Welcome to The University of Melbourne's Early Learning Centre and Boorai - The Children's Art Gallery

The ELC is the research and demonstration early childhood facility attached to the Melbourne Graduate School of Education at The University of Melbourne. It provides long-day preschool program for approximately 150 three and four year old children from the surrounding community and the University. It operates for 48 weeks per year, and is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

The ELC’s program is designed and implemented by degree qualified early childhood educators who are supported by qualified assistant teachers. Children are grouped into five Home Rooms where children, families and teachers form a community of learners.

The University of Melbourne supports the ELC on the understanding that it provides research and demonstration facilities and actively contributes to the teaching and research profile of the University.

The primary functions of the Centre are to:

• serve as an active centre for research, curriculum innovation and teacher training
• demonstrate exemplary models for teaching and learning that meet the needs of children, families, pre-service teachers and academics
• demonstrate a responsive curriculum that meets the needs of all children and families
• provide an appropriate environment for observation and participation by early childhood professionals
• provide professional development programs for early childhood professionals
• provide through Boorai - The Children’s Art Gallery, a permanent venue in which to study and appreciate the thoughts and perceptions of children as expressed through their art
• advocate for early childhood education through research, seminars, consultations and media reports.

 The ELC is fully accredited and exceeds all federal and state regulations.