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Welcome to McKinnon

Guardian Childcare & Education McKinnon

Google Reviews

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  • 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.
  • Proud GOLD 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.
  • Our recently refurbished Centre offers vibrant vegetable gardens, a beloved mud pit, and exciting regular excursions to the local primary school and nature reserve—creating endless opportunities for learning and adventure!
  • Experience the best of both worlds with our two-year kindergarten program: school readiness combined with the convenience of long day care. Plus, get up to $2,050 for 3 and 4-year-olds in fee support on top of the Childcare Subsidy to help with the cost of kindergarten.
McKinnon 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.

252 - 254 Tucker Rd McKinnon, VIC, 3204

Mon to Fri 7:00am to 6:30pm

Limited Spaces Available

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Modern indoor and outdoor learning spaces

McKinnon Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Leigh and team

“It takes a village to raise a child” is a proverb we hold close to our hearts. At Guardian Mckinnon we aim to be supportive and knowledgeable members of your village, a team you can rely on to provide everything your family uniquely requires along the journey of raising your child to flourish into who they are growing to become."

Daily Fees

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

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At Guardian McKinnon, families are valued, with each child’s growth celebrated. Our childcare centre is rated Exceeding, offering the highest quality of care from our nursery through to our government-funded Flying Start to School kindergarten program.

What makes our Mckinnon early learning centre the ideal choice for your family?

• Our recently refurbished indoor spaces are filled with quality, age-appropriate resources to engage and inspire.
• An expansive outdoor area with a beloved mud pit, vibrant vegetable gardens, and natural climbing structures for endless adventure.
• An amazing team that gets to know each child’s needs with our personalised To BE Me learning milestones program.

Families quickly discover a welcoming community with a shared commitment to every child’s wellbeing and safety. We’re proud of our daycare centre – your child will never want to leave! Join the leading childcare provider in the area!

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We Care More. The Guardian Difference.

A new era in early learning.

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Premium Learning Spaces

Inspiring environments for curious minds.

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Where care meets peace of mind.

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Building lifelong healthy habits with every bite.

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2 year Preschool / Kinder program for school readiness.

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Partnership with families & community

Stay connected, every step of the way.

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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 Kindergarten

Google Reviews

(55)
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Leena L.
An absolutely gorgeous bunch of educators. Both my two girls started here from 9m old and I would highly recommend this centre. Thank you to the wonderful team, Leigh and Steph at the front desk for creating that warm and safe environment, I can see the dedication and passion you have for not only the children but the centre too. There is always constant communication whether its in regards to my kids or general phone outages. There is total transparency. Recently they had some upgrades to some play equipment too. I love seeing all the educators when I do pick up and drop offs. Special shout out to Megumi and Angie, they've cared for both of my girls from little small babies. They feel part of family now. Julie, Yanti, Surhbi, Chin, Beth and Nanako and the rest of the team are the reason why I feel safe to have my girls in their care. Keep up with the great work everyone. Know that you're well loved by our family!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Leena, for such a heartfelt review! We’re thrilled your girls have felt safe and supported since starting as babies. Your kind words about the warm environment, transparent communication, and recent upgrades mean so much. We’ll be sure to share your special shout-outs with the educators and team members you mentioned—they’ll be so touched. Thank you for trusting us and for your ongoing support!
Bella hy W.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Bella, for your 5-star rating! We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide a great experience for your family.
Dimitria T.
Shifted my child from another local childcare to guardian childcare & education after touring afew in the area and couldnt be happier with the level of care my son recieves at this childcare. The educators are warm, greet us with a smile, comfort if needed and genuinely invested in your childs development and wellbeing. Learning activities are fun and engaging! I have seen so much progress with my child from only being there for afew months. Management Leigh and steph always have a welcoming atmosphere when i walk through the door! Highly recommend this childcare to any family looking for a positive and genuine enviroment for there child ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Response from the owner:Thank you, Dimitria! We’re so pleased to hear your transition from another centre has been such a positive experience. It’s wonderful that you feel your son receives genuine care and that the educators greet you warmly, provide comfort when needed, and are invested in his development and wellbeing. We’re thrilled you’ve noticed so much progress in just a few months and that the learning activities have been fun and engaging. Your kind words about the welcoming atmosphere from management mean so much. Thank you for your recommendation and for sharing your experience!
Caroline N.
Our 2yo has been attending Guardian McKinnon for over a year and we are really happy with the care he’s received. He has built great connections with his peers and the educators at the centre. Leigh and her team work hard to ensure a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. It has been wonderful to see our son making progress with his development and learning, which is always communicated with us via Storypark. I highly recommend this centre, it has been a wonderful choice for our family.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Caroline, for your thoughtful feedback. We’re delighted to hear your child has built strong connections with peers and educators and that you’ve seen such positive progress in his development. Your recognition of the team’s efforts to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment means so much. We’re also glad Storypark has helped keep you connected to his learning journey. Thank you for your recommendation, we’re so pleased your family feels at home with us.
Shira S.
Best staff and management. Transition from previous centre was smooth and painless. The kinder program is amazing and our son is thriving. Thank you, Leigh and team 🙏
Response from the owner:Thank you, Shira, for your lovely feedback. We’re so pleased to hear the transition was smooth and that your son is thriving in our To BE Me & Flying Start to School kindergarten programs! Your kind words about the team mean so much, and we’re grateful for your trust and support. Thank you again!
Don
We shifted our son from another local childcare centre to here and it was the best decision we made. Leigh the centre manager and all the staff have been very accomodating of our son’s needs.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Don, for your thoughtful review. We’re so pleased to hear the transition was smooth and that the team has been accommodating to your son’s needs. Your trust and confidence mean a lot to us. Thanks again!
Cal F.
Fantastic centre - the educators and staff are all wonderful people who genuinely care about the children in their care.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Cal, for your lovely review. We’re so pleased to hear that you feel supported by a team who genuinely cares for the children. Creating a nurturing environment is always our priority, and your feedback means a lot. Thanks again!
Hock Oon T.
Pretty pleased the centre. My son attended the centre and had a great time when he was there. He was always very fond of the educators he had.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience Hock! It’s always rewarding to know that our team’s care and support leave a lasting impression. We truly appreciate your kind words and the trust you placed in us during his early learning journey!
Ruby
We couldn’t be happier with this centre. From the very first day, the staff made our family feel welcome and reassured. The educators are warm, attentive, and genuinely care about each child’s growth and wellbeing. I can clearly see how happy my son is at his new school ☺️ Thank you for everything you do!!
Response from the owner:Thank you Ruby for your kind words and support. We’re so pleased to hear that your family felt welcomed from the very beginning and that your son is happy and thriving in his new environment. Our educators are committed to creating a space where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to grow, and it’s wonderful to know this has been your experience. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to continuing this journey with you!
Reuben S.
I tour around McKinnon area to find a centre for my 4 year old child. Positive vibes and happy environment……, I didn’t find in any of other centre around this area. It was warm and positive energy around the centre. As Leigh was taking me around, I noticed each and every room door were open for children to either play indoor or outdoor. There were lots of staff, playing with children. Every child was so happy. I highly recommend everyone to come and have a feel about centre. You will see the difference. We are definitely choosing McKinnon Guardian. High quality centre.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful feedback Reuben. We’re so glad you felt the positive energy and welcoming atmosphere during your tour of our centre. Leigh and the team work hard to create a space where children feel happy, safe, and free to explore and it’s lovely to hear that this came through so clearly. We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen our centre for your child and look forward to supporting their learning and development every step of the way. Thank you again for your recommendation and for being part of our community!
Olivia H.
Amazing center for your child. Highly recommended!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We're pleased to hear you had a great experience. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Shannyn M.
Raj S.
I have enrolled my 3.5-year-old daughter, Amber, at Guardian McKinnon, and I am extremely pleased with the experience. From the moment we arrived, Amber was immediately drawn to the welcoming and nurturing environment, which has made a remarkable difference in her overall well-being. The educators, Beth and Pawani, are exceptional in their care and dedication, and Leigh, the Director, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure Amber feels comfortable and secure, greeting her each day with a warm smile. The level of care at Guardian McKinnon is unparalleled. At her previous center, Amber often experienced distress, but here, she eagerly looks forward to attending each day. She shares with me every evening how much she enjoys her time at the center, consistently expressing that she had a "good day." What stands out most is the center’s ability to recognize and nurture Amber’s individual interests, encouraging her to develop and grow in meaningful ways. Since enrolling, I have observed a significant improvement in Amber’s communication skills, manners, and social interactions. I am deeply grateful to Guardian McKinnon for providing such outstanding care and fostering Amber’s growth and development. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to her well-being and for all that you do.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your review! We're absolutely delighted to hear that Amber is thriving at our centre It's incredibly rewarding to know that our welcoming and nurturing environment has made such a positive impact on her well-being. Beth, Pawani, and Leigh will be overjoyed to hear your kind words about their dedication and care. They truly go above and beyond to ensure each child feels comfortable and secure, and it's wonderful to see that reflected in Amber's experience. We're thrilled that Amber looks forward to attending each day and that you've noticed improvements in her communication skills, manners, and social interactions. Our team is passionate about recognizing and nurturing each child's individual interests. Thank you for entrusting us with Amber's care and for your unwavering support. We're grateful to have you as part of our Guardian family and look forward to continuing to provide a positive and enriching experience for Amber.
Joy S.
This is the happiest centre where my child is truly flourishing and reaching new heights! The care and attention Amber receives here are beyond what I could have hoped for. Centre Manager Leigh and Step have done an incredible job in creating a team that genuinely cares about each child. I’m especially grateful to Beth and Pawani for making my child's learning experience so amazing. Their dedication and passion for early childhood education shine through in everything they do. I couldn’t be more thankful for the positive impact this centre has had on my child’s growth and development. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're happy to hear that your little one is flourishing and reaching new heights at our centre. It's heartwarming to know that our care and attention have exceeded your expectations. Leigh, Step, Beth, and Pawani will be delighted to hear your kind words. Their dedication and passion for early childhood education are truly remarkable, and we're glad it shines through in everything they do. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're grateful for the positive impact we've had on Amber's growth and development. Thank you for being a part of our community!
Misha K.
Centre manager and the staff are just doing excellent work.
Just amazing experience our whole family is having.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted that your family is having a great experience with us. Our team truly appreciates your feedback!
Sara R.
Lucy W.
Very nice staff
Response from the owner:Thank you Lucy for your 5-star rating for our centre in McKinnon. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian over many more days to come!
Neda E.
Very friendly staff
Clean centre
Healthy meals and snacks provided
Response from the owner:Thank you Neda for your 5-star rating for our centre in McKinnon. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian over many more days to come!
CR
Loveful. Cheerful. Friendly team.
Thank you to team always. 🥰
Response from the owner:Thank you CR for your 5-star rating for our centre in McKinnon. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian over many more days to come!
Amani S.
As a mum of 4 .. I’ve seen a lot that goes on at many childcare centres. We have been so grateful to have found Guardian in Mckinnon a few years ago. I’ve had 3 kids there and will be sad when my little girl has to leave next year. The staff have always catered to the needs and flexibility of our family. The learning and support is wonderful and they have always keep a high standard of safety and care. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you Amani for your 5-star rating for our centre in McKinnon. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian over many more days to come! ​
APS
Amber B.
We are always made to feel welcome and feel the educators and teachers are on top of what's happened in the day for our child. Documentation is current in and around the rooms, all communal spaces are well defined and have purpose, management team are awesome!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Amber! 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! ​
Anne-Maree Y.
Mallar S
We absolutely love Guardian McKinnon as the CM Maxine there is exceptional and lovely. My son's educators Surbhi and Stephanie are amazing at what they do. The care given to my son is just amazing. He's very happy going to daycare.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback about our centre in Mckinnon! We are happy to hear such good things about you and your little one’s experience with us.
xoxo L.
Wayne W.
Very nice and professional!
Trang H.
We have recently transferred to Guardian McKinnon and we are so glad to have found this centre. The Educators are so lovely and welcoming to both our kids, we are always informed of how their days went and we love to see all the updates via Storypark.
Definitely very happy with our decision to send out kids here !
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Trang! 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!
shelly S.
My kids have been in the center for more than a year and they are thriving there. The educators ,admin staff are very attentive to the kids needs as well as parents needs. The manager, Maxin is very supportive and caring. The center is very modern with plenty of outdoor and indoor play activity. I would highly recommend the center.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your great review for our centre in McKinnon. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations, Shelly. We will continue to provide the best possible care for our families and children 😊 ​
Samuel M.
Great care for our two girls - the staff (in room educators, office staff and specially the chef too!) are all amazing, particularly with the kids. They also work exceptionally hard to make pickups and drop offs a breeze. great place, I recommend it.
Trang L.
My daughter has been at Guardian Mckinnon for more than 1 year. Staffs, Educators are very nice and friendly. Centre is clean, equipped and modern. Children has variety, fresh and yummy food everyday by Chef.
I can see developments in skills and confidence of my daughter. She enjoys every moment in her childcare day through the pictures posted by Educators.
Would definitely recommend to other families.
Ying L.
George T.
Lauren D.
We transferred to Guardian at the start of the year from a centre our two year old thrived and loved. I was incredibly anxious about her starting at a new place, and how her transition would go. We couldn’t be happier, she walks in and loves saying hi to everyone and could not be happier. Her language has developed quickly, and the staff and management genuinely care. Could not recommend higher!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your great review for our centre in McKinnon, Lauren. We are so happy to hear that you've seen the benefits of joining a Guardian Early Learning Centre and that your little one has had such a great experience so far!
Arianna K.
It is an excellent child care. My daughter gets looked after really well by carers. All staff members including the centre manager, chef and of course the carers are very friendly and easy to approach. Thank you.
Huw C.
Kind and caring child care centre with excellent carers and support team who have built up strong relationships with our whole family.
Ida
My child has been in the centre since 18 months old and we love this child care. The staff are friendly and caring and facilities are new. They’ve also got sports every week. The catering is great and kids love it. Would definitely recommend to families.
Michelle S.
My son has been in Guardian McKinnon for about one year. He is really enjoying and love it. Can see his daily skills development. Definitely recommend.
R
Alicia A.
My son has been attending Guardian McKinnon for over a year, starting in nursery and now in the toddler room, he has learned so much and absolutely adores his educators. The staff are so caring and supportive, I couldn't ask for better people to be educating my son and helping him grow into the best version of himself. The educators keep the families up to date with photos via the Storypark app and always take the time to write detailed stories about what the children have done that day.
Yu S.
I would like to tell someone who is looking for a good childcare in McKinnon area....

I am a grandmother of Claire Liu. Over one year I was taking Claire to childcare in the morning and sometimes picking up from there in the afternoon. From inside the classrooms to outside the building throughout, I just felt every one, everything, everywhere making me real happy, warmth and so clean .... Especially I must mention Claire‘s teachers Kashish, Lenny and Jessie. They are extremely enthusiastic for their job! I told them that I must promote all of you and this childcare does fantastic things. If nobody encourage good people isn’t fair for the business too!

Today I am very pleased to write this review and post it on public area to let people know what the best childcare supposed to be👍Many thanks for Kids Time 👍
Jill S.
My two boys have been attending here for over 2 years and love it. The educators in each room are exceptional, and their tenure is long lasting, which is a great reflection on the centre as a whole. The range of learning experiences on offer for all kids is incredible. We could not recommend Guardian McKinnon more highly :)
Dani K.
Guardian McKinnon is an amazing childcare. They strive to create a wonderful environment, as soon as you walk in the doors you know your kids are going to be well looked after.
The friendly reception area are always so helpful, they know all the children and parents.
The educators are incredible. So caring, and the activities they have set up for the kids are always wonderful. They are extremely thoughtful and put so much effort into making sure the kids feel at home, and relaxed.
I’m jealous of the food they get! Amazing quality and again, so well planned.
Everything about guardian is incredible and I feel so thankful I found them for my children.
Nicole K
My 4 year old and 1 year old attend Guardian McKinnnon 4 days a week. Both have flourished both developmentally and in confidence since commencing. All the educators have been amazing - great local childcare centre - Highly recommend!
Jenna L.
We love going to Guardian, my little girl has been there since 3 months old. I felt very comfortable leaving her with the educators, she is now 15 months old and absolutely loves going there. She runs in and is happy to see everyone which makes me have less (mum guilt) about taking her. All the staff even from other rooms know her name and say hello and good bye as we come and go which makes us feel so welcomed and that the whole centre actually cares about each child not just the ones in their rooms.

Highly recommend
Joan L.
Our son started at The Guardian in McKinnon in January and he loves it, the educators are so kind and caring, our son goes 3 days a weeks there is always such a warm welcome by Maxine, Leigh and Isobel when we arrive. Our son has huge smiles when he sees the educators in the fairy penguin room. We know he’s having a wonderful time everyday and they get beautiful fresh cooked meals everyday. I’d highly recommend this childcare.
Gunjan S.
The love the carers show for the kids makes this centre different from the other childcares centres in the area. My daughter joined the centre when she was 6 months old. I couldn't have asked for a better support group! The carers treated her like their own. The strong bond the cares build with not only my daughter, but all the children at the centre is the reason why all the kids rather be at the centre than home :) . Its a great sense of comfort for the parents to know their kids will be in a nurturing environment just like home.
Giulia C.
My son has been attending this centre for over a year. We have had a great experience with all staff members, the highlights of the centre are: caring, friendly and approchable educators that go above and beyond their job, good communication with families, great modern facility with plenty of space and learning opportunities, individual attention and a genuine interest in children's wellbeing and development. :-)
Aroon
Our daughter has been attending this centre for the past 2 years. The instructors and management are kind, knowledgable and reliable. Our daughter loves going there and has developed great relationship with the instructors and other kids. We visited few other places before deciding on Guardian and we are happy that we have made the right choice.
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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!

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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) $199.00 $103.10 $71.13
Toddler (2–3) $199.00 $103.10 $71.13
Kinder (3–5) $198.00 $102.10 $70.13

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.

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

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
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

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

McKinnon Centre Manager Image

Leigh and team

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

Guardian Childcare & Education McKinnon is a beautiful, open-plan centre located on Tucker Road. Our early childhood education programs are focused on play-based learning, and 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. 

Our childcare centre, with long day care services, is filled with bright, stimulating materials that encourage children to explore and engage their curiosity to discover more about the exciting world around them. 

Each child is 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 McKinnon is open from 7.00 am to 6.30 pm every weekday, giving you plenty of flexibility for the hours they work and the time they choose to drop off and pick up their child. During drop-off or pick-up times, we encourage you to stay for a little while and spend some time exploring the learning environment. 

Each Educator and Teacher in each room can provide some understanding of the various play materials and education spaces throughout the Centre to help you discover some ways to continue learning 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 on Storypark, which supports them in achieving developmental milestones and understanding new ideas in early childhood.  

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 has the Victorian Government Kinder Tick, which demonstrates our commitment to providing the best possible start to life for your child through quality childcare services. 

Our education and care program is led by specialist Educational Leaders who guide teaching and learning in a flexible and research-based 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. 

We’re committed to early years nutrition, and our on-site cook prepares each meal fresh and packed with all the nutrients that growing bodies need. 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 early childhood 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 early childhood centre today? We’d love to show you why Guardian Childcare & Education McKinnon is the perfect learning environment for your child. We can answer any questions about our service, the Child Care Subsidy, enrolment process, and provide any other advice you need. At Guardian, we believe that together, we can give young children the best start to life. 

At Guardian Childcare and Education McKinnon, we pride ourselves on being the best childcare services option for families searching for a nurturing and enriching environment. If you’re looking for an early learning centre near you that prioritises your child’s growth, we offer exceptional early childhood education in a safe, engaging setting. Our dedicated team ensures that every child receives personalised attention, making us the preferred day care near you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to discover how our child care services can seamlessly fit into your family’s routine, providing the vital support you seek in childcare near me. 

We look forward to welcoming you soon! 

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.

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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