North Star Mernda (opening late 2025)
A welcoming space for learning, laughter and growth
Opening in late 2025, our upcoming 102-place childcare centre at 625 Bridge Inn Road, Mernda, is set in a highly convenient location directly opposite Mernda Train Station and Woolworths at Mernda Town Centre. Designed to meet the needs of modern families, this purpose-built facility will offer an exceptional early learning environment, delivering world-class education in the heart of one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing communities.
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Strategically positioned in the heart of Mernda’s thriving town centre, our upcoming childcare centre at 625 Bridge Inn Road has been thoughtfully designed to support the needs of local families. Located directly opposite Mernda Train Station and Woolworths Mernda Town Centre, the centre offers a secure and convenient drop-off and pickup experience, with ample off-street parking and seamless access to everyday amenities and public transport.
Opening in late 2025, this purpose-built, architecturally designed facility will cater to 102 children, from 6 weeks to 5 years of age, and will offer Victorian Government-funded 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten programs led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers.
Inside, families will find expansive, light-filled spaces designed to inspire learning and connection. The centre includes dedicated library areas and reading nooks, large internal piazza-style communal spaces, and a parents’ retreat room for quiet moments or flexible working. Each age group will enjoy their own thoughtfully designed room, while outdoors, natural, spacious play areas will invite exploration, creativity, and physical development.
With a strong commitment to high-quality early education, family engagement, and community connection, we look forward to becoming a trusted part of the Mernda community and supporting the educational journey of every child in our care.
Tailored Learning Spaces
At North Star Early Education, we’ve named each of our rooms after Nordic animals, symbols of strength, curiosity, and wisdom, to reflect the unique journey of development that takes place at every stage of early childhood. These animals are thoughtfully chosen to represent the qualities and characteristics we see in children as they grow and learn. From the gentle beginnings in the Owl Room to the confident steps toward school in the Bear Room, each space is designed to nurture, inspire, and guide children through their early learning journey with care and intention.
Owl Room
Nursery | 6 Weeks – 1 Year
At North Star Early Education, the Owl Room welcomes our youngest learners into a nurturing and secure environment that supports their earliest developmental stages. Named after the wise and gentle owl, this room reflects calm and care, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
Inspired by the Finnish early education model, our approach focuses on holistic growth through play-based learning, responsive caregiving, and meaningful relationships. Our educators build strong, trusting bonds with each child, supporting individual routines for feeding, rest, and play to create a true sense of belonging.
With its warm, homely feel, the Owl Room is a ‘home away from home’ where emotional security and curiosity are nurtured. Through the FinlandWay® curriculum, we promote early communication, physical development, and social awareness in a calm and caring space.
Eagle Room
Toddlers | 1 – 2 Years
The Eagle Room supports our curious toddlers through an exciting phase of exploration and independence. Just like the eagle, children in this room are beginning to spread their wings, gaining confidence and developing new skills each day.
Designed for children aged 1 to 2 years, this space promotes independence, language development, and social connection through guided play. Educators support the development of self-help skills, introduce early literacy and numeracy, and offer activities that enhance physical coordination.
This is also where our in-house programs begin, including sports, sustainability, and yoga for emotional regulation, providing a well-rounded approach to learning and wellbeing. The FinlandWay® curriculum supports toddlers in building resilience, creativity, and self-expression.
Reindeer Room
Junior Kindy | 2 – 3 Years
In the Reindeer Room, children continue to develop their independence and begin preparing for the next stage of their learning journey. Like the reindeer—steadfast and social—our children are growing in confidence, navigating friendships, and refining their communication skills.
This stage introduces more complex learning experiences through the investigations program, which is shared with the Pre-Kindergarten. With access to a shared outdoor yard, children enjoy open-ended play and collaborative learning.
Educators promote self-help skills, expanded vocabulary, problem-solving, and emotional regulation through imaginative play, sensory activities, and physical movement. The FinlandWay® curriculum guides this development, ensuring each child is supported as they strengthen their social, cognitive, and physical foundations.
Moose Room
Pre-Kindergarten | 3 – 4 Years
Our Moose Room offers a rich and engaging environment designed for children preparing to transition into more structured learning. Just as the moose represents quiet strength and readiness, children in this room are gaining the tools they need for a confident move into formal education.
Led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher, the program blends child-led learning with intentional teaching. The room includes a large, shared outdoor space with a sandpit, climbing equipment, and a herb and vegetable garden—encouraging connection with nature and hands-on discovery.
With added incursions and excursions, children engage with their community and deepen their learning. The FinlandWay® curriculum supports literacy, numeracy, social-emotional development, and problem-solving, giving each child a strong foundation for school.
Bear Room
Kindergarten | 4 – 5 Years
The Bear Room is our government-funded 4-Year-Old Kindergarten program, led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and supported by a passionate team of educators. Like the bear, children in this room are curious, capable, and ready for the journey ahead.
This final stage focuses on school readiness, independence, and self-confidence. Children are encouraged to communicate their ideas, regulate their emotions, and engage in more structured group activities, all while continuing to learn through play.
With a strong emphasis on language, collaboration, and personal responsibility, the Bear Room is where key developmental milestones are consolidated. Supported by the FinlandWay® curriculum, the program prepares children for a seamless transition to school with the knowledge, resilience, and confidence they need to thrive.
What’s included
Induction Process
We understand that starting at a new childcare centre is a significant transition for both children and parents. Our induction process is designed to make this transition as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s how it works:
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our induction process further, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Explore our centre
Our premium learning spaces are designed following Nordic guidelines, with lots of space for exploration, learning and wholesome well-being.
We are loved by families
We’ve attended many centres, but North Star is worlds apart. Our 2-year-old is happy every day, and they truly nurture each child’s individuality. We’ve even waitlisted our unborn baby!
Thank you Connagh & Jaspreet for having Varis. It’s such a relief knowing that Varis is having such a lovely teachers.
So glad she has settled in perfectly.
Thank you I am so so glad she is back into childcare and making friends ❤️.
My daughter has become a strong character and she expresses her opinions.
Want to know more about North Star?
Let’s talk! We’d love to tell you more about our childcare centre.
