Born and raised in Malaysia, Mel embarked on her career as an educator in 2012, and joined Little Scholars in 2018, dedicating herself to creating a positive and impactful learning environment for young children.
With extensive hands-on experience, she’s advanced from lead educator to assistant manager, and now serves as campus manager of Little Scholars George Street.
“In each of these roles, I have consistently embraced a holistic approach to early childhood education, ensuring that children are nurtured, valued, and recognised as capable learners.
Melissa believes families are the most important part of a collaborative partnership with the aim of giving children the best early education possible, but she also believes that leading and creating a supportive and empowering environment for her educators and staff allows Little Scholars George Street to uphold the highest standards of early childhood education.
Melissa started at this campus as a student trainee. Fourteen years on, she leads it — and in between she's been an educator, led the nursery, and served as Assistant Campus Manager. If you tour George Street, she's the one showing you around, and there isn't a corner of the campus she doesn't know.
Melissa has spent 14 years in the early childhood education and care sector — every one of them at this campus. Plenty of people in early education move around; she grew up professionally in the same building, which means the children, families, team and local community at George Street aren't a job to her. They're 14 years of relationships.
Begins at the George Street campus as a student trainee.
Qualifies and joins the team as an educator, then steps up to lead the nursery.
Officially joins Little Scholars when the organisation takes over the campus.
Moves into leadership, supporting educators and families across the campus.
Campus Manager of Little Scholars George Street, in the heart of the Brisbane CBD.
Ask Melissa and she won't start with the building. She'll start with the community: a genuinely inclusive campus where the team takes time to understand every family's individual circumstances, so each one feels welcomed, connected and supported from day one.
Then there's the location. Being in the CBD means the children's learning regularly leaves the building — the campus runs a unique Urban Kinder program of excursions and real engagement with the Brisbane city community.
"We want every parent — especially those navigating childcare for the first time or returning to work in the city — to feel confident that their child will be known, supported and genuinely cared for from their very first day."Melissa Ong
In its 2024 Assessment and Rating, George Street achieved an Exceeding National Quality Standard rating. For Melissa, the result reflected the collective effort, dedication and passion of the whole team — and recognised the campus's commitment to an environment where every child and family feels welcomed, respected and supported.
Melissa's day runs from mentoring educators and overseeing daily operations to compliance, safety and the educational program. But a big part of her role is simpler than any of that: being available to families. Here's how she answers the questions that come up on almost every tour.
Starting childcare is a big transition for children and parents alike, particularly first-time parents. The team takes an individual approach — learning each child's routines, interests, comfort items and preferred ways of being soothed. Families are encouraged to attend orientation visits before their child starts, and educators work with them to build a settling process that suits their child, with regular updates so parents can head back to work feeling confident.
Families want familiar educators their child can build secure, trusting relationships with. Melissa introduces every family to the educators in their child's room and explains how the campus supports consistency, professional development and strong teamwork. She's proud of the experienced educators on her team — and as someone who's been at this campus since 2012, she's living proof that people stay.
Absolutely, always. Breastfeeding mothers are welcome to visit the campus and feed their child — especially helpful for mums working nearby in the city who want to keep breastfeeding after returning to work. The team works with each family to understand their child's feeding routine and makes visits as comfortable and manageable as possible.
The CBD location gives the children access to community learning most campuses can only read about. Urban Kinder outings regularly visit:
The campus also takes part in Brisbane CBD community events and commemorations, including NAIDOC Week and Anzac Day — experiences that help the children build a sense of belonging and a real connection to the diverse community around them.
She supports a lot of first-time parents and city workers through the return to work, and she'd rather answer your questions face to face. Book a tour of George Street and bring the whole list.
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
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Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
"*" indicates required fields
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