Finding the best day care center for your child is an important decision for any parent. Melbourne offers a diverse range of childcare options to suit different needs, whether you’re looking for a nurturing environment for your toddler, educational programs for your preschooler, or after-school care for older kids. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compiled a guide to the 7 best day care centers in Melbourne. These facilities stand out for their exceptional services, commitment to child development, and family-friendly environments. Below is a quick overview of the common services and factors to consider when choosing a day care center:
7
Number of companies
247
Verified reviews
4,69
Average rating
1. Little Assets Early Learning Centre
★
★
★
★
★
4,9/5
Level 3, Tower 4, 18/38 Siddeley St, 3005, Melbourne
- Day care center
- Kindergarten
- Learning center
Why we chose them
Little Assets Early Learning Centre is a standout provider of early childhood education, offering a nurturing and engaging environment inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Conveniently located in Melbourne’s CBD, this family-owned center emphasizes holistic development through thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces that incorporate natural elements. With programs tailored to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, the center provides exceptional care and education, fostering physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth through play-based activities. A dedicated team of passionate educators ensures that every child receives personalized attention in a safe and stimulating setting.
The center is renowned for its family-oriented approach, integrating input from parents to create seasonal, nutritionist-developed menus that prioritize health and taste. Unique offerings such as foreign language programs, outdoor play, and a focus on preparing children for primary school make it a trusted choice for parents. Accessibility is a key feature, with its location near public transport and a dedicated drop-off zone enhancing convenience for families. Known for its warm atmosphere and innovative curriculum, the center has become a cherished space where children thrive, learn, and build meaningful friendships.
2. Childrens Garden Kindercare
★
★
★
★
★
4,9/5
45 Ferrars Pl, 3206, South Melbourne
- Day care center
Why we chose them
Childrens Garden Kindercare offers a unique childcare and kindergarten experience inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy, emphasizing love, warmth, and wisdom in early childhood education. This long day care center provides a nurturing environment where children aged 12 months to 6 years can flourish through consistent rhythms and nature-based programs such as Bush Kinder. By fostering a secure sense of personal well-being, confidence, empathy, and a love for learning, the center equips children with a strong foundation for their future development.
Committed to creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere, the center adheres to strict child safety standards and values diversity, ensuring a culturally and emotionally supportive environment for all children, including those with disabilities or from diverse backgrounds. The dedicated and professional team works passionately to meet the evolving needs of every child, offering extended hours to accommodate families. This exceptional approach to early education makes it a standout choice for parents seeking an alternative, holistic childcare experience.
3. Kids on Collins Nursery and Early Education
★
★
★
★
★
4,4/5
Level 4/544-546 Collins St, 3000, Melbourne
- Day care center
Why we chose them
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Kids on Collins Nursery and Early Education stands out as a pioneer in high-quality early childhood care and education. Established in 1996, this not-for-profit center offers a nurturing, inclusive, and innovative environment for children aged six weeks to six years. With a strong focus on educational excellence, their tailored programs include Infant Care, Toddler Programs, and Kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds, all designed to foster curiosity, confidence, and developmental growth. A highlight of their facilities is the “Gardens in the Sky,” a rooftop playground that provides a unique outdoor learning space in a bustling urban setting. The center also offers daily nutritious meals and comprehensive care supplies, ensuring every child’s needs are met throughout the day.
Designed to support working families, the center operates extended hours and provides a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Multilingual staff, speaking 12 languages, create an inclusive environment that respects cultural diversity. Children enjoy enriching weekly activities, such as music programs and creative group projects, promoting both academic and social skills. Led by a passionate team of educators and leaders, the center emphasizes strong partnerships with families, inviting them to be actively involved in their child’s learning journey. With a history of innovation and a commitment to excellence, the center has become a trusted choice for families seeking exceptional childcare in Melbourne’s CBD.
4. Goodstart Early Learning Melbourne
★
★
★
★
★
4,6/5
211 La Trobe St, 3000, Melbourne
- Day care center
- Education center
- Kindergarten
- Learning center
Why we chose them
Goodstart Early Learning Melbourne provides a nurturing and educational environment for children from six weeks to school age, offering services such as day care, kindergarten, and early learning programs. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, the center is easily accessible and designed to accommodate the needs of busy families. Its highly qualified staff implement play-based learning programs tailored to children’s interests, needs, and parental input, fostering critical skills like creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. The center also features a state-approved kindergarten program led by a full-time qualified teacher to prepare children for school.
The center prides itself on creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive atmosphere for families and children. Its spacious and age-appropriate learning environments, both indoors and outdoors, encourage hands-on exploration and sensory learning. Dedicated educators form close relationships with children to support their development and maintain clear communication with families through tools like the Storypark app. With a focus on cultural inclusion and community engagement, the center ensures a safe, enriching, and joyful experience for every child in its care.
5. Guardian Childcare & Education
★
★
★
★
★
4,7/5
97/101 Tope St, 3205, South Melbourne
- Day care center
- Educational institution
- Learning center
Why we chose them
Guardian Childcare & Education South Melbourne stands out as a premier early learning center, offering a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged six weeks to six years. Located just three kilometers south of Melbourne CBD, this light-filled and recently refurbished facility focuses on play-based learning, fostering creativity, curiosity, and boldness in young learners. The center boasts expansive outdoor play spaces, including a sandpit, bike track, and veggie garden, alongside engaging indoor learning areas equipped with high-quality educational resources. Supported by degree-qualified teachers and experienced educators, it provides specialized programs like the two-year kindergarten curriculum, STEM activities, cooking experiences, and sustainability initiatives, ensuring children are well-prepared for their transition to primary school.
Families are welcomed into a vibrant and inclusive community, where dedicated staff prioritize personalized care and education. The center’s unique Visible Learning Program and family communication app keep parents connected to their child’s progress, fostering transparency and collaboration. Additionally, nutritious meals prepared by an on-site chef promote children’s health and encourage exploration of cultural diversity. With extended weekday hours and comprehensive services like nappies, sunscreen, and bed linen included, the center offers convenience and peace of mind. Its commitment to excellence, strong community connections, and enriching excursions make it a trusted choice for families in South Melbourne and nearby suburbs.
6. Kids Club Child Care
★
★
★
★
★
4,9/5
477 Collins St, 3000, Melbourne
- Day care center
Why we chose them
Kids Club Child Care Collins St Centre is a premier day care facility located in the heart of Melbourne’s metro area. Renowned for its custom, award-winning playscapes and high-quality educational environments, the centre offers care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. With a play-based curriculum rooted in the Early Years Learning Framework, it fosters lifelong learning and development through engaging activities and nurturing relationships. Families benefit from the convenience of undercover parking and easy access to public transport, making drop-offs and pick-ups seamless regardless of the weather. The centre is celebrated for its inclusive approach, providing everything children need for comfort and growth, from nutritious meals prepared by an onsite chef to free extracurricular activities like language, music, and sports classes.
Setting a benchmark in early education, the centre includes the Free Kindy Kids Club Kindergarten Program, approved by the Victorian State Government to prepare preschoolers for school. Designed by experienced educators, this program emphasizes emotional development, personal identity, and well-being. Each age-specific room is thoughtfully crafted to support children’s developmental needs, offering calm nursery spaces, inspiring toddler environments, and a school readiness program for preschoolers. The centre’s dedication to excellence is reflected in its “Exceeding” rating in National Quality Standards and its award-winning construction. Parents praise the nurturing staff, real-time app updates, and the engaging atmosphere, which collectively make it a trusted choice for families in Melbourne.
7. Guardian Childcare & Education
★
★
★
★
★
4,4/5
Level 9/84 Flinders Ln, 3000, Melbourne
- Day care center
- Educational institution
- Learning center
Why we chose them
Guardian Childcare & Education Collins Street stands out as a premier childcare provider located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Catering to children from six weeks to six years old, the center offers a nurturing and resource-rich environment designed to spark curiosity and foster development. Its unique features include simulated outdoor spaces, vibrant gardens, a treehouse, and multiple water play areas, all of which encourage exploration and learning. The center’s in-house chef prepares fresh, nutritionally balanced meals daily, and children participate in hands-on cooking classes to deepen their understanding of nutrition. Families benefit from extended care hours, professional educators, and a curriculum enriched with programs like STEM, sustainability, and language learning, ensuring children are well-prepared for their transition to primary school.
Known for its emphasis on community engagement, the center organizes regular excursions to iconic Melbourne landmarks such as the National Gallery of Victoria and Federation Square, providing children with opportunities to connect with their surroundings. The center also prioritizes communication with families through the StoryPark app, offering updates on each child’s activities and progress. With a dedicated team of multicultural educators fluent in various languages and a focus on fostering confidence, independence, and self-awareness, this daycare and educational institution exemplifies excellence in early childhood care and learning. By integrating play-based learning with structured developmental programs, it provides an inspiring and inclusive space where children thrive both academically and socially.
