’s Changing in 2025–26?
The Government is increasing two key parts of the Child Care Subsidy:
1. Hourly Rate Caps Are Increasing
Each year, the Government updates the hourly rate cap—this is the maximum hourly amount they will subsidise through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
2025–26 Hourly Rate Caps
Care Type Old Hourly Rate Cap New Hourly Rate Cap Centre-Based Day Care $14.29 $14.63
What does this mean for families?
The higher caps in 2025–26 mean the Government may cover more of your child care fees
If your centre’s fees are within the cap, your gap fee (what you pay) may stay the same
If your centre’s fees are still above the cap, your out-of-pocket costs may slightly decrease.
2. Family Income Thresholds Are Being Updated
The amount of CCS you receive depends on your family income. From 7 July 2025, here’s how it will work:
Families earning up to $85,279 will receive the maximum CCS rate of 90%
Families earning between $85,279 and $535,279 will see their subsidy decrease by 1% for every $5,000 over the threshold
Families earning $535,279 or more will no longer receive CCS
These thresholds are reviewed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure fairness and reflect economic changes.
Support for Families with More Than One Child
If you have more than one child aged under 6 in care, you may be eligible for an even higher CCS rate of up to 95% for your younger child.
This applies even if the children go to different services—so it’s worth checking what your family could be entitled to.
What Can Families Do Now?
Here’s how you can prepare ahead of the 7 July changes:
Check your income details in your MyGov account to ensure they’re up to date
Use our CCS Calculator to get an estimate of your entitlements
Speak with our Aspire centre team — we're here to explain the changes and help you understand what it means for your family
We’re Here to Help
We understand that changes to the Child Care Subsidy can feel complex and, at times, overwhelming—especially when you're trying to plan ahead for your family. We know how important it is to have clarity and confidence when it comes to understanding your fees and entitlements.
If you have any questions, or just want to talk things through, our friendly team is always here to support you. No question is too small—your peace of mind matters to us.
Want to estimate your new CCS?
Use our Aspire CCS Calculator!
Need to update your details?
Log in to MyGov and check your income and activity information.
Want to learn more?
To book a tour, learn more about a centre, or connect with our team, follow the links below:
Find an Aspire Centre near you
Book a Tour at an Aspire centre
Contact the Aspire team
Choosing a career in early education can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career, that is more than just teaching a child how to spell their name or tie their shoelaces. In a world where the early years are said to be the most influential, early educators play a critical role in laying the foundation for a child’s learning, growth and development.
So, if you’re looking for a career that’s meaningful, engaging, and rewarding, early education might be the path for you. Learn more about the diverse pathways within in early education, and the benefits of choosing this career.
What is Early Education and Childcare?
Early education in Australia refers to the structured learning and care provided to children before they enter primary school, typically from 6 weeks old to 6 years old. It incorporates a range of programs and services designed to support children’s development, wellbeing, and readiness for school. In Australia, there’s different educational and care services including:
Centre-based or Long Day Care: Services for children from birth to school age, offering care along with early learning programs. It operates for at least 8 hours a day from Monday to Friday.
Preschool/Kindergarten: Typically for children aged 3 to 5 years and focuses on preparing them for school. It can be a standalone service or part of another education and care service or school.
Family Day Care: Small group care provided in a home setting, combining care with educational activities.
Occasional Care: Short-term care services, sometimes offered by community organisations, and are for families who need care on a casual or temporary basis.
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC): Care before and after school, and during school holidays, to support school-aged children who need care outside of school hours.
Who Can Work in Early Education?
Currently there are approximately 268,050 workers in the early education sector, according to the latest National Workforce Census. It is a sector that offers a variety of roles that support children’s growth and development. These include:
Early childhood teachers/kindergarten teachers
Early childhood educators
Educational leaders
Support staff - Cooks, Cleaners, Maintenance
Directors and managers
As an early childhood teacher, you will work with educators and other professionals to design and lead a play-based learning program for young children to support their development. To become an early childhood teacher, you will need a degree in early education (e.g. a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education).
As an early childhood educator, you will work with teachers to deliver the play-based learning program for children, as well as observe and record children’s learning and development. To become an educator, you will need a Certification or diploma in education and care.
An early childhood educational leader works with educators and children to develop a program of activities that support learning, as well as coaching and mentoring. Qualifications will vary according to the exact role but will include a diploma or bachelor's degree.
Other roles include support staff, and management roles such as assistant centre manager and centre director. This involves directing and supervising staff, maintaining records and accounts, strategic business planning and more.
10 Benefits of Choosing a Career in Early Education
1. Growing and In-Demand Industry
According to Labour Market Insights, there’s expected to be a 21.6% increase in early childhood educators by 2026, revealing a growing demand for professionals in this sector. This is due to several factors including:
Government investment in early learning
Higher workforce participation among parents
National quality standards requiring more qualified educators
Increased awareness of the importance of early years education
Because of this, there has also been an expansion of childcare centres to meet the growing demand of children needing care. With this increased demand and a need for more qualified professionals, a career in early education presents a wide range of job opportunities.
2. Make a Real Difference in Children’s Lives
A career in early education offers the opportunity to make a real difference in a child’s life and shape their most formative years. As a childcare worker you’ll be shaping minds, inspiring creativity, and building the leaders of tomorrow.
At Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten, our curriculum focuses on the social, emotional, and physical development of children, and creating a foundation for lifelong learning and development. Seeing a child experience the world around them and meet these developmental milestones, makes a career in early education extremely rewarding.
3. Flexible Career Paths and Options
The field of early education offers diverse and flexible career paths, depending on the qualification you choose to undertake. From working as an educator, to kindergarten teacher, or centre manager, there are many different pathways you can explore, depending on your short- or long-term goals.
Working in the early education industry can also offer a lot of flexibility, as you can choose to work in a range of different settings, including family day care, schools, and childcare centres.
4. Personal Fulfilment and Meaningful Work
Working first-hand with children and being part of their learning journey can give you a sense of fulfilment and joy. Being part of a child’s growth and development and helping them learn new skills, can be personally fulfilling and satisfying.
It’s also a career built on relationships, where you form strong connections with families and contribute to a sense of community and belonging. Watching children grow in confidence and knowing you’ve helped them feel safe, valued, and inspired, makes the work extremely rewarding and meaningful.
5. Career Progression and Ongoing Learning
The early education sector provides many opportunities to progress your career, with many childcare providers now offering opportunities for further training and development as well.
At Aspire Early Education, many of our leadership team members started as educators and have grown into Centre Managers, Area Managers, and beyond. We’ve supported our staff’s growth through tailored career pathways, leadership development and mentoring, professional training and upskills, internal promotions and a culture of “Let’s Explore”. At Aspire, we want to give our team members the best opportunities to progress their careers and reach their full potential.
"There is a strong focus on learning and continuous improvement, not just for children but for educators too. Being part of a team that supports personal and professional growth makes Aspire a truly inspiring place to work" - Taniya, Centre Manager at Bella Estate
6. Be Part of a Supportive and Creative Team
Early childhood education often involves working closely with a team of professionals, including teachers, assistants, management, and parents. This collaborative environment can be enriching and supportive and can make a job feel more enjoyable and meaningful.
At Aspire, you will receive strong leadership support, with dedicated teams including Centre Management, Area Managers, Regional Managers, Compliance and Operations to guide and support you at work. Being part of such a supportive team helps to improve job satisfaction and collaboration.
"What I love most about working at Aspire is the people. The team I work with truly feels like my village—they inspire, support, and challenge me in all the best ways." - Laura, Centre Manager at Aspire Riverwalk
7. Develop Strong Communication Skills
Working in early education naturally helps you develop strong communication skills, as the role involves engaging with a wide range of people every day. It will help you:
Communicate clearly and effectively with young children, using age-appropriate language, tone, and body language to support their understanding and emotional development.
Build trusting relationships with families, sharing insights about their child’s progress, listening with empathy, and navigating sensitive conversations with care.
Collaborate with team members, using open and respectful communication to share ideas, problem-solve, and maintain a positive working environment.
8. Emotional Resilience and Patience
Working in early education builds emotional resilience and patience, as educators navigate a wide range of emotions, behaviours, and developmental needs every day. Supporting young children through big feelings, challenges, and milestones requires calmness, empathy, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.
Over time, educators learn to manage stress, adapt to unexpected situations, and respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. These skills are valuable to have not just in a person’s professional life but also in their personal life.
9. Exposure to Diversity and Inclusion
Working in early education provides valuable exposure to diversity and inclusion, offering daily opportunities to learn from and celebrate different cultures, backgrounds, and abilities.
At Aspire Early Education, our families as well as our educators, come from all different cultural backgrounds, so we recognise the importance of celebrating diversity and appreciating different cultures in our service. We incorporate diversity and inclusion through our curriculum, learning spaces and environments, Aspire events, incursion programs and more. This ensures all our families, children and staff feel seen and heard. It also encourages children and our staff to learn about different perspectives and be better equipped to thrive in a diverse society.
10. Flexible Work Schedules
Working in early education can offer flexible work schedules, making it a great option for those seeking balance between their professional and personal lives. Many childcare centres will offer part-time and full-time options, as well as rotating rosters. This allows you to choose a schedule that fits your personal commitments, lifestyle, or further studies.
This flexibility is especially valuable for parents, students, or those re-entering the workforce, and helps to maintain a healthier work-life balance.
Roles in Early Education at Aspire
At Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten, it takes a dedicated team across various roles to create exceptional learning experiences and a positive environment for children and families. Some of the roles available at Aspire include:
Traineeships
Assistant Educators
Room Leaders
Chef/Assistant Chef
Kindergarten Teachers
Head of Curriculum
Centre Support Coordinator / Centre Admin
Centre Manager
Area Manager
Regional Manager
Head Office Opportunities
All these roles, whether working at a centre level, or at our Head Office, offers many opportunities to thrive in your career and a place where you can truly belong. We are always looking for passionate individuals to join our team, so if you’d like to learn more or view our vacant roles, visit our careers page.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to change career paths, early education offers a meaningful career filled with purpose, growth, and opportunity. Start your journey today and discover where a career in early education could take you.
If you liked this article, we also have a range of other careers resources. Check out some of them below:
Jehanna’s Journey – From Kinder Teacher to Aspire Parent
Nurturing Those Who Nurture: Our Commitment to Educators
7 Years of Excellence, Meet Dimpy Sharma
Each year in the first week of July, communities across Australia celebrate NAIDOC Week, recognising the history, achievements, and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The 2025 theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors.
At Aspire, it is a wonderful opportunity for our children to learn about First Nations cultures and histories. Read on to see how Aspire’s centres honoured this important week.
The History of NAIDOC Week
2025 marks the 50th year of NAIDOC celebrations, a powerful milestone.
Before the 1920s, Aboriginal rights groups boycotted Australia Day to protest the treatment of Indigenous Australians, but by the 1920s, they realised the broader public was largely unaware of these actions. Organisations like the Australian Aborigines Progressive Association in 1924 and the Australian Aborigines League in 1932 emerged to raise awareness.
On Australia Day 1938, the Day of Mourning gathered over a thousand protestors in Sydney, advocating for Aboriginal rights. Subsequent efforts to institutionalise this event led to annual observances known as Aborigines Day from 1940 to 1955. After this, major Aboriginal organisations, state and federal governments, supported the formation of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC).
It was then decided in 1975 that the event should cover a week, from the first to second Sunday in July. By 1991, awareness of Torres Strait Islander culture prompted the name change to the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC).
The National NAIDOC Committee respectfully acknowledges the now defunct and inaccurate term 'Aborigines', whilst retaining the term in our title due to historic use by our Elders in establishing this week of commemoration in 1938. As of 1967, the ongoing registered title of the Committee became the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee.
NAIDOC Celebrations at Aspire
Aspire’s centres celebrated this important day, honouring its significance to our First Nations peoples.
At Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten Baldivis in WA, Cyril from Milliyaan Aboriginal Services shared knowledge, told stories and enriched their understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through his experiences. Many centre families also joined in on the event and brought enthusiasm and a great community feel. Cyril has a fantastic relationship with the centre, and visits monthly to teach the children about his culture and history.
Down at Aspire Cranbourne East, the centre celebrated in a number of ways. The children took part in the Sea of Fish community challenge in collaboration with Connecting the Dots. They then contributed their own decorated fish to a collective artwork promoting connection and community.
They also hosted a Didgeridoo Beats incursion by First Nations Incursions, which the children thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great opportunity for them to engage with Aboriginal music and culture in an interactive way.
Aspire Riverwalk, Werribee had a touching family connection for their NAIDOC Week event. As part of their family engagement initiative, the centre was honoured to invite one of their beautiful Aboriginal families, the Coopers, to share their culture, legacy, and connection to Country. Special guest Paige shared a write-up about her family history, read a meaningful story to the children and joined in some art activities. This experience deepened understanding of Aboriginal perspectives and reinforced the centre’s commitment to reconciliation with families.
Check out more of Aspire’s NAIDOC Week activities below.
National Pyjama Day is all about rocking your favourite PJs to school, work, or wherever you are while supporting a great cause.
The day helps raise vital awareness and funds for children in foster care. Across our Aspire centres in Victoria and WA, our educators and little learners got cosy in their comfiest pyjamas, dressing gowns, Oodies, and Ugg boots to show their support.
Take a look at the fun we had and learn more about why we recognise National Pyjama Day.
What is National Pyjama Day?
National Pyjama Day was celebrated on Friday 25th July, with the aim of the event to raise funds for The Pyjama Foundation. The day helps provide children in care with learning, life skills, and mentoring opportunities through the “Love of Learning” Program. It’s a fun and cosy way to make a big difference in the lives of vulnerable young people across the country.
Founder of The Pyjama Foundation, Bronwyn Sheehan OAM, was shocked at the statistics pointing to low numeracy and literacy rates of children in care. This propelled her to do something to make a difference. The Love of Learning program was then born. Through Love of Learning, volunteers spend time once a week with a child in care and focus on learning-based activities.
Did you know?
Children in foster care are Australia’s lowest-performing academic group
50% of children from a care background will become homeless
46,000+ Australian children are currently in out-of-home care
92% of children in out-of-home care are below their reading level
Celebrating National PJ Day at Aspire
Many of our Aspire centres across Victoria and WA, celebrated National PJ day by wearing their favourite pyjamas, dressing gowns, Oodies, and Ugg boots! Both staff and children got dressed up nice and cosy for the day. Some centres also set up some fun PJ-themed activities which the children loved. This included drawing and designing their own PJs with arts and crafts.
As well as wearing cosy Pj’s, it was also an opportunity to teach the children and families about the incredible work The Pyjama Foundation does and recognising those who may be less vulnerable. With this in mind, our Aspire centres were encouraging families to donate if they could, to help children in foster care get a head start in their education.
We are so thrilled to announce that Aspire raised $889 for the Pyjama Foundation! We cannot thank our families and Aspire community enough for their generous donations to this cause! These donations will make a significant difference to the lives of many young children, so we are extremely grateful.
Check out some of the adorable photos from our centres who celebrated National PJ Day! It was such a fun day for staff and children alike, and we love celebrating days this like at Aspire.
Every year, schools, early learning centres, libraries, and community groups across the country come together to celebrate National Science Week. It’s Australia’s annual celebration of all things science, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight the role of science in our everyday lives, inspire curiosity and encourage children to explore the world around them.
For us at Aspire, Science Week is more than just a themed week of activities, it’s a chance to nurture natural curiosity, create excitement about learning and show children that science is not only important, but also so much fun!
Why do we embrace Science Week?
National Science Week was first held in 1997 and has grown so much that it has thousands of events held nationwide each year. During Science Week we
Celebrate science and innovation: showcasing the incredible research, discoveries and inventions happening across Australia.
Engage our families: bringing together children, families, educators and professionals to explore science in interactive ways.
Inspire the children: encouraging children to see themselves as curious learners.
Science isn’t just something that happens in laboratories or universities. It’s in the way plants grow, how water changes shape, why the sky looks different at night, or how colours mix to create something new. By dedicating a week to science, we are helping to build a culture where questioning, exploring and experimenting are valued and where children feel confident to say, “Why does this happen?" or "I wonder why?”
Why Science Week Matters in Early Education
These values are important in the early years, when children are naturally curious and eager to experiment with the world around them. Science Week gives us the perfect opportunity to nurture that curiosity through hands-on, play-based learning.
Some of the key benefits include:
Curiosity and exploration: activities give children the chance to test ideas and discover new things.
Hands-on learning: experiments like mixing colours or testing absorption bring concepts to life.
Language and communication: science builds vocabulary and encourages children to describe, predict and compare.
Collaboration and teamwork: experiments are shared experiences that strengthen social connections.
Confidence building: successful discoveries and surprising results give children pride in their learning.
Lifelong skills: observation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills they’ll use everywhere in life.
At Aspire, Science Week is more than just a week of activities, it’s a celebration of curiosity, collaboration and the joy of learning.
Science Week at Aspire: Learning Through Play
This year’s Science Week was a colourful, sometimes messy, but above all an exciting experience for our children and educators loved seeing how engaged they were.
Some of the activities included:
Absorption experimentsUsing sponges, paper towels, and coloured water, children explored which materials absorb the most liquid and which don’t. They were fascinated to see how quickly colours moved across a paper towel or how some objects stayed completely dry.
Mixing coloursWith water, food dye and clear cups, children experimented with primary colours and watched as they magically transformed into secondary colours. The excitement of predicting “what will happen if I mix blue and yellow?” and then seeing green appear was priceless.
Simple chemical reactionsWith safe, age-appropriate activities like mixing vinegar and baking soda, children could see and hear the fizzing reaction. It sparked laughter, surprise, and plenty of “Let’s try it again!” moments.
Observation walksScience isn’t always about experiments indoors. We also encouraged children to explore the natural world outside. They looked closely at leaves, soil, insects and flowers, learning to observe patterns, shapes and textures.
These activities weren’t about creating perfect results; they were about encouraging children to ask, “Why did that happen?” and “What might happen next time?”
If you want to know more about our curriculum, program and the special weeks we celebrate, explore our website or book a tour to see it all for yourself. There’s always something exciting happening at Aspire!
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Daylight Savings can be a bit tricky (not just for us grown-ups), but also for babies, toddlers and children aged 4–6. That one-hour shift can really throw off their sleep, meals and moods.
In Victoria, Daylight Savings in 2025 starts on Sunday, 5 October (clock goes forward 1 hour at 2:00 AM) and ends on Sunday, 6 April (clock goes back 1 hour at 3:00 AM). The good news? With a little planning and consistency, your child can adjust smoothly and you can avoid the chaos of bedtime battles and cranky mornings.
Why Daylight Savings can be tough
Everyone has an internal body clock, also called a circadian rhythm, but for little ones, these rhythms are still developing and can be even more sensitive than in adults. Their body clocks tell them when it’s time to sleep, eat and play. A sudden shift, like Daylight Saving, can lead to:
Early wake-ups
Trouble falling asleep at night
Short or skipped naps
Extra fussiness
Even though it’s just one hour, it can feel like a big deal for little ones.
How to make Daylight Savings easier for your child
For parents, the key to a smooth Daylight Savings transition is consistency. Children thrive on predictable routines, and maintaining these during Daylight Savings can make the adjustment much easier. You can start gradually one or two weeks before Daylight Savings and continue adjustments up to a week after if needed.
1. Keep routines predictable
Children feel secure when bedtime rituals stay the same. That might look like:
Bath time
A story or two
Soft music or lullabies
Feeding or cuddles
Keep the order the same each night. Even when the clocks change, it tells them it’s time to sleep.
2. Gentle 2-day adjustman plan
A gentle approach is to shift routines every 2 days by 10–15 minutes. This gives children time to adjust without feeling overwhelmed. Gradual adjustments can start one or two weeks before Daylight Savings and continue up to a week after if needed. This works well for babies, toddlers, and children up to 6 years old.
3. Maintain nap times
Try to keep naps roughly the same interval after waking rather than by the clock.
This keeps their body clock on track and prevents overtiredness.
4. Keep meals on a steady schedule
Meals also help regulate their body clock. Shift breakfast lunch, and snacks gradually with the bedtime changes.
Small steps work best, like moving breakfast 10–15 minutes earlier every couple of days.
5. Use light to your advantage
Morning: After Daylight Savings starts, mornings can be darker again, but opening the curtains or turning on indoor lights for a few minutes helps reset their body clock.
Evening: Even though it stays light later, closing the curtains and keeping indoor lights soft creates a darker, calmer environment that signals it’s time to start winding down for bed.
6. Be Patient & Flexible
Some kids adjust in a couple of days, others take a week. Extra cuddles, reassurance and keeping the routine as consistent as possible is the secret.
A practical schedule
We’ve put together a simple schedule to help with your child’s adjustment. There are two ways you can use it:
Option 1: Start about 10 days before daylight savings and make small changes every 2 days.
Option 2: Start about 5 days before and continue adjusting for a few days after daylight savings begins.
Both approaches work, it just depends on what suits your family best.
Option 1Option 2BedtimeWake-upBreakfastLunchNap(s)Notes10–9 days before DS 5-6 days before DS10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlierTwo consecutive days of this shift8–7 daysbefore DS3-4 days before DS10–15 min earlier again10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlierRepeat two days6–5 days before DS1-2 days before DS10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlierTwo consecutive days4–3 daysbefore DSDay 0-1 of DS10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlierTwo consecutive days2–1 days before DSDay 2-3 of DS 10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlier10–15 min earlierFinal 2-day adjustmentDS day (5 Oct)Day 4-5 of DS New bedtime (1 hour earlier than original)New wake-up (1 hour earlier)New breakfast timeNew lunch timeNew nap scheduleKeep routines consistent, use morning light, calm evening
If your child struggles a bit, it’s totally normal. You can continue this gentle schedule for a few days after Daylight Savings until everyone feels settled.
Did you know
Some families naturally adjust their child’s bedtime with the seasons and don’t make any changes when daylight savings starts.
In winter, it can feel nice to have children tucked into bed a little earlier and starting the day a bit earlier too. In summer, families often enjoy keeping little ones up and spending more time outside and letting them sleep in a little more.
For these families, the daylight savings shift often blends in without much fuss, their children are already in a seasonal rhythm, so the change isn’t really noticeable. And that works perfectly well too!
The good news is that daylight savings doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you follow the seasons or use a gentle adjustment plan, consistency is what matters most. Predictable sleep, nap and meal routines give children a sense of security, help their body clocks stay on track, and make life easier for parents too.
On September 3rd, we came together to celebrate Early Childhood Educators’ Day! This special day honours the incredible educators who are the backbone of Aspire and early learning communities everywhere. They play a vital role in children’s first steps of learning - sparking creativity, growing confidence, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning with their care, passion, and dedication.
Here’s a look at how our Aspire centres celebrated their amazing educators on this special day.
Heartful Gifts and Delicious Food
Many of our centres celebrated the day by showering our incredible educators with thoughtful gifts and delicious food. It was a chance to show our appreciation for the dedication and passion they bring into every child’s learning journey.
Our educators received some beautifully wrapped presents and thoughtful gifts which included food, homewares, and self-care delights. They also shared some savoury and delicious sweet treats, which created lots of joy, appreciation and full stomachs across our centres! Take a look at some of the wonderful spreads and thoughtful gifts below.
Special Activities and Pamper Fun
As part of the celebrations, many of our educators were also treated to a little well-deserved pampering. From having their nails painted to enjoying relaxing beauty treatments and soothing massages, the day was filled with moments of care and appreciation. These thoughtful experiences gave our educators the chance to unwind and feel truly valued for the incredible work they do every day.
Special Messages to our Educators
Some of our Aspire centres also set up a space for eachother to write heartfelt messages. Taking a moment to reflect on their role, many wrote about the joy of watching children grow, the pride they feel in being part of their learning journey, and the strong bonds built with families and colleagues.
Aspire’s Head office team also got involved and wrote special messages to our educators on the office wall. Although they may not work at a centre level, our support team recognises the important work of our educators and the passion they bring to their jobs every day.
To all our wonderful educators, thank you for everything you do. You inspire, empower, and make a difference in the lives of families and the community.
Start by booking a tour or contacting our team on 1800 978 429. During your tour, you’ll meet with our Centre Manager and explore the childcare centre. If you choose to enrol, our team will guide you through the enrolment process, followed by a Stay & Play orientation before your child’s first day.
When you arrive, our Centre Manager will greet you and show you through our indoor and outdoor environments. You’ll learn more about our programs and extracurricular activities, while having the opportunity to ask any questions about your child’s care and education.
As every family’s circumstances and funding entitlements are different, contact our team for a personalised quote based on your individual circumstances and eligibility.
Victorian Government funded kindergarten is currently under assessment.
We ask families to bring a water bottle, hat, spare change of clothes, comfort item (toy or blanket) if required, and formula. Please pack your child’s belongings in a bag and ensure all items, including the bag, are clearly labelled with your child’s name.
We provide nutritious meals, nappies and wipes for your child throughout the day.
Aspire keeps families connected through regular updates, learning journals and our parent communication app, Storypark. Educators share insights into your child’s learning, development, wellbeing and daily experiences, so you can stay up to date with their progress.
Vacancies can vary throughout the year. Contact our team for the latest availability and waitlist information, and we’ll help you understand your options for enrolling your child at Aspire.
Lucas childcare first opened in November 2025, welcoming families into our early learning community. Since opening, we’ve continued to bring families together through special events, celebrations and family-focused activities, while building strong connections with the local community.
Join our next information session or open day to see our spaces and speak with educators.
See why thousands of families trust Aspire for their child’s early learning journey.
