Are you a new parent living in Melbourne, in the Australian state of Victoria? If this is the case, you might be wondering where the most reputable early learning centre does seem to be where you can enroll your child in.
There is a wide variety of excellent centres to choose from; however, we have compiled a list of the top five based on our investigation of various aspects, including facilities, educational programming, and feedback from parents.
Check out our suggestions, and then decide why these facilities are superior to the others in the field.
Ultimate List of Early Learning Centres Melbourne
Oakleigh Grammar - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
(03) 9569 6128
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | Yes |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | K - 12 |
| Co-Education | Co- Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | 900 |
| School Fees | Low
Link To School Fee Page: |
Through the years, Oakleigh Grammar has continued to reflect the shifting demographics of the neighbourhoods surrounding it by welcoming and celebrating multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusiveness.
In the following timeline, several significant dates, landmarks, and moments in Oakleigh Grammar's history are presented that led to the school's current level of success. We will take a trip down memory lane, and we hope you will join us.
Oakleigh Grammar is one of the best private Christian schools in Melbourne's southeast. It provides an exceptional education to students of both sexes, beginning with early childhood classes and continuing through the senior year.
Our mission is to cultivate resilient lifelong learners, responsible global citisens, and minds of young people to achieve their full potential.
Learning at OG
- Early Learning Centre
- Junior School
- Middle School
- Senior School
- Learning Enhancement
- The Arrowsmith Program
- Co-Curricular
- Greek Language Centre
Life at OG
- Wellbeing
- Leadership
- Careers guidance
- Out of hours care
- Holiday care
- Book Lists
- Uniform
- Secondhand Shop
Why OG?
Our dedicated teaching staff works together and welcomes opportunities for professional development to maintain our educational programs' position at the cutting edge of modern education.
Small class sizes and additional teaching support ensure that every child's educational needs are met by providing additional challenges for those who are talented and additional support for those who struggle in certain subject areas.
Our institution makes it a priority to get to know each student personally and places the utmost value on the health and well-being of its pupils. Diversity is cherished, and inclusion is actively encouraged within Oakleigh Grammar's Christian-infused community, which is intentionally multiethnic and celebrates differences.
The strong sense of belonging to the Oakleigh Grammar School community that we instil in our students is a collective effort.
Journey Early Learning Centre Melbourne
(03) 9005 4650
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 1 to 5 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | N/A |
Life is but a Journey...
There are exotic places to visit and interesting things to do.
From Kathmandu to Timbuktu, or even just a simple outing to the zoo to feed the elephants But before you embark on the major journey of your life, you need to ensure that you are well-equipped to take pleasure in all of its splendour.
You have the world waiting for you, and it is made up of many different things. We have no idea how it will all play out, but we know where it all begins. Journey. Where everything first starts
Learning Environments
- Nursery Room Age 0-2
- Toddler Room Age 2-3
- Pre Kinder Room Age 3-4
- Kinder Room Age 4-5
Programs & Curriculum
- Funded Kindergarten Program
- Community Program
- Child Nutrition | Wholesome Child
Astra Early Learning Centre Melbourne
03 9646 6140
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 3 to 5 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | N/A |
Please make yourself at home in the Astra Early Learning Centre. Our work can be found in the picturesque beachside community of Port Melbourne.
A kindergarten teacher with years of experience and multiple credentials which has a deep understanding of the care and education requirements of young children is the proud owner of Astra Early Learning.
Because of this, we approach things differently.
We think that having a tour of the facility, getting to know the staff, and asking many questions is the best way for you and your family to select the appropriate early learning centre or kindergarten for your children.
Facilities
- Informed & Relevant Learning Programs
- Our Rooms
- Nutrition
Kindergarten and Preschool Program
- ACCREDITED KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
- 2 Years Funded Kinder Program
Early Learning Centres FAQs
Number of Services
During the March quarter of 2020, 13,370 approved child care services operated in Australia. There were 8,266 Centre Based Day Care services (61.8 per cent of all services) and 4,608 Outside School Hours Care services (34.5 per cent).
29.5 per cent of infants and toddlers attend home-based child care as their primary arrangement.
Types of Child Care
- Family Child Care Homes. In family child care homes, providers care for small groups of children in a residential building.
- Child Care Centers.
- Preschool Programs.
- School-Age Programs.
- Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care.
Children learn to care and respect when they are treated that way. When our children feel loved, they also become attached to us. That attachment makes them more receptive to our values and teaching. Children learn ethical values and behaviour by watching our actions and the actions of other adults they respect.
A child care philosophy is a statement of your centre's goals, beliefs and values about the nature of child development, the role of child care, and the methods and goals of education. As a set of principles guiding your centre, it is broad, covering every aspect of child care.
Malvern Early Learning and Childcare Centre Melbourne
9509 0739
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 0 to 4 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | N/A |
The Malvern Early Learning and Childcare Centre is a service run by the local community and combines long daycare with early education. We place the children and the families of those children at the centre of everything we do. Our organisation is run by educators and is managed by parents.
Because of this, we make it a priority to hire only the most qualified individuals and keep the student-to-teacher ratio as low as possible. Because the centre is not run for profit, all of the collected money is invested in further developing both the educational and recreational opportunities available to your child.
Our daycare is open from 7:30 in the morning until 6 in the evening, and our programs include those for infants, toddlers, three-year-olds, and four-year-olds.
Programs
- Toddler Room
- 3-Year-Old Kinder
- 4-Year-Old Kinder
Why choose MELCC?
Caring for children in Malvern/Armadale since 1975
- Small, homely environment
- Caters for a total of 35 children from babies (6 weeks) to Kindergarten
- Onsite kitchen with in-house cook providing fresh and nutritious meals and snacks
- Long daycare with minimal closures
- Nappies included
A creative, fun, intimate and caring environment
- Child-led play-based philosophy
- Natural play areas
- Separate play areas for babies and older children
- Regular communication to parents with photos through Storypark so that special moments are recorded
Educational quality that exceeds national standards
- Quality and tenure of Educators
- Funded 4-year-old Kinder program
We value and nurture long term family relationships with siblings, cousins & friends!
- A family co-operative
- The diverse and close-knit community centre
- Community-run centre that is not for profit
- Opportunity for parents to participate in many ways, including through the committee
Camberwell Junction - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
(03) 9882 8744
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 3 to 5 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | 60 |
| School Fees | Medium
Link To School Fee Page: |
We at Camberwell Junction Early Learning Centre are well aware of the significance of the first few years of your child's life.
We are a privately owned and registered daycare and childcare centre that offers early learning and kindergarten education programs accredited for children ranging in age from 0 to 5 years old.
We keep your child active and engaged from the time they are very young by placing a strong emphasis on learning and providing individualised care.
Personal Care And Attention For Your Child
To ensure that the specific requirements of each child are met with the utmost attention, the capacity of our childcare centre is capped at sixty kids.
We can provide the individualised care and attention that every child requires thanks to our facility's three children's rooms, our highly trained educators, and our additional room staff.
This is true regardless of whether the child's needs are related to their development, their routines, their nutrition, or anything else.
We make it a point to get to know each family and do everything in our power to cater to the individual requirements of each household.
Great Start - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
03 5023 2888
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 1 to 5 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | Medium
Link To School Fee Page: https://greatstartelc.com.au/enrolments/fees-and-government-subsidies/ |
In the early years of life, important building blocks for future health, learning, and general well-being are established.
We are dedicated to providing a curriculum of the highest quality for children in their early years to achieve our goal of educational excellence for all children.
Through the application of our knowledge and experience of how children learn and develop through play, our pedagogy fosters school readiness as well as the achievement of learning outcomes.
Learning
- Family Participation & Communication
- Learning at Great Start Early Learning Centres
- Educational Programs and Curriculum
- QK Journeys Curriculum Portal
- Our Teaching Frameworks
- Reggio Emilia Approach
- National Quality Framework
- Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
Why Choose Us?
- Educational Programs & Reggio Emilia Approach
- High Standards & Quality
- Professional, Experienced and Qualified Educators
- Fun and Safe Environment
- Flexible Hours: Maximise Your Child Care Subsidy
Brighton Street - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
brightonstreetearlylearning.com.au
03 8414 9988
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 0 to 5 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | N/A |
The indoor and outdoor spaces at Brighton Street Early Learning, designed by architects, provide the ideal setting for children to interact socially and engage in activities such as exploring, discovering, creating, and imagining with their peers.
The three large outdoor areas at our facility were designed by some of the industry's leading early childhood landscape architects, and each of the indoor spaces was created with a child's perspective in mind.
Nutrition
We ensure that the children who attend Brighton Street Early Learning have access to nutritious meals prepared right here on-site in our kitchen.
Our menu is updated regularly, and we are confident that we can satisfy even the pickiest of children.
Philosophy & Curriculum
- Philosophy
- Curriculum
Alpha - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
(03) 9429 1488
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 0 to 5 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | N/A |
Families in the City of Yarra and the surrounding suburbs can take advantage of the long daycare and kindergarten programs that are provided by Alpha, which is a community-based child care service.
The centre is located in a convenient area close to the central business district of Melbourne, offers reasonable rates for its services, and is staffed by highly qualified and experienced educators.
Alpha Early Learning Centre Offers Families:
- Spacious playgrounds
- Music, dance and other health and wellbeing programs
- Family atmosphere and established partnerships with families and the community
- Parent resource library
- Nutritional home-cooked meals with a multicultural food menu
- Computer education
- Transition to school for kindergarten children
- Parenting program and education
- Counselling support for parents
Incursions And Excursions
- Special visits, including Indigenous Aborigines
- Puppet theatre, music groups, animal farm
- Life Cycle Program
Hawthorn Early Years - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
(03) 9819 2326
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 0 to 6 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | 155 |
| School Fees | Medium
Link To School Fee Page: |
Hawthorn Early Years Inc. is a community-based organisation that operates on a not-for-profit basis and gives local families access to an extensive selection of outstanding educational programs for their children, ages four months to six years.
At HEY, we understand how important it is to provide a stimulating and comforting atmosphere for the children in our care, encouraging them to develop their full potential and become self-reliant students.
We believe that by forming meaningful partnerships with families and teachers, we can foster an environment that is welcoming to all children, one that recognises the value of diversity and that encourages a sense of belonging.
Our Service Providers
- Long Day Care for children aged four months to 6 years old
- Three and 4-year-old kindergarten with Masters's or Bachelor trained teachers leading the Educational Program.
- Bachelor trained teachers within our junior classrooms.
- Seasonal Menus approved by Nutrition Australia
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, with fruit and vegetable snacks available throughout the day (our 4-year-old kindergarten groups bring their lunch)
- Quality teaching teams supported by two full-time Educational Leaders
- Educational Programs catering to the individual learning needs of children
- Individual learning and progress updates via our online communication tool, Educa
- Support and advice for children requiring early intervention or additional support
- Specialist programs including Kitchen Garden / Sustainability, Music, Mental Wellness & Fundamental Movement
Gillys - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
9525 9150
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 0 to 3 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | N/A |
Within the context of Jewish tradition, the primary objective of our organisation is to provide young people with a solid basis for life by fostering their development through participation in a wide variety of enriching and comprehensive programs.
Exceeding National Standards
Our award-winning centre and educators combine all the best aspects of quality care to provide children with a home away from home. We have received the coveted designation of "Exceeding National Standards" in all seven of the National Quality Standards' Quality Areas, making us the only facility in the country to have done so.
FROEBEL - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
+61 (2) 80800065
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 0 to 5 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | N/A |
FROEBEL Australia Limited is an authorised provider of early childhood education and care services for children ranging from six months to five years old. The organisation operates on a not-for-profit basis.
It is a branch of the charitable organisation FROBEL e.V., headquartered in Berlin and was established in 1990. The organisation runs nurseries, kindergartens, and after-school care programs all over Germany.
About FROEBEL
FROEBEL is a small, non-profit organisation that provides bilingual early education and care services in a boutique setting. We provide this for your child.
- excellence in early childhood education & care,
- a unique bilingual early learning approach,
- child-led, inquiry-based learning programs.
Shinetime Childcare - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
elwoodchildcarecentershinetime.com.au
[03] 8528 7604
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 0 to 8 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | N/A |
At Shinetime, we’re for children.
When we looked into childcare centres, we discovered a significant void in the market. The facility that we have created as a result is an entire, all-encompassing learning centre that is constantly evolving and engaging at its very best.
Inspiring Programs & Your Child
- Children are engaging individuals
- At Shinetime Early Learning, we focus on the needs and wants of the children …
- Where to get assistance/advice
- Our centre staff are happy to advise on the rebates scheme and other additional matters needed.
- Getting started
- We are here to help in the next steps …for you and your child…
- Enquire now
- Please apply online through the website, Port Phillip Council or by Phone to discuss a tour of the Center.
- Transitioning rooms
- When your child is ‘Ready ‘, we are here to help you along the way….
- Early Learning Programming
- The Programming we use is Engaging and evolving using the National Framework.
Nido Early School - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
(03) 8566 7259
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 0 to 5 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | Medium
Link To School Fee Page: |
When you walk through the front door at Nido, you'll be greeted by a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We are committed to providing children as young as six weeks old until they reach the age of school with wonderful opportunities to create, explore, discover, and grow.
Our approach to early education and childcare is distinctive and was influenced by the pedagogical principles of the Reggio Emilia approach.
We would be more than happy to respond to any inquiries that you might have, and we would be excited to provide you with a guided tour of our Early School to demonstrate the services that we provide.
- High-quality educational programs, with every Early School having a Curriculum Leader to coach and mentor
- Passionate, sector leading degree-qualified teachers, with all Educators being diploma-qualified or holding a Cert III
- Architecturally designed indoor and outdoor spaces
- Unique atelier art workshops not found anywhere else in Australia.
- Delicious wholefood menus developed exclusively for us by Nourished Beginnings, with all meals prepared in our on-site Cucina (kitchens)
- Full government rebate.
Green Leaves - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
03 9428 3113
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 0 to 6 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | N/A |
We are an educational service that is committed to becoming citisens of change, so we are actively involved in the community where we work and have developed professional partnerships that are both long term and professional.
Because of our dedication to bringing about positive changes in the environment, we have integrated sustainability projects into both our academic and operational practices.
Our children have a lot of fun helping our chef harvest our fruit and vegetables so that they can use them in the meals and snacks that he prepares for them.
The Green Leaves Difference
The educational opportunities offered at Green Leaves Early Learning centres to go above and beyond the norms of conventional early childhood education. When you walk through our doors for the first time, you will immediately be able to tell the difference for yourself.
You will;
- See our beautifully designed spacious learning hubs.
- Hear the exciting exploratory play.
- Smell the homestyle cooking prepared by our Chef.
- Taste the complimentary baked treats and coffee and
- Feel the nurturing and sense of community.
Little Lane - Early Learning Centre Melbourne
03 8849 9243
| Early Learning Centre | Yes |
| Primary School | Yes |
| High School | No |
| Boarding School | No |
| Course Range | Years 0 to 6 |
| Co-Education | Co-Education |
| Estimated No. of Students | N/A |
| School Fees | Medium
Link To School Fee Page: |
We are long daycare, Kindergarten, and early learning centre that is owned and operated by a family. We serve children ages 0 to 6 years old and provide high-quality care and educational opportunities.
Our one-of-a-kind and one-of-a-kind building feature large classrooms flooded with natural light and have direct access to the outdoor learning areas. In addition, there is a purpose-built art studio, a dance and music room, and a children's library located within the building.
Our environments and specialised early learning programs have been thoughtfully crafted to promote children's exploration of the world around them, as well as to instil a sense of awe and wonder in them.
This, in turn, will encourage children to engage in ongoing inquiry and a lifelong love of learning, which they will be able to carry with them throughout the entirety of their educational experience.