Guardian Childcare & Education Elsternwick

  • Proud winner of the 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
  • Choosing us will give you the reassurance that your child will be with a leading team who will help them be creative brave and curious in their learning
  • At our recently refurbished Guardian Elsternwick, we are proud of our quality learning, incredible resources, and the care and attention we provide each child. You have to come and see us.
  • Your child will be in the best hands with us, and our centre will soon become their second home. They will never want to leave!

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

Elsternwick NQS Rated Exceeding by ACECQA

Our centre has been recognised as ‘Exceeding’ the National Quality Standard. This is the highest rating you can receive from a regulatory authority assessment and we are proud to deliver an exceptional service to the children and families who attend our centre.

Elsternwick Map Image

HOURS

Mon to Fri 7:30am to 6:30pm

ADDRESS

241 Kooyong Road Elsternwick, VIC, 3185

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

Guardian Childcare & Education Elsternwick is one of more than 40 high-quality Guardian Childcare Centres across Victoria. We are located on Kooyong Road, with easy access for families in Elsternwick and near St Kilda East, Balaclava, Caulfield North and Elwood.

Our long day care is rated Exceeding! What does that mean? Every six months, our Centres are assessed by ACECQA, the national body with the responsibility for monitoring the quality of all registered child care centres in Australia. A rating of Exceeding National Quality Standard means that you can be assured that this Centre is providing an exceptional level of care and attention for your child.

At Guardian Elsternwick, we partner with families to ensure every child gets the best possible start in life. We understand that children learn through play, so our programs are designed to foster their curiosity and build a strong foundation for learning.

Our long day care Centre boasts a range of exciting, indoor and outdoor learning environments, including a treehouse, water pumps, a creek bed, natural play structures and a range of age-specific spaces and play areas.

From emotional and social development to school readiness, Guardian Elsternwick provides a high-quality early learning experience to empower each child to develop their skills and learn at their own pace in a safe and nurturing environment. We want children to grow and thrive and to support families with the best early childhood education.

Our exciting, resource-rich environments include:

  • Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers
  • Bright, vibrant learning spaces full of resources designed to inspire
  • Extensive outdoor space for children to explore
  • On-site Chef providing fresh snacks and meals daily
  • Nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, high-quality formula and bed linen provided
  • Extended hours of care each weekday from 7.30am to 6.30pm

Children at Elsternwick child care centre also go out and about on regular excursions, so we have a great connection with the local community. We visit locations such as the local florist, post office, zoo, our local aged care facility and the nearby café for babyccinos.

We are proud to have a culturally diverse team at our early learning Centre and we celebrate a variety of cultures and holidays throughout the year. The community-minded team also organise a range of fundraising events for the children to be involved in, which helps extend their knowledge of the world around them and supports them to belong to the local community.

Our on-site Chef prepares nutritionally balanced meals using seasonal ingredients every day, and our Educators host regular hands-on cooking classes to extend the children’s understanding of good nutrition.

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.

Our Educators understand the importance of building strong relationships with families to provide a secure learning environment for all children across each age group. They support and encourage children to learn problem-solving and develop self-confidence and social skills based on genuine care and high-quality learning environments.

Children attending our day care Centre in Elsternwick will also have the chance to see the same familiar faces as they move on up from our nursery room, into our two-year funded Kindergarten program, designed specifically to help prepare your child to transition from early learning to primary school. The specialist program offers an early learning curriculum in line with the Early Years Learning Framework, and National Quality Standards, and with the additional benefits of long day care.

The Victorian Government offers funding to provide families up to 15 hours of Free Kindergarten a week, in addition to the Childcare Subsidy. The funding offsets the fees for three and four-year-old children that are part of the centre’s long day care Kindergarten program. Families will save up to $2,101 a year for children aged three-years-old and above in eligible long day cares in 2025. Ask us for more information when you visit our Centre.

Supported by a dedicated team of university-qualified Teachers and Educators, our Elsternwick early learning Centre provides an inclusive learning environment where children are supported to be bold, creative, and curious in their learning journey.

As part of our unique Visible Learning program, our Learning Exchange display provides opportunities to share your child’s progress. You are encouraged to share your own personal goals for us to implement, meaning that you have direct input in your child’s educational journey!

You are also given access to our family communication app Storypark, where we will share any significant updates in your child’s day, as well as any other important Centre updates, ensuring that you’re always connected, even when you’re not here.

Begin your early learning experience at Guardian Elsternwick today by booking a tour to explore the Centre or speaking to one of our team.

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Elsternwick Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Yessica and team

"Our goal is to ensure all children are respected for who they are and what magical knowledge they bring to the centre."

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

Flying start to school

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

Reviews from Google

4.7
(22)
Steph L
Steph L
10:59 01 May 25
My child has been attending Guardian Elsternwick since he was around 10 months old – he’s now 2.5 years old. All the educators are lovely and caring, and we have been very happy with our child’s experience and time spent at the centre. The environment feels warm, welcoming and fun. The educators seem happy themselves and friendly with each other as well, and I think the fact that some of the staff have been there for many years speaks volumes about the workplace culture.
Dave W.
Dave W.
01:49 03 Sep 24
Great staff. Great facilities. Getting in and out of the onsite parking can be a little tricky at busy times but is not a problem.
Falyn D.
Falyn D.
03:24 10 Jun 24
Alice H.
Alice H.
06:42 21 May 24
There is such a friendly culture at this centre. The staff are so in tune with the children and the activities and resources provided are extremely well planned out. We are so happy here and only have positive things to say!
Sophie G.
Sophie G.
02:13 05 Mar 24
The centre is always clean and tidy. The people who work here are genuinely invested in the families that attend and creating a community of care. The carers who looked after our son were incredibly kind and understood his needs. We are only leaving because we are moving and are sad to do so.This centre is first class.
Belinda H.
Belinda H.
11:44 05 Sep 23
Hands down the best childcare centre around. My daughter loves it there and learns so many new skills! We always feel welcome by the amazing staff.
Lisa I.
Lisa I.
01:40 16 Aug 23
Lovely place
Z S.
Z S.
23:01 18 Apr 23
Deb M.
Deb M.
04:10 11 Apr 23
Christie B.
Christie B.
00:19 28 Jan 23
My daughter started here at 6 months old. We have been incredibly happy with all of the staff and the rooms/building/outdoor areas are lovely! I feel very safe and comfortable leaving my now 16 month old here, and she loves it. Communication has been a strong point from all staff, from admin to room leaders and even the occasional casual staff member. They have done so well creating a warm and friendly environment.
Rhi S
Rhi S
03:58 04 Oct 22
My son has been going to this centre for 7 months. In this time the educators have become like a second family. They are so caring and friendly. Their communication is fantastic from the leadership of the centre manager to the educators. I am always comfortable knowing my son is in a safe and caring environment where he can excel.
Theekshna De S.
Theekshna De S.
11:19 03 Aug 22
Excellent childcare centre with wonderful staff. We moved our toddler out to another centre which was closer to home and ended up moving him back to Guardian Elsternwick despite the distance, as it is so well managed, with regular known staff who really care about the kids.Our toddler loves his time at daycare and is happy to be back!
AnaQuesadaEle S.
AnaQuesadaEle S.
02:08 26 Apr 22
Our child is very happy, he is learning a lot and building his confidence in a new language with new friends and educators, so we are very proud of him but also very happy with the choice of the centre and everything they are doing to push him through this new experience.
Zena I.
Zena I.
02:18 01 Feb 22
Generosity W.
Generosity W.
11:09 31 Aug 20
Such caring staff! they know every child individually and the centre is clean, well organised and extremely welcoming. I feel 100% safe leaving my child with them in every way because I know they will be both protected and cared for.
Felicity G.
Felicity G.
00:38 31 Aug 20
Moved my baby here after a disappointing experience at another childcare. Could not be happier with the level of care my daughter now has. Great staff and lovely environment.
Lucas M.
Lucas M.
09:30 30 Aug 20
Both our kids attend Guardian Elsternwick, we adore the friendly and personable staff. They have always been accommodating, open and warm, very attentive to our kids needs and flexible. Highly recommend them!
Ellen L.
Ellen L.
04:16 28 Aug 20
This is the place to send your kids! Our son has been attending since he was about 11 months old and we have had such positive experiences. All the educators and staff are amazing, showing genuine care and interest in seeing the little people grow and develop. My son is now in his final year there and he just loves it. There is a wonderful culture throughout the whole centre and the children learn so much about being a part of a community. Couldn’t be happier that this is where our son has spent his earliest years.
Amy P
Amy P
11:03 18 Aug 20
Friendly staff and lovely educators , a great child care centre in the community.
Ben R.
Ben R.
08:35 06 May 17
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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.

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

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 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?

Elsternwick Centre Manager Image

Yessica and team

Our Centre team, led by our experienced Centre Manager Yessica, 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

  • We offer numerous outdoor environments that are developmentally appropriate where the children can explore and interact at their own pace, and create their own spaces. The downstairs yard is littered with trees that offer ample shade, and a lovely expansive deck joins all rooms.
  • An open spacious yard that offers endless exploration in the form of sandpits, an outdoor kitchen, a river bed and our tree house.
  • Two natural yards offer endless fun in the form of sandpits, decking, a construction patch for digging and an outdoor kitchen. The children especially love tending to the vegetable patches they created and having the fruits of their labour included in their daily meals.
  • Joy of Reading – We provide children with the opportunity to develop a genuine passion for reading at an early age. Through teaching about different kinds of books and words, and fostering a literary understanding, children can develop the healthy habit of reading, providing various developmental benefits.
  • Cooking – We’re all about healthy nutrition, and our on-site chef prepares meals daily for the children to enjoy. We encourage children to engage in the food preparation process and develop confidence in playing an active role in their nutrition. Children regularly help select ingredients, prepare food, ask questions and learn about the various food groups and nutrients.
  • Sustainability – Providing our children with an understanding of sustainability and a passion for the environment is important for us, so we engage in various activities and learning experiences that teach children about recycling and looking after the planet.

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
Flying start to school

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.

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What our families say about the centre

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