Belinda James
Centre Manager
"It takes a village to raise a child and I’m so glad you’re apart of my village".
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.
Guardian Childcare & Education Mentone East (formerly Creative Beginnings) boasts lots of native trees, herb and vegetable gardens, creek beds, water play areas, and a range of age-specific spaces where our programs come to life.
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With endless possibilities, there’s never a dull moment at Guardian and no two days are the same. Here’s what a day at Guardian might look like. Please note, this will vary depending on centre opening hours.
From 7:00am
Handover time with children, families and our friendly Educators. There’s a chance to share what’s important for the day and any news from home.
From 7:00am
Breakfast time where families are welcome to stay and enjoy breakfast with the children.
Morning
An opportunity to play and discover with open-plan play in family groups and multi-age groupings.
Morning
Planned experiences. This is where the Guardian difference comes to life. Alongside our Educators your child’s exploration leads to learnings in numeracy, literacy, language, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, social skills, technology, creative arts and much more.
Morning tea
An opportunity for children to come together for a healthy snack, often they help prepare their food alongside our carers and chef.
Mid-morning
Individually tailored to your child’s needs and curiosity the planned experiences continue, this includes both indoor and outdoor programs.
Lunch
Another nutritious meal expertly prepared by our chef. Families are invited to join the children for meals and excursions if they wish.
Afternoon
If your child wants to, or needs to sleep, it’s time to rest and recharge. For children who don’t need to rest the planned experiences continue, in most cases outdoors.
Afternoon tea
Another chance for the children to come together and re-fuel in small groups. There is also an opportunity to rest or play together and reflect on the day.
Pick-up
As you arrive to pick up your child, there’s a chance to speak with our Educators and share news about the day. Our Storypark App also allows you to stay in touch 24/7 wherever you are.
End of day
Your child is encouraged to grab a light snack before they leave the centre. We’re mindful of how routines vary, throughout the day if we notice your child looking tired food will be provided.
Open 7:00am to 6:30pm
Monday to Friday
Our team of Educators are committed and passionate about ensuring your child will be safe, nurtured and cared for every day. At Guardian, children are encouraged to engage in interest-led play that creates learning and meaningful experiences.
Our Educators seek to optimise diverse learning opportunities and implement the Curriculum as framed by the Early Years Learning Framework.
All Guardian Centres provide a Centre-to-Family communication platform so families can maintain contact with their children’s experiences through photos, stories and learning outcomes.
Our Centres use Storypark and each family is provided with a secure login to access on their computers, mobiles or apps.
If you’re looking for the right Mentone childcare and kindergarten then take a tour of Guardian today and discover how we do things differently.
With our centre being well above the Australian national average, we are focused on the outcomes for children along with working closely with parents to help deepen your child’s respect for the local communities along with the other children and their independent development.
While you have many different child care centres to choose from around Mentone, if you take a tour with Guardian you’ll discover why this is one of the preeminent Mentone preschools.
There are currently vacancies available at Guardian Mentone so come by and find out how we can help.
Samantha Hurley
Excellently managed and run centre that my daughter enjoys wholeheartedly. She is so excited at the end of the day to tell me all of the things that se has ... Read More
Laura Washington
I have been fortunate to have had two children spend their formative years at Guardian Mentone East and both kids loved their experience there. The centre is well maintained and ... Read More
tavis bennett
This year my 3yo son started unassisted swim lessons (without his parent in the pool). He has a new teacher who is growing into her confidence. Throughout his lesson, my ... Read More
Susan Thorne
Our daughter has been attending this centre since she was 15 months old and she ( and we ) absolutely loves it. Sam and Belinda are always more than happy to ... Read More
Simon Sloss
As first time parents, looking for a childcare center can seem daunting. Guardian Childcare has been so welcoming and have made the whole experience really positive. Every single worker is ... Read More
Lauren Mercieca
My daughter has been attending this centre for a while now and to say I am pleased is an understatement. The building as a whole, is amazing. It's big and ... Read More
Kate Ponton
The Educators really do care about the children and getting to know families. The quality of care is amazing and my daughter looks forward to coming in and seeing her ... Read More
Melissa Hardman
Amazing centre! The staff are all so kind and caring. My son has the most amazing time when he goes.
Mikayla M
Alice Stewart
My 20month old son has been there since 9-10months old and we absolutely love the place. The staff are very caring and treat the childrens in such a loving way. ... Read More
Heather Mackenzie
Our first child started at the centre 4.5 years ago and we now have our second child attending there too. The staff there are so supportive and are brilliant with ... Read More
Carlie Thatcher
I have had two kids attend this child care of which one is still there. The staff are really friendly and amazing with the kids. I love the fact that ... Read More
Revere Johnston
The Centre has everything that you need with qualified educators and great spaces.
Amanda Foo
I couldn’t be happier with Creative Beginnings Early Learning Centre. The educators are so attentive, caring and thoughtful. Sam and Belinda are a great leadership team. They answer requests and ... Read More
Michael Mackenzie
Sarah Hayman
Great centre. Professional and allow children is explore and learn
Korryn Malzard
We've been at the centre since 2012 and have seen many changes. Many of the educators are beyond fabulous and have always welcomed our girls with big open arms. Sam, ... Read More
To explore the centre, chat with our team of Educators and learn more about our high-quality curriculum, book a tour now.
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.