Family Choice Award
Winner 2026
Guardian Childcare Howlong
5.0 on Google
Child Safe
Meeting NQS
Family Award Winner
Care that goes beyond the expected
A safe and nurturing start for your baby
Where curiosity becomes confidence
Ready for school and prepared for life
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No commitment, just come and see
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Have a question? Get in touch
93 Hawkins Street, Howlong NSW 2643
Convenient for families in Howlong, Barnawartha and Rutherglen
Mon to Fri, 6:30am to 6:00pm
Spaces available now across rooms
6 weeks to 6 years
Why Guardian
Everything you'd expect from great childcare, and more
The basics, done well
Safe, secure environments with strict supervision ratios
Qualified, caring educators who know your child by name
Play-based learning aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework
Healthy meals prepared fresh on site every day
Beyond the basics Only at Guardian
Our exclusive learning program creates a personalised pathway for every child, capturing milestones and making the connection between play and learning visible through regular portfolio updates.
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Additional safety protocols, regular audits, comprehensive staff training, and a culture where child safety is everyone's responsibility. We set a higher bar because your child's safety isn't somewhere we cut corners.
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Every meal cooked fresh on-site by our chef using seasonal, nutritionist-designed menus. We cater for allergies and fussy eaters — gently building a positive relationship with food that lasts.
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Our government-funded two-year preschool program prepares children aged 3–5 for school — not just academically, but socially and emotionally. Children leave Guardian ready to thrive.
Learn more ›Your caring team with experience to match
Rachelle
Centre Manager
To educate the whole child, his heart and his will must be reached, as well as the mind.
I'm looking for care for my...
Your child's second home
Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make and the team at Guardian Howlong is ready to support and reassure you. Our centre was purpose-built for early learning, so the rooms and the yard were shaped around what children actually do all day. We hold to something simple. Every child belongs here, whatever their abilities, interests or the culture they come from.
Come and meet our Centre Manager Rachelle and the team. You’ll feel the difference.
A nurturing start
Your baby’s first days away from home are a big step, for both of you. Guardian Howlong welcomes babies from six weeks, and settling happens at your baby’s pace, with familiar educators who come to know what a tired cry sounds like and how your little one likes to be held. Learning starts here too, in songs, in faces they know, in the first taste of something new.
Come and meet our Centre Manager Rachelle and the team. You’ll feel the difference.
Where curiosity thrives
Toddlers do their best thinking on the move. At Guardian Howlong there’s a wide run of grass to go flat out on and water to pour and splash. On the bike track a wobbly first push turns into something a toddler can do by themselves. Much of the day is theirs to steer, which way, who with, one more go, and that is where confidence and early friendships grow.
Come and meet our Centre Manager Rachelle and the team. You’ll feel the difference.
Building confidence for life
The year before school arrives quickly, and your child feels it coming. At Guardian Howlong the art room is where that growing up shows, an idea started on Monday still being worked on by Friday, patience and pride arriving with it. In the vegetable garden, preschool children plant something and come back to see what changed. School readiness looks a lot like that, willing to wait, willing to have a go.
Come and meet our Centre Manager Rachelle and the team. You’ll feel the difference.
What your child's day looks like here
Every day has a gentle rhythm, offering the security of routine with the excitement of discovery.
Welcome & morning feed
A warm greeting from their primary educator, who already knows your baby's cues. We'll follow your home routine. Whether that's bottle or breastmilk, a particular way of settling, or just a quiet cuddle to start the day.
Sensory exploration
Tummy time, textured play, music and gentle movement, all tailored to your baby's developmental stage. Sensory baskets, water play and natural materials support them to explore cause and effect at their own pace.
Rest time
Your baby's sleep routine comes with them. Educators follow individual cues and your settling preferences, whether that's a pat, a rock or their favourite comforter. We never override your rhythm.
Outdoor time
Fresh air in our safe outdoor spaces. Babies crawl on soft grass, feel different textures and watch the world go by.
Updates throughout the day
You'll get photo updates on the app so you can see how they're going. We know it's hard being apart, and we want you to feel connected.
Arrival & breakfast
A friendly welcome at the door. Toddlers settle into their day by choosing their first activity: building, drawing, or exploring whatever catches their eye. Breakfast is self-serve, an early step towards independence.
Morning adventures
Play-based learning guided by their curiosity: messy art, water play, building, storytelling. Our educators extend their interests into meaningful learning moments.
Lunch together
A Chef-prepared, nutritionist-designed meal eaten family-style. Toddlers pour their own water, serve themselves, and are gently encouraged to try new foods and enjoy mealtimes together.
Rest & quiet time
A wind-down with stories and soft music. Some children sleep, others enjoy quiet activities. We respect every child's rhythm.
Afternoon exploration
Outdoor play in our natural play spaces, afternoon tea, and creative projects. You'll get a photo update so you know how their day has been.
Morning welcome
Children arrive and choose their first activity: construction, drawing, the reading corner, or setting up a group project. Breakfast is available for those who want it.
Focused learning
Structured small-group sessions covering early literacy, numeracy, and creative arts through our Flying Start to School program. Every activity is intentional, and progress is tracked in individual school-readiness portfolios you can review anytime.
Outdoor discovery
Outdoor play with natural equipment and room to move. Preschoolers take safe risks, negotiate with friends, and develop physical confidence.
Lunch & rest
A family-style meal where children serve themselves and practise social skills. Rest time includes quiet activities, stories, and relaxation for those who need it.
Afternoon projects
Collaborative projects, art, music, and outdoor play. Children practise the skills that matter most on day one of school: concentration, cooperation, taking turns, and the confidence to try new things.
We know starting childcare is a big step
Starting somewhere new is a big step, for your child and for you. Here's how we make it easier for both of you.
Orientation visit Before your child's first day, you'll both visit the centre together. Your child gets to explore the room, meet their educators, and start getting familiar while you're right there.
Shorter first days We start with shorter sessions and gradually build up. There's no pressure to rush. Every child settles at their own pace.
A dedicated primary educator Your child is paired with one educator who becomes their go-to person: for comfort, for play, and for those wobbly moments at drop-off.
Photo updates when you need them If your child has a tough morning, their educator will send you a photo once they've settled. You'll see the smile yourself.
Leaving your baby for the first time is hard. We see it every day, and we never take it lightly. Here's how we make the transition as gentle as possible.
Meet your baby's primary educator Before day one, you'll meet the educator who will be your baby's go-to person. We'll learn your baby's feeding schedule, sleep cues, and comfort preferences.
Stay as long as you need Your first visits are together. You'll feed and settle your baby in the nursery while they get used to the sights, sounds, and smells of their new environment.
Gradual separation Short periods apart, building slowly. We follow your baby's lead. If they need more time, we take more time. There's no rushing this.
Constant connection You'll get photo and video updates throughout the day via the Storypark app. When your baby settles after a tough drop-off, we'll send you that smile so you can breathe.
Toddlers can be unpredictable at drop-off: clingy one day, sprinting in the next. That's completely normal. Here's how we support them (and you) through it.
Orientation visit together Your toddler explores the room, tries the toys, and meets their educators while you're right there. Familiar faces on day one make all the difference.
Consistent routines from day one We'll follow a rhythm your toddler can predict: meals, play, rest. Predictability builds security, especially in a new environment.
A go-to educator One educator becomes their safe person, the one they run to, the one who knows their favourite book and how they like to be comforted.
Drop-off support If mornings are tough, their educator will be at the door. A quick, confident goodbye works best, and we'll send you a photo once they've settled.
Starting preschool is exciting but can also be overwhelming: new friends, new routines, new expectations. Here's how we ease the transition.
Orientation and buddy system Your child visits before their first day and is paired with a “buddy”, a child who already knows the ropes and can show them around.
Choice and independence Preschoolers settle faster when they feel in control. From day one, they choose their own activities, their seat at the table, and their first project.
Building friendships Our educators actively connect children. They pair children with similar interests, set up small-group projects, and teach social skills like sharing and negotiating.
School readiness check-ins Regular updates on how your child is progressing toward school readiness: socially, emotionally, and academically. You'll know exactly where they stand.
What families say about us
★★★★★
We’ve been engaged with the service for four years now, and we absolutely love it! The educators are phenomenal, their thought and care shines through in their relationships with children and families, their experiences provided for the children and their engagement in community! My children thoroughly enjoy their ongoing opportunities and we’re very excited to have them further extend this into their school transitions commencing at the end of this year with the support of their preschool program. Guardian Howlong is a key member of our village as a family in a small town, we’ve been very fortunate to have such a consistent and caring team. Rachelle is forever going above and beyond to support our family, along with Jo as their preschool teacher continually working with our family to best support our children leading into the school years and Jess as our morning safe person.
Google Review
★★★★★
My daughter absolutely loves going here! The staff (nursery team), are so caring and create a fun, safe and supportive environment. She especially adores Larnii, and I must admit me too.. Her warm and caring personality, she’s always going out of her way to making her feel comfortable and happy! It’s so reassuring to know she’s in great hands everyday - couldn’t recommend this place more!!!
Google Review
Recognised by our families and our community
What's included every day
Hat, wetbag and sunscreen
5 meals per day
All incursions and excursions
Nappies and wipes
Storypark parenting app
Long day care hours year round
Frequently asked
We welcome children from 6 weeks to 6 years across four rooms: Nursery (6 weeks to 18 months), Toddlers (18 months to 2.5 years), Preschool (2.5 to 3.5 years), and Preschool (3.5 to 6 years). Each room is staffed by dedicated educators who specialise in that age group.
Daily fees are $164 per day before Child Care Subsidy. Most families pay between $39–$70 per day after CCS.
Your actual cost depends on your family income and activity level. All fees are inclusive, with no extra charges for meals, nappies, excursions, or learning programs.
All educators hold current Working With Children Checks, are first aid certified, and complete regular child protection training. The centre has secure entry/exit systems, and we maintain educator-to-child ratios that meet or exceed national requirements. We're part of Guardian's Safety+ program with additional safety protocols.
All meals and snacks are included in the daily fee and prepared fresh on-site by our Chef using our Nutrition for Life program. We cater for allergies, intolerances, and cultural dietary requirements. Menus rotate seasonally and are designed by nutritionists.
A tour is the best way to know if a centre is right for your family, and it's nothing like a sales pitch. You'll spend 20 to 30 minutes walking through the rooms, watching how educators interact with children, and getting a feel for the environment. You'll meet Centre Manager Rachelle and ask anything you like. Most families tell us they knew within five minutes. There's no commitment, no paperwork, and no pressure. Just a chance to see the centre in action.
Yes. We offer the government-funded two-year Flying Start to School preschool program for children aged 3 to 5. This program prepares children for school in a play-based learning environment, led by qualified early childhood Teachers.
Come and see for yourself
Meet Centre Manager Rachelle and the team. See the spaces. Ask anything. No commitment, just a chance to see if we're right for your family.
Book a Tour
Just have a question? Send us an enquiry
or call
13 82 30
