Vintage classroom with chairs arranged in a circle, a piano, and wall decorations.

The how behind

the community…

Scatter of blue, abstract shapes on a white background.

Did you know we’ve been a part of Surrey Hills for over 90 years?

It’s True

We’ve enjoyed an almost 100 year history educating the young minds of the community. Can you even imagine how many people we’ve encountered? Or how many young families we’ve connected with? We surely can’t…

We have a rich history that dates back to the 1930s, all thanks to the wonderful folks at Surrey Hills Baptist Church! In 1990, they expanded their vision by purchasing the adjoining property to create a welcoming daycare environment.

Even when the church closed its doors in 2004, the community's passion for the Centre stayed strong. The members were determined to ensure that SHBELC continued to serve the local families, and now it proudly operates under the Baptist Union of Victoria (BUV) banner. We are dedicated to providing quality early learning and inclusivity for all!

Purple abstract shapes pattern
Black and white image of a church steeple with a cross against a clear sky
Scattered yellow oval shapes on a white background

We’re a registered not-for-profit with a governing board

We are a registered charity with the ACNC making us a rare early education centre with a not-for-profit status. To ensure accountability and sound governance we have a highly qualified board overseeing our operation ensuring the best operating standards are met.

Since 2014, SHBELC moved away from a parent-based volunteer committee to a skills-based committee formed with membership comprising of Staff of the BUV and the Centre Manager to be an invited member. The Committee of Management meets at least quarterly each year. Meeting agendas, minutes and the constitution are available upon request.

Abstract pattern of scattered orange pebble shapes on a white background.

Our Board Members

Alicia, Education Manager

Glenice

Invitee

Mel

Member

Glenice, the Centre Director

Simon

Treasurur

Debbie

Secretary

Sue, Business Manager

The Team Leading the Way

Red teardrop shapes scattered randomly on a white background.

Jo-Anne

Chair

This team we are especially proud of, they have a combined total of 120 years between them in educational leadership. We presume that makes them one of the most highly qualified early educational leadership teams in Victoria!

Scattered purple pebble shapes on a white background.

Your Leadership team

A Leadership Team, comprising of the Centre Manager, Business Manager, Educational Leader and a staff representative from both the Early Years Program and the Extended Hours Kindergarten Program contribute to and manage the daily operations of the Centre, implementing strategies and procedures to ensure SHBELC achieves its mission.

Scattered yellow abstract shapes on a white background

Glenice

Centre Manager

Kim, Finance Manager

Sue

Business

Karen, Community Connections

Alicia

Education

Kim

Finance

Heather, Staff Rep

Karen

Community

Heather

Staff Representitive

An Advisory Committee made up of staff and parents is involved in operational matters of the Centre and review and develop policies. Leadership is supported by Project Groups such as – Room and Group Representatives, Sustainability, Grants, CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) and Social Activities.

Red watermelon seeds pattern on white background

Discover more

Meet the rest of your children’s educators

Landscape with snowy mountains in the background and a modern building on a grassy hill in the foreground.

Why do we do what we do?

Scenic view of turquoise lake surrounded by mountains and grassy hills under a cloudy sky.

Enrol Your Child

We would love to hear from you!

If you are wanting to enrol your child at Surrey Hills Baptist Early Learning Centre we invite you to book a tour to see our facilities and meet the Educators.