Mernda Childcare Campus Overview
Only About Children Mernda is a purpose-built campus, providing high quality early learning and care for 108 nursery, toddler and kinder aged children in the local community.
The beautiful indoor and outdoor environments are abundant in natural educational resources and designed to encourage play-based learning for every child’s developmental stage and individual curiosities. OAC Mernda is also home to some adorable pet chickens and a loveable turtle. We enjoy excursions to the local council offices for art exhibitions; local schools for school readiness events & bush kinder at our Mernda community garden. Plus, we have annual visits from an elder who delivers a smoking ceremony with the children and team.
Conveniently located near public transport, local schools and with on-site parking, the campus provides easy accessibility for families.
Why Choose Our Mernda Childcare Centre?
- All-inclusive nutrition and care: A dietitian-designed seasonal menu with fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily on-site by our dedicated campus cooks, supporting your child’s health and wellbeing. Plus, our daily app diary updates, nappies, formula, bedding, sunscreen and more.
- Play-Based Grow Curriculum: Our innovative Grow Curriculum supports Nursery, Toddler and Preschool children through intentional teaching in small groups, with ongoing monitoring of each child’s progress.
- Occasional Care: OAC Flexi offers parents and guardians flexible, short-notice care in full-day or part-day sessions for children ages 12 weeks to 5 years.
At Only About Children Mernda, we offer More Than Childcare. Our unique approach to early years learning goes beyond education to encompass the health, social development and wellbeing of every child in our care. We call it The OAC Way.
Our Mernda Learning Spaces
We are located at 2 Wellington St, Mernda 3754. Conveniently located near public transport, local schools and with on-site parking, the campus provides easy accessibility for families.
Interested in learning more? The best place to start is with a tour or call today us on 138 622.
Mernda Nursery (6 weeks – 2 years)
At Only About Children Mernda, our passionate educators nurture curiosity, confidence and early learning for infants aged 6 weeks to 2 years. Our safe, stimulating environment combines structured routines with nurturing care and play.
Our Mernda Nursery Program includes:
- Age-appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments.
- Sleeping rooms with a focus on positive sleep practices.
- Dietitian-designed baby menus with daily meals and snacks.
- All baby essentials provided, including nappies, cots, linen, and sunscreen.
- Balanced structured and unstructured play-based learning through the Grow curriculum
Download the Only About Children Nursery Room Guide to learn more.
Mernda Toddler (2-3 years)
Our Only About Children Mernda, our toddler rooms provide a calm ,welcoming space that balances play, exploration, and learning. Passionate educators deliver play-based learning activities that support growth, problem solving, creativity and peer interaction.
Our Mernda Toddler program includes:
- Safe age appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments.
- Balanced structured and unstructured play-based learning through the Grow curriculum
- Small group learning activities.
- Dietitian-designed menus with daily meals and snacks.
- Calm sleeping and resting rooms.
Download the Only About Children Toddler Room Guide to learn more.
Mernda Kindergarten (3-5 years)
At Only About Children Mernda, our kindergarten program is designed to give children aged 3-5 the strongest start to school. Led by qualified early childhood teachers, we focus on building school-ready skills through a balance of structured learning and play. Our Mernda kindergarten is part of the Victorian Government Free Kinder program, plus recognised with the Kinder Tick.
What’s Included in Our Mernda Kindergarten program:
- A play-based Grow curriculum covering literacy, STEM, sustainability, art, and music
- Individual learning and development plans with regular progress check-ins
- School-ready structure with core learning hours from 9am–3pm
- Long daycare hours for added flexibility and social growth
- Fully aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS).
- Health and Social Development support in preparation for school, including free Vision Screening
Download the Only About Children Kindergarten Room Guide to explore how we support your child’s school transition.
Helpful Information
Meet Our Campus Team
Karla Luo
Campus Director
Karla brings nine years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including more than six years at our Mernda campus. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor in Management, and is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that support every child’s growth and development.
Karla believes all children have the right to access high-quality education in a safe, nurturing environment that embraces their curiosity. She values the important role families and educators play together in each child’s learning journey and is committed to fostering strong, respectful partnerships within the Mernda community.
As a multilingual educator who speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and is currently learning Auslan, Karla brings a rich cultural perspective to her leadership. She has built close connections with the local community and takes pride in supporting educators to grow, thrive and feel confident in their practice.
Outside of work, Karla enjoys staying active and exploring new places. She loves reformer yoga, visiting local markets, going on road trips and travelling overseas.
Karla is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn and where families feel supported every step of the way.
Karla Luo
Campus Director
Karla brings nine years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including more than six years at our Mernda campus. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor in Management, and is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that support every child’s growth and development.
Karla believes all children have the right to access high-quality education in a safe, nurturing environment that embraces their curiosity. She values the important role families and educators play together in each child’s learning journey and is committed to fostering strong, respectful partnerships within the Mernda community.
As a multilingual educator who speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and is currently learning Auslan, Karla brings a rich cultural perspective to her leadership. She has built close connections with the local community and takes pride in supporting educators to grow, thrive and feel confident in their practice.
Outside of work, Karla enjoys staying active and exploring new places. She loves reformer yoga, visiting local markets, going on road trips and travelling overseas.
Karla is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn and where families feel supported every step of the way.
Karla brings nine years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including more than six years at our Mernda campus. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor in Management, and is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that support every child’s growth and development.
Karla believes all children have the right to access high-quality education in a safe, nurturing environment that embraces their curiosity. She values the important role families and educators play together in each child’s learning journey and is committed to fostering strong, respectful partnerships within the Mernda community.
As a multilingual educator who speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and is currently learning Auslan, Karla brings a rich cultural perspective to her leadership. She has built close connections with the local community and takes pride in supporting educators to grow, thrive and feel confident in their practice.
Outside of work, Karla enjoys staying active and exploring new places. She loves reformer yoga, visiting local markets, going on road trips and travelling overseas.
Karla is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn and where families feel supported every step of the way.
Sophie Trovato
Educational Leader
Sophie has been working in early childhood education for 14 years. Her journey began after many years supporting neurodivergent children, where she discovered a deep passion for early learning and wanted to expand her impact in a new way.
With a Diploma of Early Childhood and a strong belief in the Reggio Emilia approach, Sophie champions creativity, self-expression and child-led learning. As Educational Leader at Only About Children Mernda, she finds great joy in mentoring her team and helping others achieve success in their own careers.
Sophie is a proud mum to two beautiful girls and loves planning family adventures and holidays in her spare time.
Sophie Trovato
Educational Leader
Sophie has been working in early childhood education for 14 years. Her journey began after many years supporting neurodivergent children, where she discovered a deep passion for early learning and wanted to expand her impact in a new way.
With a Diploma of Early Childhood and a strong belief in the Reggio Emilia approach, Sophie champions creativity, self-expression and child-led learning. As Educational Leader at Only About Children Mernda, she finds great joy in mentoring her team and helping others achieve success in their own careers.
Sophie is a proud mum to two beautiful girls and loves planning family adventures and holidays in her spare time.
Sophie has been working in early childhood education for 14 years. Her journey began after many years supporting neurodivergent children, where she discovered a deep passion for early learning and wanted to expand her impact in a new way.
With a Diploma of Early Childhood and a strong belief in the Reggio Emilia approach, Sophie champions creativity, self-expression and child-led learning. As Educational Leader at Only About Children Mernda, she finds great joy in mentoring her team and helping others achieve success in their own careers.
Sophie is a proud mum to two beautiful girls and loves planning family adventures and holidays in her spare time.
Sharmila
3 Year Old Kinder Teacher
Meet Sharmila, our wonderful teacher who brightens every classroom she enters. As a loving mother of two, she balances her family life with grace and dedication. Her warmth and kindness make her not just an educator but also a friend to her students.
Sharmila has a unique charm – she loves to sleep, dance, and listen to music whenever she gets the chance. These simple pleasures recharge her energy and keep her spirit lively. One fun little quirk about her is that she can’t cut straight! Whether it’s paper or fabric, her cuts always have a playful curve, which makes every craft activity with her amusing and memorable.
Sharmila’s positivity is infectious. She approaches every challenge with a smile and encourages everyone around her to do the same. Her optimistic outlook inspires her students to believe in themselves and strive for their best.
In every way, Sharmila is more than just a teacher – she is a beacon of love, joy, and encouragement. We are truly lucky to have such a positive influence guiding us every day.
Sharmila
3 Year Old Kinder Teacher
Meet Sharmila, our wonderful teacher who brightens every classroom she enters. As a loving mother of two, she balances her family life with grace and dedication. Her warmth and kindness make her not just an educator but also a friend to her students.
Sharmila has a unique charm – she loves to sleep, dance, and listen to music whenever she gets the chance. These simple pleasures recharge her energy and keep her spirit lively. One fun little quirk about her is that she can’t cut straight! Whether it’s paper or fabric, her cuts always have a playful curve, which makes every craft activity with her amusing and memorable.
Sharmila’s positivity is infectious. She approaches every challenge with a smile and encourages everyone around her to do the same. Her optimistic outlook inspires her students to believe in themselves and strive for their best.
In every way, Sharmila is more than just a teacher – she is a beacon of love, joy, and encouragement. We are truly lucky to have such a positive influence guiding us every day.
Meet Sharmila, our wonderful teacher who brightens every classroom she enters. As a loving mother of two, she balances her family life with grace and dedication. Her warmth and kindness make her not just an educator but also a friend to her students.
Sharmila has a unique charm – she loves to sleep, dance, and listen to music whenever she gets the chance. These simple pleasures recharge her energy and keep her spirit lively. One fun little quirk about her is that she can’t cut straight! Whether it’s paper or fabric, her cuts always have a playful curve, which makes every craft activity with her amusing and memorable.
Sharmila’s positivity is infectious. She approaches every challenge with a smile and encourages everyone around her to do the same. Her optimistic outlook inspires her students to believe in themselves and strive for their best.
In every way, Sharmila is more than just a teacher – she is a beacon of love, joy, and encouragement. We are truly lucky to have such a positive influence guiding us every day.
Chiranthi
4 Year Old Kinder Teacher
Meet Chiranthi our 4 year old kinder teacher with over 20 years of teaching.
Meet Chiranthi, our lovely teacher who brightens every classroom with her warmth and kindness. She has a passion for teaching that inspires all her students to learn and grow. Beyond the classroom, Chiranthi loves to travel, always eager to explore new places and experience different cultures. Her stories from various journeys captivate everyone around her, sparking curiosity and adventure.
Chiranthi is also a proud mother of two beautiful daughters, whom she adores and supports in everything they do. Family means the world to her, and she treasures the moments spent together. When she’s not teaching or traveling, she enjoys listening to music, finding joy in different melodies that lift her spirit.
Additionally, shopping is one of her favourite pastimes. Whether it’s searching for unique items or picking out gifts for loved ones, Chiranthi approaches it with enthusiasm and a keen eye for style. Her love for music, travel, family, and shopping truly makes her a well-rounded and inspiring person. We are lucky to have such a wonderful teacher like Chiranthi in our lives!
Chiranthi
4 Year Old Kinder Teacher
Meet Chiranthi our 4 year old kinder teacher with over 20 years of teaching.
Meet Chiranthi, our lovely teacher who brightens every classroom with her warmth and kindness. She has a passion for teaching that inspires all her students to learn and grow. Beyond the classroom, Chiranthi loves to travel, always eager to explore new places and experience different cultures. Her stories from various journeys captivate everyone around her, sparking curiosity and adventure.
Chiranthi is also a proud mother of two beautiful daughters, whom she adores and supports in everything they do. Family means the world to her, and she treasures the moments spent together. When she’s not teaching or traveling, she enjoys listening to music, finding joy in different melodies that lift her spirit.
Additionally, shopping is one of her favourite pastimes. Whether it’s searching for unique items or picking out gifts for loved ones, Chiranthi approaches it with enthusiasm and a keen eye for style. Her love for music, travel, family, and shopping truly makes her a well-rounded and inspiring person. We are lucky to have such a wonderful teacher like Chiranthi in our lives!
Meet Chiranthi our 4 year old kinder teacher with over 20 years of teaching.
Meet Chiranthi, our lovely teacher who brightens every classroom with her warmth and kindness. She has a passion for teaching that inspires all her students to learn and grow. Beyond the classroom, Chiranthi loves to travel, always eager to explore new places and experience different cultures. Her stories from various journeys captivate everyone around her, sparking curiosity and adventure.
Chiranthi is also a proud mother of two beautiful daughters, whom she adores and supports in everything they do. Family means the world to her, and she treasures the moments spent together. When she’s not teaching or traveling, she enjoys listening to music, finding joy in different melodies that lift her spirit.
Additionally, shopping is one of her favourite pastimes. Whether it’s searching for unique items or picking out gifts for loved ones, Chiranthi approaches it with enthusiasm and a keen eye for style. Her love for music, travel, family, and shopping truly makes her a well-rounded and inspiring person. We are lucky to have such a wonderful teacher like Chiranthi in our lives!
Kolena
4 Year Old Assistant
Meet Kolena, a lovely educator whose passion for teaching shines as brightly as her love for animals. She believes in nurturing not only minds but also hearts, fostering kindness and curiosity in every student she meets. Kolena is deeply committed to sustainability, often sharing creative ways to care for our planet with her eager learners.
When she’s not in the classroom, Kolena can be found camping under the stars, embracing adventures that bring her closer to nature. Her kind and caring spirit makes her a cherished friend on every journey. She’s also a big fan of snacking but you won’t find her reaching for junk food. Instead, she delights in fresh fruits and vegetables, celebrating their vibrant flavours and health benefits.
Despite her many interests, Kolena has one funny quirk: she can’t stand the feeling of chalk! Yet, even this little dislike never dims her fun-loving personality or her dedication to creating joyful learning experiences. With Kolena around, every day feels like an exciting adventure full of discovery, kindness, and a little touch of magic.
Kolena
4 Year Old Assistant
Meet Kolena, a lovely educator whose passion for teaching shines as brightly as her love for animals. She believes in nurturing not only minds but also hearts, fostering kindness and curiosity in every student she meets. Kolena is deeply committed to sustainability, often sharing creative ways to care for our planet with her eager learners.
When she’s not in the classroom, Kolena can be found camping under the stars, embracing adventures that bring her closer to nature. Her kind and caring spirit makes her a cherished friend on every journey. She’s also a big fan of snacking but you won’t find her reaching for junk food. Instead, she delights in fresh fruits and vegetables, celebrating their vibrant flavours and health benefits.
Despite her many interests, Kolena has one funny quirk: she can’t stand the feeling of chalk! Yet, even this little dislike never dims her fun-loving personality or her dedication to creating joyful learning experiences. With Kolena around, every day feels like an exciting adventure full of discovery, kindness, and a little touch of magic.
Meet Kolena, a lovely educator whose passion for teaching shines as brightly as her love for animals. She believes in nurturing not only minds but also hearts, fostering kindness and curiosity in every student she meets. Kolena is deeply committed to sustainability, often sharing creative ways to care for our planet with her eager learners.
When she’s not in the classroom, Kolena can be found camping under the stars, embracing adventures that bring her closer to nature. Her kind and caring spirit makes her a cherished friend on every journey. She’s also a big fan of snacking but you won’t find her reaching for junk food. Instead, she delights in fresh fruits and vegetables, celebrating their vibrant flavours and health benefits.
Despite her many interests, Kolena has one funny quirk: she can’t stand the feeling of chalk! Yet, even this little dislike never dims her fun-loving personality or her dedication to creating joyful learning experiences. With Kolena around, every day feels like an exciting adventure full of discovery, kindness, and a little touch of magic.
Gallery
Contact Us
- Open hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am – 6:30pm
- Phone: 138 622
- 2 Wellington St, Mernda 3754, VIC
Important Information
Under these standards, childcare services are assessed and rated against the seven quality areas, 18 standards, and 58 elements that make up the NQS. Click here to see a summary table of the NQS quality areas, standards, and elements.
Meet our Campus Director
Karla Luo
Karla brings nine years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including more than six years at our Mernda campus. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor in Management, and is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that support every child’s growth and development.
Karla believes all children have the right to access high-quality education in a safe, nurturing environment that embraces their curiosity. She values the important role families and educators play together in each child’s learning journey and is committed to fostering strong, respectful partnerships within the Mernda community.
As a multilingual educator who speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and is currently learning Auslan, Karla brings a rich cultural perspective to her leadership. She has built close connections with the local community and takes pride in supporting educators to grow, thrive and feel confident in their practice.
Outside of work, Karla enjoys staying active and exploring new places. She loves reformer yoga, visiting local markets, going on road trips and travelling overseas.
Karla is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn and where families feel supported every step of the way.
Karla brings nine years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including more than six years at our Mernda campus. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor in Management, and is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that support every child’s growth and development.
Karla believes all children have the right to access high-quality education in a safe, nurturing environment that embraces their curiosity. She values the important role families and educators play together in each child’s learning journey and is committed to fostering strong, respectful partnerships within the Mernda community.
As a multilingual educator who speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and is currently learning Auslan, Karla brings a rich cultural perspective to her leadership. She has built close connections with the local community and takes pride in supporting educators to grow, thrive and feel confident in their practice.
Outside of work, Karla enjoys staying active and exploring new places. She loves reformer yoga, visiting local markets, going on road trips and travelling overseas.
Karla is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn and where families feel supported every step of the way.
Karla Luo
Campus Director
Karla brings nine years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including more than six years at our Mernda campus. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor in Management, and is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that support every child’s growth and development.
Karla believes all children have the right to access high-quality education in a safe, nurturing environment that embraces their curiosity. She values the important role families and educators play together in each child’s learning journey and is committed to fostering strong, respectful partnerships within the Mernda community.
As a multilingual educator who speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and is currently learning Auslan, Karla brings a rich cultural perspective to her leadership. She has built close connections with the local community and takes pride in supporting educators to grow, thrive and feel confident in their practice.
Outside of work, Karla enjoys staying active and exploring new places. She loves reformer yoga, visiting local markets, going on road trips and travelling overseas.
Karla is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn and where families feel supported every step of the way.
Here’s what our families have to say
News and Views
Celebrating Harmony Week at OAC Mernda
Children at OAC Mernda celebrated Harmony Week by exploring diversity, inclusion and belonging through storytelling, conversations and creative activities.
Kinder Children at OAC Mernda Explore Gardening and Seed Planting
Our OAC Mernda community came together for International Picnic Day, enjoying a fun-filled afternoon of connection, conversation and belonging.