Open 6:30am to 6:30pm
Monday to Friday
Guardian Childcare & Education Bentleigh East
- Proud winner of the GOLD Family Choice Award 2025. As determined by our existing families rating their experience of our Centre via Family Satisfaction Survey and independent Google Reviews. Click here for more detail
- We’re proud of the strong relationships we have with families here at Bentleigh East. We want to be your child’s home away from home in our unique community.
- Recently refurbished! From the most nurturing nursery room to our leading 2-year Kindergarten Program – we are the leading Centre for the first 5 years of your child’s development in the area.
- Come and meet our fantastic team & see how we lead the way in the area for your child’s development – where communication to families of progress is a priority
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
15 Curtin St Bentleigh East, VIC, 3165
Entry via cnr. Curtin St and Barrington St
SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS
Check out our fantastic indoor and outdoor learning spaces your child will enjoy
Welcome to our Centre
Welcome to Guardian Childcare and Education Bentleigh East, a modern, spacious childcare centre. Our childhood education programs are focused on play-based learning, and our vibrant and welcoming day care and child care centre provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged six weeks to six years of age, supporting them to discover the world in a safe and secure way.
- Beautifully designed modern indoor learning spaces to inspire wonder and curiosity in every child
- Included programs such as Joy of Reading, Cooking, Outdoor Learning, Out and About Community Excursions, and Sustainability, with daily learning experiences designed to support your child’s development and growth
- Extensive outdoor space for children to explore with age-appropriate equipment.
- On-site Chef who cooks fresh, nutritious meals daily in our fully equipped kitchen.
- For babies, the Centre provides nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, high-quality formula and bed linen.
Meet our Centre Manager Mei and the team
"Being entrusted with children's care is a privilege. As a team, we love nurturing their growth and development in these early years while building meaningful relationships with families."
Our Flying Start to School program provides a specialised 2-year curriculum for children aged 3 to 5. Our unique program has two stages - Becoming Me for 3 year olds and Being Me for 4 year olds. Using developmental milestones and continuous monitoring of your child’s progress, this program is designed to make sure your child gets a flying start to school. Read more HERE
Where children are supported to be brave, curious, and bold in their learning, for the best possible start to life.
Dannielle S.
11:22 18 Mar 25
My son has been going to this centre since he was 9 months old and is now nearly 2, he absolutely loves all his educators and I love the constant updates/photos l get daily of him on storypark, the consistency with staff and the love they give him. He is always so happy when l drop him off and pick him up. I highly recommend this centre.
Jing H.
12:49 26 Feb 25
Iam very happy to find this childcare for my boy! Teachers here are very competent as well as professional! They are very patient to my son as he is a really naughty boy. Each teacher treats him really really good so now he is very happy to go there! The environment both inside and outside are bright and hygiene, children have a very big wide yard to play. And the principal is a very nice lady, eveyday when I drop off and pick up my son, she is sitting there and give me a big smile, I do feel warm and very sure she can take care of my kid. My son has been here for a year, from 2 to 3, now he is upstairs, I am very very satisfied that my son very smoothly transfer from toddler to kinder room, before the time I was very worried because of the new room and new teacher for him, but every teacher in there being very helpful and patient to transfer children to elder room, they communicate with me everyday to update my son’s daily things, so I write down this review to say thank you to all the teachers help!
poonam B.
10:18 26 Feb 25
I have had the pleasure of entrusting both of my daughters to Guardian Early Learning in Bentleigh East, and I cannot speak highly enough of the wonderful experience we’ve had. My 7-year-old daughter has been in care here for five years, and now my 2-year-old is also thriving in the nurturing environment the centre provides.The educators at Guardian are truly passionate about what they do, and it shows in the genuine care they provide for the children. My girls absolutely love going there, and I feel a sense of comfort knowing they are in such capable and compassionate hands. Many of the educators have been part of the team for over 5 to 10 years, which speaks volumes about the quality of care and the strong bonds they've built with the children and families.The centre itself is always immaculate, with each room thoughtfully equipped with age-appropriate resources that support the children's growth and development. It’s clear that this is a place where both my children are not only cared for but are encouraged to learn and flourish in a warm, enriching environment.
Long T.
10:10 26 Feb 25
Thank you to the incredible team at Bentleigh East!Over the past 3.5 years, my daughter has had a joyful and enriching experience. We deeply appreciate your dedication, patience, and the loving environment you’ve created for the children. Your hard work and passion do not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for the care and support you’ve provided.Wishing you all the best, and thank you again for everything!
Trang D.
10:06 26 Feb 25
Thank you to all the wonderful educators at Bentleigh East.My daughter has had a fantastic time over the past 3.5 years. We truly appreciate all your hard work, passion, and thoughtful care. The warm and nurturing environment you’ve created has made a positive impact on her learning and development.
Lee
06:15 04 Jun 24
The childcare center got all the amazing things. Their facility is spotless, creating a safe and welcoming environment for the children, but also showing the the big welcome to all families, they remember all the parents name as well, giving more details about your children’s daily life and always communicate with parents. So, it is such a relief knowing our children are in the capable hands. And they got the most amazing centre manager, you can always see her around, checking all the rooms, having great communication with families and know all the things in the centre. Any needs,any help, and any problems you had, she always give you the perfect answer as fast as she can. I remember when my son first started here, and Mei took the time to sit down with us, easing all our worries and making us feel like family. Now he is going back I prep and my little daughter still in here, my boy always miss the teacher in here, every time I pick up my little one, he always go with me and see his teachers. Our family truly appreciate the dedication and hard work of everyone at this centre. Thank you for all you do in looking after the children and being amazing teachers!
Hock Oon T.
11:27 27 May 24
I have seen a lot of improvements in the service since the change of management earlier this year. The general feeling when you enter the centre is so calming and inviting.
Sophie D
00:15 30 Jan 24
I couldn't give more praise to the amazing educators of the banksia room. I am so grateful to have them looking after our daughter, especially commencing so young. They have been the greatest help and support as we transition to daycare. Overall, I really enjoy the whole experience of this centre, all staff are so friendly, welcoming and have been great help to us.
Amol K.
03:42 30 Oct 23
Guardian is one of the best childcare in Bentleigh East. The overall facilities at the centre and the staff is very warm. Highly recommend Guardian Childcare to the families!
Swapna K.
03:18 24 Oct 23
It’s one of the best childcare in Bentleigh and the staff is amazing . I am extremely happy with all the facilities at the centre
Jing S.
03:22 11 Apr 23
工作人员都特别友好，对于一点不会英文的孩子特别有耐心。楼下playground更新后孩子特别喜欢。
Matt D.
04:04 22 Mar 23
Jenna C.
10:39 08 Nov 22
We love Guardian Bentleigh East - being a part of it over the span of 5 years and having just sent our third child there now. The centre provides wonderful care, carers are communicative and kind, and the facilities are so great for little ones. Our kids have built wonderful friendships and thrived. I especially love the community vibe that we’ve felt attending, amongst staff and families alike.
L “Lj” C
20:14 04 Oct 22
I've had 2 kids attend this wonderful centre. All the staff seem very happy which is not a regular thing at a childcare centre.However this place is so welcoming from the moment you enter to the last person you say goodbye to. They love their children, their staff and where they work and I could not be happier with how my boys are looked after there.
Regina M.
04:14 06 Sep 22
Tom L.
18:14 26 Jul 22
Lauren W.
08:29 29 Jun 22
Weronika M.
03:07 12 Apr 22
sara B.
02:25 09 Nov 21
Yuliya I.
07:01 26 Oct 21
Alison E.
22:59 13 Apr 21
This is such an amazing centre. Our son loved his years at Guardian (kids time), the centre organises lots of activities for the children and most days we would be sent photos of what he has done throughout the week. The centre has a nice community feel and organises events so you can meet other parents and your childs friends.We unfortunately had to leave as we purchased a home out towards Frankston, and were gutted taking our son out. He has built so much confidence and friendships at Guardian. A special few years we will always remember. Thanks Karen and team!
Ma Theresa S.
06:02 26 Oct 20
WEN Y.
06:04 02 Oct 20
My son started attending Guardian (East Bentleigh) from the beginning of this year and he is always excited in the morning when being told he is going to Child Care today.
Kayla A.
05:15 02 Oct 20
Both of my children love attending here and I feel comfortable knowing all of the hard-working educators truly care for their best interests and get to know their individual personalities. I love the communication and healthy food the offer as well!
Maria N.
04:13 02 Oct 20
They are the best Childcare Centre that I have never seen. The Manager (Karen) is very kind and helpful. All of educators are really kind and friendly with kids. They are also very affection.My child Katherine is a shy girl, She always scare of people around her except her parent. But she has been Guardian Bentleigh East around 3 months, and now she is very confident even at the public playground.In addition, all of the staffs love their kids, and they care of every single moments of the kids' s improving.
Spinosaurus M.
04:50 16 Jul 19
Sherry W.
11:54 17 May 19
Liam S.
10:00 29 Aug 18
I did my Toddler Placement there and I just loved the Environment with the children.
Dan M.
01:47 25 Jul 18
Fantastic daycare. Caring staff and calming environment. Highly reccomend a visit.
Nat I.
21:27 24 Jan 18
cathy C.
06:01 29 Dec 17
My two kids love to go there, staff are very nice and experienced
katrina H.
01:10 10 May 17
Workers have consistently gone above and beyond to provide a fun and educational environment. Love seeing the energy and happiness in the room whenever I'm there. Office staff are lovely and always willing to help
Penny M.
01:07 20 Apr 16
I have just been on a tour looking for a place for my 2 year old, the gardens are unbelievable so natural. He loved the real grass and the tree house appealed to his imagination. The natural logs and rope gave him a chance to climb and explore. Such an oasis amongst the inner suburbs.I recommend you to visit and book your children into this wonderful centre.
Sony V
23:16 03 Apr 25
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.
Whilst no two days of learning are ever the same - here's what a day at Guardian might look like.
Handover time with children, families and our friendly Educators. There's a chance for conversation to share what's important for the day/what's happened the night before at home.
Breakfast time where families are welcome to stay and enjoy breakfast with the children.
As children are arriving and families are coming and going, there's an opportunity for play as well as family grouping, open-plan play and multi-age grouping.
There's an opportunity for children to come together and enjoy morning tea.
Following morning tea, the planned experiences continue. This includes both indoor and outdoor programs.
There's an opportunity for children to come together for lunch. With an open-door policy, families are able to join the centre for meals and excursion if they wish.
For children who want to, or need to, there's an opportunity to sleep, rest or relax. For children who don't need to rest, there are planned experiences, which are more likely to be outdoors.
Children come together for afternoon tea in small groups or with siblings (they can also rest and play together, too). This time also presents an opportunity to reflect on the day.
As families arrive to pick up children, there's an opportunity to speak to Educators and share information about the day.
Some centres offer early tea or light snack at the end of the day, which they can grab as they leave the centre. We’re mindful of how routines vary at home, so if throughout the day, we notice children look tired, food will be provided.
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
5 meals per day
All incursions and excursions
Nappies and wipes
Storypark parenting app
Long day care hours year around
Helpful Information
Opening Hours
What to Bring
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
Learn More About Our Centre
Guardian Childcare and Education Bentleigh East offers the warmth and comfort of a family home, in south-east Melbourne. Our purpose-built outdoor space is accessible from every classroom and has plenty of room in which to run, ride and explore.
Located on Curtin Street, it’s perfect for families searching ‘childcare nearby’ in the suburbs of Bentleigh and Bentleigh East, Clarinda, Moorabbin, Oakleigh, McKinnon and East Bentleigh.
Our spacious day care and child care centre provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged six weeks to six years of age, supporting them to discover the world in a safe and secure way. The centre is filled with bright, stimulating materials that encourage children to explore and engage their curiosity to discover more about the exciting world around them.
Children are supported through those important early years to explore and develop their social and emotional skills through their early learning journey by a dedicated team of university-qualified Teachers and Educators. They create learning experiences in a nurturing environment that fosters creativity and imagination in a safe environment for young age groups.
Guardian Childcare Bentleigh East, one of the best child care centres, is open from 6:30am to 6:30pm every weekday, offering families flexibility in their work hours and the timing of drop-off and pick-up from out services. We encourage you to stay a while during these times to explore our engaging learning environment.
Our Educators and Teachers can show you the various play materials and education spaces throughout the family day care centre to help you discover our approach to learning as well as support you continue the learning with activities at home. We encourage involving the whole family in their child’s care and education to ensure they are happy as they learn and grow.
Our family communication app, Storypark, provides you with photos and updates on your child throughout the day, offering you the opportunity to stay informed about your child’s early learning and development. We also set up different learning outcomes for the children through Storypark, which supports them in achieving developmental milestones and understanding new ideas.
For children aged three and four, we have a kindergarten program led by university-qualified Teachers that can support your child in their preparation for the step up into primary school. Our kindergarten curriculum is based on leading child development research and demonstrates our commitment to providing the best possible start to life for your child through quality child care services.
Our early childhood education program is led by specialist Educational Leaders who guide teaching and learning in a flexible and research-supported way. The leading curriculum supports discovery and gives children the best start to life, as well as being aligned with the National Quality Standard.
Through our high-quality kindergarten program, children have the opportunity to learn some of the skills that are often only introduced in early primary school. We begin learning and exploring shapes, numbers and letters through fun, play-based activities.
We develop each child’s literacy and numeracy skills to help them feel confident and prepared during the challenging leap into primary school. Our high-quality program supports the needs and routines of each of our families, and we ensure each child’s cultural and family background is supported and encouraged. It comes with the benefit of a long day care setting, with extended hours for families who work or study.
We’re committed to children’s nutrition, and our on-site cook prepares each meal fresh and packed with all the nutrients that children need at their age. We encourage children to engage in food preparation and to ask questions about where their food comes from, why it’s good for them, and how they can eat it. We also encourage exploration of the cultural heritage behind different foods, helping promote diversity and inclusion from an early age.
As part of our unique Visible Learning Program, families will be able to gain an understanding of their child’s education. Our Learning Exchange Display will provide the opportunity for our Teachers and Educators to share updates on your child’s progress. It will also be a chance for you to have direct input into your child’s learning!
Why not come and meet the team and have a look around our Centre today? We can answer all your questions, including about the Child Care Subsidy, how we differ to other family day care providers and early learning centres, our quality ratings, community connections and more!
We’d love to show you why Guardian Childcare and Education Bentleigh East is the perfect learning environment for your child. At Guardian, we believe that together, we can give young children the best start to life.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Centre Highlights
Our engaging, resource-rich educational environment that supports children’s development includes:
- Beautifully designed modern indoor learning spaces to inspire wonder and curiosity in every child
- Included programs such as Joy of Reading, Cooking, Outdoor Learning, Out & About Community Excursions, and Sustainability, with daily learning experiences designed to support your child’s development and growth
- Extensive outdoor space for children to explore with age-appropriate equipment.
- On-site Chef who cooks fresh, nutritious meals daily in our fully equipped kitchen.
- For babies, the Centre provides nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, high-quality formula and bed linen.
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.
Kindergarten Program
Our Flying Start to School kindergarten 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.
Our Centre is a recipient of funding as part of the VIC Government’s Free Kinder Program. Eligible children aged three years and above will receive up to $2101 in additional subsidies to reduce your out-of-pocket fees. Ask for more details when you tour the centre.
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.
What our families say about the centre
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