The incidents took place at the Goodstart Early Learning Centre in McIvor Road late last year.

State manager Victoria Sharon Whiteman did not say what happened and the staff member is still employed. 

But the mother of a girl involved in one incident said her daughter had been left shaken.

“I was given the impression there was physical contact made,” she said.

“They said that it was verbal and physical.

“They did say she got grabbed by the arm.”

The mother, who asked not to be named, said her daughter had been hurt. 

“She told me the staff member had hurt her,” she said.

“She only three so she’s not hugely verbal.

“I asked if something yucky had happened and she said the staff member had hurt her.”

The mother said management had kept her informed after the incident.

“I took my child out of there immediately,” she said.

“It’s completely out of the realm of appropriate behaviour.

“It’s absolutely shocking and terrible.

“I have never raised a hand to my children.

“I believe it’s not an effective way of communicating with children.

“Violence is not an appropriate way to deal with a toddler.”

Ms Whiteman said the staff member had used poor techniques and a spokeswoman would not elaborate. 

“Goodstart conducted an investigation into a report that a staff member at our Bendigo centre used poor behaviour guidance techniques with two children last year,” Ms Whiteman said.

“The staff member was stood down while the incident was investigated.

“The investigation found that the methods used to guide behaviour were not up to the professional standards expected at Goodstart Early Learning and the staff member was counselled.

“Goodstart is working closely with the staff member and all staff at our Bendigo centre to provide additional training around best practice early learning and care and fostering a positive environment where the safety and wellbeing of children is at the centre of everything we do."

Authorities were alerted.