Guardian Childcare & Education Croydon Park

  • Keeping children safe always comes first. All of our team are committed to uphold the highest standards of child safety. Read more about our approach to child safety.
  • From the most nurturing nursery room to our leading two-year preschool program – we are the leading centre in the area for the first five years of your child’s development
  • Come and meet our long-standing, passionate team who will make you and your child feel welcome and part of our fantastic community from day one
  • You need to come and see why local families just like yours say our amazing centre feels like a home away from home for their children who have fun every single day. Be a part of it.

Book a tour today to see what makes our Centre special & have all your questions answered

HOURS

Mon to Fri 6:30am to 6:30pm

ADDRESS

346 Torrens Rd Croydon Park, SA, 5008

SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS

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Check out our fantastic indoor and outdoor learning spaces your child will enjoy

Welcome to our Centre

At Guardian Croydon Park, you’ll find more than just a daycare; you’ll discover a genuine community. Our passionate, long-standing team offers exceptional care in a nurturing environment, from our welcoming nursery rooms to our government-funded Flying Start to School preschool program. We’ve created an early learning centre where your family is at the heart of all we do.

What makes our Croydon Park childcare special?

• Beautifully designed indoor spaces filled with quality, age-appropriate resources to engage and inspire.
• An expansive outdoor area that encourages exploration, complete with natural play structures, sandpits, and water play.
• An amazing team that gets to know each child’s needs with our personalised To BE Me learning milestones program..

We provide a premium early learning centre where each child’s safety and wellbeing is our priority. Be part of our leading community!

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Croydon Park Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Rachel and Team

"We're dedicated to fostering a warm and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow".

Daily Fees

Value for quality care. See our daily fees and your CCS-reduced cost

View Daily Fees
To Be Me

A new era in early learning. To BE Me is our exclusive learning program designed for each age & stage of a child’s first years, tailored to their age, interests & strengths. Their pathway is personalised, with every milestone captured to makes the link between play & learning clear & memorable.

Babies Toddlers Preschool
Flying start to school

Our 2-year program provides a specialised curriculum for children aged 3 to 5 as they prepare for school. All the flexibility of long day care with a unique program delivered by degree qualified teachers. State funding initiatives make Flying Start to School more affordable. Read more HERE

Where children are supported to be brave, curious, and bold in their learning, for the best possible start to life.

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Leah C.
My son is always so happy to attend, educators are so lovely and always keep me informed.
Seeing the photos being uploaded each day puts a smile on my face! Watching my son learn and grow with the support of all educators is truely amazing.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words Leah! It must be such a joy to see your son thrive in a warm, caring and supportive environment. It sounds like the educators really make an effort to keep you involved and informed, which is such an important part of the early learning journey. Thank you again for your lovely review!
Giorgia B.
Beautiful facilities and fantastic educators! My daughter started at Croydon Park when she was 8 weeks, she is now 11 months and thriving. They do so many interesting activities every day and my baby is always happy to go there in the morning.
Special mention to Eli and Aman from Nursery 1 and the wonderful chef Ankita, they always go above and beyond to accommodate every child's needs.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback about our centre in Giorgia! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed our Nursery setting. At Guardian, we’re all about partnering with our families to deliver the best quality outcomes for our children and really appreciate your review
Nikki K
Jennifer C.
This people are good and well behaved
Response from the owner:Thank you Jennifer for your 5-star rating for our centre in Croydon Park. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian over many more days to come!
Parasto F.
renae
Da B.
Emily C.
Wonderful facilities, fantastic educators and just a really welcoming environment. We trust that our son will be cared for and he is always happy to attend
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Emily! We work hard to meet expectations like yours, and always strive to find ways to improve our centres. Glad to you hear you have had such a great experience!
Tiffany D.
As a mum of a young baby and also a breastfeeding mum, I’m over the moon with the support they have given myself and my son. Celebrating small wins or taking bottles but also going out of there way if he doesn’t want to take a bottle to still feed him. I know his safe and in great care. I couldn’t be more happy with the educators that are looking after him. I’m very lucky that they let me breast feed before leaving him for the day and helpful with feeds. I can call anytime to check in with is super lovely. Can’t be more comfortable with sending my child here.
Jessica B.
Educators and staff are responsive to the childrens needs, are approachable and welcoming and the centre has a welcoming feel.
Kerri J.
Mika O.
The staffs are very professional, kind and smily. They could manage difficult situation for my baby. Fx, they could let him sleep in a cot, which is miracle thing during the day. And I can definitely tell my baby got a happy time there from his lots of smiles and can't stop doing it with good mood. They are attentive to my child as well as my request for the casual bookings. I appreciate them all.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Mika ! We work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we’re happy to hear that we met your expectations. We strive to find ways to improve our centres as we play a vital role in lives of our families and children.
Lesley O.
Kimberley D.
I was shocked to see a negative review on here about this centre, because our experience was wonderful.

We enrolled our son at just 3 months old at Guardian Croydon Park. We could not fault the quality of care provided by this centre. The educators are outstanding at what they do and provide many wonderful learning opportunities for even the youngest children.

They really took the time to give us a thorough summary of our son's day at pick up and we always felt 100% comfortable leaving him with them each morning.

The updates on Storypark were also great because we could see what our son was up to when we were apart.

Guardian Croydon Park also personalise learning for all children and use the Early Years Learning Framework to underpin their planning.

Their pedagogy is centred around the Reggio Emilia approach which is student centred. The educators differentiate education at Croydon Park through close observations of the individual child. This was evident to us through the Storypark app through extensive weekly updates of the activities the children worked on throughout the week.

The beautiful space at Guardian Croydon Park is another asset to this centre. It is light, airy and so well planned for each age group. They utilise a lot of natural materials, have a safe sleeping environment and maintain each area well so children are able to explore. We were very impressed with their inclusivity too, through their NAIDOC week displays throughout the centre, amongst other initiatives.

Although our son was too young to eat the food prepared on site, the food prepared by the chef for the children looked so balanced and nutritious.

If you are looking for quality care, professionalism and an inviting, warm environment for your child, Guardian Croydon Park is definitely for you.
Response from the owner:Hi Kimberly Thank you so much for this detailed and positive review. We really appreciate you taking this time out to provide this review for our Croydon Park . We’d love to continue providing great experience to all Guardian families as our children are what matters most. Thanks again!
Dave S.
The staff are all very friendly and helpful and the kids love it there. They're learning heaps and I feel confident that they're in good hands.
Response from the owner:Dave , thank you for the great review on our Croydon Park centre! We’re so happy you loved your experience and can’t wait to have you back at our centre with your child/ren. Until then, we’re here if you need anything.
Hesther Van Der L.
I have only positive things to say about Guardian Croydon Park! My two children feel welcome and at home at the centre and have made beautiful connections with the staff and other children. They are happy at drop off and dont want to leave at pick up time and I can see how content and comfortable they are at the centre! We have been to numerous daycares having moved from interstate and I can honestly say Guardian has been my favourite of all!! The staff genuinely care and are so welcoming, often organising events and morning teas to invite parents to feel welcome as well. Staff go out of their way to support the children and parents and im often leaving the centre with a home made muffin or treat that their amazing chef has prepaired! No request is too much trouble and with the centre being new everything is pristine and purpose built! Couldnt be happier and feel more secure knowing my kids are safe and content at Guardian!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback on our Croydon Park centre. Here at Guardian, we are all about partnering with our families to deliver high-quality learning outcomes for our children and really appreciate your positive response. Thanks once again and look forward to seeing you at the centre!
tania garrido C.
Amrita S.
GK W.
The centre is so beautifully designed, I was very impressed with the presentation and cleanliness of the spaces. The educators were super friendly! Even the cook took time to have a chat! Really looking forward starting there.
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Rhythm of the Day

We know children (and families) like routine. Whilst no two days of learning are ever the same - here's what a day at Guardian might look like.

Morning

Our friendly Nursery team of familiar educators will be there to greet you and support your baby to settle in for the day.  Breakfast time is available & families are welcome to stay and enjoy with the children. This is also a great chance for conversation to share what is important and how your baby’s night at home was.

Mid-Morning

Our nursery learning environments are set up indoors and outdoors for your baby to engage with a variety of planned experiences while they interact with our team such as exploring picture books, singing songs together. We also offer morning tea.

Middle of the Day

Dependent on the needs of every baby, we time lunch to suit the children. Team members will support your child to eat and/or have a bottle, and when they are ready, are gently settled for sleep or rest. With an open-door policy, families can enjoy lunch/bottle time with your baby if you wish.

Mid-Afternoon

Our nursery planned experiences (both indoor and outdoor) continue and there are opportunities for movement, playing games, more books and songs, or sensory exploration. Afternoon snack is provided.

End of Day

We’ll have your baby’s belongings ready for you at pick up time. The Nursery team will share information about your baby’s day and their learning, preparing you and your child for a smooth transition to your evening. Please grab a piece of fruit or snack on the way out!

What's included in the Guardian Experience

From nutritious meals and engaging learning programs —it’s all covered in your daily rate. No hidden extras, just peace of mind for you and a great day for your child.

Hat, wetbag and sunscreen

Hat, wetbag and sunscreen

5 meals per day

5 meals per day

All incursions and excursions

All incursions and excursions

Nappies, wipes and formula

Nappies and wipes

Storypark parenting app

Storypark parenting app

Long day care hours year around

Long day care hours year around

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Frequently asked questions

What we do to keep children safe

Create Safe Spaces & Practices

  • Nappy change areas are designed to have visibility windows and are set up for maximum supervision
  • Our policies also cater for team members being in sight or sound of another team member at all times.
  • Safety embedded in daily programs – by conducting daily checklists, comprehensive risk assessments, and more
  • personal phones or devices are not allowed in learning spaces.

Safe People Who Follow Safe Policies

  • Working With Children Checks for all team members. Automatic alerts if a WWCC is revoked and team member not eligible for shifts
  • Rigorous reference checks – must provide previous line managers for their past roles
  • Annual compulsory Suitability Declarations to confirm ongoing fitness to work with children
  • Mandatory reporting and speaking up – report concerns immediately and all concerns will be investigated fully
  • Ongoing mandatory training in child safety, including annual refreshers and leadership-specific modules

Controlling Access to our Centres

  • Multiple levels of security in all centres
  • All visitors must sign in and present photo ID before entry
  • All tradespeople must provide a WWCC & complete Guardian-specific induction.

Read more here

Daily Fee Information

Daily Rates

Our daily rates are all inclusive and have no additional charges for incursions / excursions or any of our learning programs. The rates shown are an estimate based on using Childcare Subsidy (CCS) subsidised hours. The CCS helps lower your out-of-pocket costs, with subsidy rates dependant on your individual family eligibility levels.

What You Might Pay After CCS
Age of Room Daily Rate 60% Subsidy 80% Subsidy
Nursery (0–2) $148.13 $63.70 $35.55
Toddler (2–3) $148.13 $63.70 $35.55
Preschool (3–5) $148.13 $63.70 $35.55

What should I bring, and what do you provide?

What we Provide

  • Nappies and wipes
  • Bed linen
  • Guardian hat
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen
  • All nutritious meals and snacks

What to Bring

  • Water bottle
  • Spare change of clothing, labelled
  • Soft toy or comfort blanket for nap time
  • Baby's bottles for formula or breastmilk

Who are the team that will be looking after my child?

Croydon Park Centre Manager Image

Rachel and Team

Our Centre team, led by our experienced Centre Manager RachelTeam, prides themselves on creating a great sense of community for all families.

Each role in the Centre is designed to work together to help create a nurturing environment for every child in each of our learning spaces.

In our Nursery Room, the dedicated team has a special role in creating secure attachments, routines, and strong relationships. Unique to Guardian nurseries is our Baby Ambassador, who is your go-to person for you and your baby’s first 12 months with us. They will know every detail about your baby: how breast or bottle milk is managed, how they like to eat, their sleeping routines, the nappies they wear, and more. With babies as young as six weeks in the Centre, it’s the Baby Ambassador’s job to work with families and Educators to help make our Nursery feel just like home.

Our Educators across the age groups work together to create fun, stimulating, and age-appropriate experiences for every child in their care. They are dedicated, experienced professionals who are allocated to a specific room so they can get to know each child individually and support their learning and development.

As part of our 2-year Flying Start to School program, we have degree-qualified Teachers who use the latest teaching practices to help your child build essential practical and social skills, ensuring they’re ready for their next big adventure—school!

Each room has a Lead Educator or Teacher who is responsible for planning and implementing an effective ongoing cycle of planning, documentation, and evaluation of the room’s learning program.

At the core of the Centre is our Cook—make sure you check out their daily menu when you visit. They help make food part of the learning journey and love seeing how children respond to new and exciting flavours.

The team is supported by a strong Leadership Team, including an Assistant Centre Manager and an Educational Leader.

Every role at the Centre is as important as the next.

How will you share updates about my child’s day?

Great communication is vital in our collaborative partnerships with families at the Centre. We have a variety of different ways we communicate with you about your child’s learning and progress:


  1. Storypark app - Stay connected to your child's day with regular updates, including photos and learning insights

  2. Pick-up and drop-off updates – Our Educators will share highlights from their day, including experiences they enjoyed, mealtimes, and naps to support your evening routine.

  3. In-room learning exchange displays make our weekly learning plans easy to see so you know what your child will be learning.

  4. Centre Newsletters – Great for community connection and wider Centre and team updates.

  5. Development documentation and meetings for your individual child’s progress.


But remember our door is always open.

What are the main features of this Centre

Our exciting, resource-rich environments include:

  • Quality learning programs such as Joy of Reading, Cooking and Sustainability
  • Extensive outdoor space for children to explore, featuring natural play structures, sandpits and water play
  • On-site Chef providing fresh snacks and meals daily
  • Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers
  • Nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, high-quality formula and bed linen provided
  • Extended hours of care each weekday from 6.30am to 6.30pm

Our Learning Programs

Learning should be fun! Learning through play encourages children to explore and understand their world at their own pace. It helps build their knowledge, develop confidence, and embrace curiosity.

Learning should be fun! Learning through play allows children to build their knowledge, develop confidence, and embrace curiosity.

To BE Me

To BE Me is our exclusive learning program designed for each age and stage of a child's first years. To BE Me sets the standard for early learning with a contemporary approach tailored to your child's age, interests and strengths. It sets easy to follow Development Pathways and encompasses our educational programs, room set-ups, daily rhythms and the way we support your child.

Preschool Program
Flying start to school

Our Flying Start to School preschool program is lead by degree qualified Teachers in a long day care setting. Our specialist two-year program is committed to supporting your child as they prepare for big school. We focus on nurturing their confidence, making friends and social emotional growth while also supporting their abilities in reading, writing, counting, and thinking skills. Whether it’s building with blocks, practicing their first letters, or learning to share with friends, every experience is carefully designed to support your child’s development.

We’re proud to partner with the SA government, providing additional funding to deliver the highest-quality preschool program for children.

Out and about

Through excursions, children are supported to expand their world, to get to know their community, and have a sense of belonging. Their learning thrives when they feel safe, welcome, and that they belong.

STEM

Children discover the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through age-appropriate activities that are designed to foster curiosity and develop foundational skills like problem-solving and creativity.

Cooking

Cooking experiences teach numeracy by counting ingredients, and weighing and measuring quantities and volume, while managing these tasks supports independence and confidence.

Ella Language

Learning languages through Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) supports brain development and social skills and creates opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity.

Joy of Reading

Reading aloud to children each day inspires imagination and supports thinking. Books with rhythm, rhyme and word patterns make stories more playful and memorable.

Sustainability

From growing veggies and foraging in the garden for that day’s meal ingredients to learning about recycling, children learn about being part of a community, connecting to their environment and understanding their impact on the world.

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What our families say about the centre

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