Guardian Childcare & Education Hillside

  • Keeping children safe always comes first. All of our team are committed to uphold the highest standards of child safety. Read our approach here
  • At Hillside you’ll feel confident that your child is thriving; building their in our great learning spaces which include a community library, vegetable gardens, a giant horse, a wooden fort, and fun, age-specific studios where their learning comes to life. Your child deserves the best.
  • 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!
  • We build a strong sense of belonging from day one as we get to know you and your unique child – come and be part of our Hillside family!

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

4 The Parks Hillside, VIC, 3037

SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS

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

Welcome to our Centre

When your child joins us at Guardian Hillside, you become part of our family. Our long daycare centre provides a nurturing environment and high-quality educational programs, from our nursery rooms through to our government-funded Flying Start to School kindergarten program. We are a premium early learning centre where your child’s safety and wellbeing is our priority.

What makes our Hillside childcare centre the ideal choice for your family?

• Our recently refurbished indoor studios are filled with quality, age-appropriate resources that engage and inspire learning.
• An expansive outdoor area invites adventure, featuring a wooden fort, a sandpit, and vegetable gardens.
• Our dedicated team gets to know your child’s needs with our personalised To BE Me learning milestones program, celebrating their growth at every step.

Families quickly discover a welcoming community where strong partnerships are built from day one. Come and see what makes our centre so special.

Hillside Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Samantha

Daily Fees

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

View Daily Fees
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. Read more here!

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

(32)
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Susana
Guardian Hillside is welcoming and homely.
I love that the educators know the children in the whole centre, not just the room they work in.
Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear that you feel our centre is welcoming and homely. It means a lot to us that you’ve noticed how our educators connect with all the children across the centre — fostering a strong sense of community is something we truly value. We're so glad to be part of your child's journey! Thank you Susana!
Saddia M.
Kate
The team are always caring. They can always share what my child has done for the day. Very happy.
Response from the owner:We really appreciate your lovely feedback! It means a lot to know that our team's care and communication are making a difference for you and your child. We're committed to creating a space where children feel safe, supported, and celebrated—and it's wonderful to hear that you're happy with the experience
Deepika V.
As a parent I couldn't be more grateful for the wonderful care and support my child has received at the center from the moment we enrolled the staff made us feel welcomed and confident that my child was in safe and nurturing hands. I appreciate and thankful for the caring community where my child attends and highly recommend this center as a parent looking for a safe and enriching environment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review! It truly means the world to us to hear how welcomed and supported you’ve felt since joining our centre. Knowing that your child is happy, safe, and thriving in our care is exactly what we strive for every day. We’re so lucky to have families like yours in our community—it’s what makes our centre such a special place! Thank you again for your kind words and for recommending us. We’re excited to continue this journey with you and your little one.
Catherine P.
I am very pleased with this service and also I always say to myself how well we picked ‘The Guardian’ when looking for a centre for our children. My children are always safe, happy, clean and well engaged into the program and have built strong connections with Kinder Teachers, Educators and Peers.
All the Educators and Teachers are excellent communicators, as a mum leaving your children for long periods of time throughout the day I love hearing from all the Teachers/Educators about my child/children’s day. The management team is doing an amazing job, supportive with family requests and keeping everything well organised. Thank you Guardian Team.
Response from the owner:Thank you Catherine for your great review for our centre in Hillside. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations. We will continue to provide the best possible care for out families and children 😊
Marie A.
Amazing Kindergarden! My son loves going every time the teachers are so caring and patient my son is learning so much highly highly recommend guardian hillside!
Response from the owner:Thank you Marie for your 5-star rating for our centre in Hillside. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian over many more days to come!
Juline M.
The staff are all so lovely and helpful but most importantly they are fantastic with my son.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Juline! 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!
Kristy D.
Bianca S.
The educators are friendly, caring and show genuine care towards my child. The activities and opportunities provided to my child are exciting and engaging.
Response from the owner:Thank you Bianca for your great review for our centre in Hillside. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations. We will continue to provide the best possible care for our families and children 😊
Lyn S.
The educators and centre manager Sam at Guardian Hillside had delivered a sensational care for my son. The customer service and great communication I received from them was well above my expectation. The educators developed a great rapport with my son and knowing that he felt safe in the environment and loved by many. The team treats you like a family and I had always felt very welcomed by them. Thank you for helping my son develop many milestone of learning!
Response from the owner:Thank you Lyn for your 5-star rating for our centre in Hillside. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian for all families over many more days to come!
N C.
Best team ever from educators to the center management, very friendly and easy to communicate with.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, N Chidiac! 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.
Monica W.
Lesley F.
I feel very comfortable knowing that my children are going to be safe and well looked after at Guardian Hillside. The staff are always very friendly and welcoming.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Lesley! 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!
Thilini S.
Gemma E
Mani L.
I am very happy with my kids progress and with her confidence and her relation with the educators.
Mitchel
I'm really grateful to have my son with such experienced staff 💙. Ulka is one of those amazing ladies who taught my son many skills while he was new and not have good experience.
If you are looking for a good childcare don't hesitate to choose such an incredible skilled staff to leave your child with. 😉
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback about our centre in Hillside! We are happy to hear such good things about you and your little one’s experience with us. At Guardian, we’re all about partnering with our families to deliver the best quality outcomes for our children and we really appreciate your review. ​
mubashira H.
Amazing Team, Every time I walk in to sign in or out the staff are so welcoming and polite. I just wanted to let you all know that you are doing a great job. It makes my life, as a working mother, so much easier when I have a place like Guardian to be able to rely on. Keep up the great work and fun learning environment. Thank you for always being so accommodating and caring!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Mubashira ! 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!
Ria R.
We love the team at Guardian Hillside. Very friendly, and easy to communicate with. Management was receptive to feedback. The educators go above and beyond to look after our kids, coming out with ways to help my little ones transition into childcare. Would definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Ria! 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!
Desiree F.
I have had two kids attend this service and I couldn’t be happier with the quality of educators and management. The team are always there to support my children’s needs. The chef is just incredible - my kids eat things I could never imagine them eating at home! Thanks to the team for everything!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback about our centre in Hillside! We are happy to hear such good things about you and your little one’s experience with us. At Guardian, we’re all about partnering with our families to deliver the best quality outcomes for our children and really appreciate your review.
Katie N.
Our second family! My lil' girl joined Guardian Childcare & Education Hillside when she was a baby (Nursery room) and now has moved up to the next toddler room. I initially chose this centre because how cute and clean the place looked and what i could observe that the staff were warm, caring & nice people. I'm glad i trusted my instincts because every single person here is wonderful, takes pride in what they do, always has a smile on their face (even after a long hard day with a room full of tired babies) and most importantly surrounds our children with a loving, safe & happy environment that supports their growth and encourages education in a playful way. Our family loves it here and we would highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Katie! We work hard to meet expectations like yours, and always strive to find ways to improve our centres. Glad to you hear you're having such a great experience!
Shreya K.
My kiddo has been going to this centre since she was 5 month old. All the educators have been so amazing, friendly, loving and caring. They just make the kids feel like home. Very professional, hygienic, quality of the food is also great. Every weekend my daughter asks why is it a holiday on Saturday and Sunday. That speaks all I guess. Thanks to the GELC team.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback about our centre in Hillside! We are happy to hear such good things about you and your little one’s experience with us. At Guardian, we’re all about partnering with our families to deliver the best quality outcomes for our children and really appreciate your review.
Danielle D.
Guardian Hillside is everything I could have hoped for in early childhood education and care for my children. The staff run engaging and educational programs. The rooms are clean and inviting for children and the staff are always willing to go above and beyond to assist families. The chef makes delicious meals, so much so, my children eat better at childcare than home!! Call the centre, book a tour and find out for yourself!
Response from the owner:Thank you Danielle for your great review for our centre in Hillside. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations. We will continue to provide the best possible care for our families and children 😊
Taylor N
My daughter only recently started childcare, after a few tours at different centres Guardian was the only I could not fault.
I quickly made sure I secured a spot for my daughter and we are loving every minute! We look forward to our days at childcare
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback about our centre in Hillside! We are happy to hear such good things about you and your little one’s experience with us. At Guardian, we’re all about partnering with our families to deliver the best quality outcomes for our children and really appreciate your review
Donna M.
Great place for children to learn and expand their minds
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Donna! 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!
Michelle P.
I am so happy with the centre and the team. The service and care is amazing and my child is happy everyday!
Jenny S.
Great professional and friendly staff/educators who make our experience there great. Our daughter has been there from nursery to kinder (where she is now), and loves her educators and her time there. Great service and communication (espec during these covid times), from their greetings at entry, to their classrooms, to their regular story park updates about our daughter/curriculum for the week, to their emails/centre news letters etc. Would recommend
Loan N.
Excellent service, my little one always goes home with full tummy and happy face.
Response from the owner:Loan, thank you for the great review! We’re so happy you loved your experience and can’t wait to have you back at our centre with your child. Until then, we’re here if you need anything.
Katrina T
We came to Guardian Hillside only for a quick tour, to see if it was a good fit. And within seconds of seeing the place and talking to the manager, I knew this was where my kids would thrive. The staff and teachers have been nothing but exceptional! My kids were always happy at pick up and they learned so much. I always felt safe dropping off my kids and knew that they were being well taken care of. Communication is excellent with the staff and teachers, and with regular updates and tips on storypark, I don't feel like I am missing out and know how to support my child at home. Thank you!
Nicole G.
My son loves going to Guardian Hillside. Like every child, he was apprehensive at first and it took a few days to settle in. However, he received thorough orientation sessions where he was able to explore the space and meet the educators. This allowed him to get comfortable sooner than I expected, which was particularly important as he has a speech delay and is currently going through an ASD assessment. Danica and Sam ensured us that they would apply for extra support for his additional needs and I found this process very simple as they guided me through it. It was important for me to know that with my son's addition needs, he was being cared for and looked after with all the supports he requires. I can see that my son is enjoying every minute of his time there through the daily updates on StoryPark. I highly recommend Guardian Hillside!
Ella M.
My son has attended guardian for the last two years. Educators have always gone above and beyond. The centre manager is fantastic. Always so approachable and happy to help.
Response from the owner:Thank you Ella for this awesome review. 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. Look forward to seeing you back at the centre.
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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

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) $160.41 $68.98 $38.50
Toddler (2–3) $160.41 $68.98 $38.50
Kinder (3–5) $157.84 $67.87 $37.88

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 for more details when you tour the centre.

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?

Hillside Centre Manager Image

Samantha

Our Centre team, led by our experienced Centre Manager Samantha, 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 Hillside childcare centre offers:

  • Quality learning programs such as Joy of Reading, Cooking and Sustainability
  • Engaging indoor learning spaces full of quality educational resources
  • Expansive outdoor play spaces with a sandpit, a wooden fort and veggie garden
  • On-site Chef providing fresh snacks and meals daily
  • Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers
  • Nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat 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.

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.

What our families say about the centre

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