Sustainability opportunities for early learning centres

There are dedicated programs, events and other resources to help early learning centres embed sustainability practices into their operations.

These programs assist services to meet the National Quality Standard 3.3 - "The service takes an active role in caring for its environment and contribution to a sustainable future." 

In addition, many of the sustainable transport, waste, energy and water resources developed for schools are also useful for early learning centres.

Resource smart - early childhood

CERES run a program to help early childhood services embed sustainability in everything they do.

For more information contact Deanne Jones, CERES Resource Smart Early Childhood Coordinator, phone 9389 0133 or visit The Sustainability Hub CERES.

Little Sprouts program

Little Sprouts is a sustainability program developed for the specific needs of children, educators and families of early learning and child care in Melbourne.

The program helps to embed sustainability and environmental education into centre practices in a fun and engaging way.

Program activities link to the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standards for Early Childhood Education and Care.

The program offers creative, science-based early learning incursions for children to explore, appreciate, and actively participate in caring for their environment.

The program was piloted in 2015 with six Goodstart Early Learning Centres with support from Council's Community Grants initiative. 

To book an incursion, or find out more about how the Program can support your centre, visit the Little Sprouts Program website, email Little Sprouts or phone 9999 2025.