Guardian Childcare & Education Mentone East

(Formerly Creative Beginnings)

Every day is an opportunity for discovery and growth at Guardian Childcare & Education Mentone East (formerly Creative Beginnings), which is rated exceeding in the National Quality Standard. With a range of exciting, resource-rich environments – including a recently renovated nursery room and toddler yard – children are encouraged to explore and learn.

The light-filled and homely centre is also home to lots of native trees, herb and vegetable gardens, creek beds, water play areas, and a range of age-specific ateliers where our programs come to life.

We are proud to have a culturally diverse team and celebrate a variety of cultures and holidays throughout the year. The community-minded team also has a great connection with Mentone Park Primary, who invites the kinder children over daily to use their prep playground.

Children get out and about on regular excursions, so we have a great connection with the surrounding community. We have Mentone Reserve, which the children fondly refer to as the Duck Park, within walking distance of the centre, so all age groups join in.

Our on-site chef, Kim, prepares five nutritionally balanced meals using seasonal ingredients every day. To further explore food at the centre our Educators host cooking classes for the children to get involved in to enhance their understanding of good nutrition.

Begin the adventure at Guardian today by booking a tour to explore the centre, chat with our team of Educators and learn more about our high-quality curriculum.

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Read more information about the centre

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Rhythm of The Day

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.

Helpful Information

Opening Hours

Open 7:00am to 6:30pm
Monday to Friday

Fee Information

Age Group Daily Fee
Under 3 Years $135.00*
Over 3 Years $135.00*

*Price before the government rebate. To calculate what Child Care Subsidy you might get back, click here.

Good to Know - What to Bring

What we Provide

  • Sunscreen
  • Five nutritionally balanced meals including: Breakfast, Lunch, Morning and Afternoon tea and a late Snack at the end of the day
  • Nappies
  • Bibs
  • Bedding

What to Bring

  • Hats
  • Formula and bottles
  • Soft toy or comfort blanket for nap time
  • Spare change of clothing

Our Educators

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.

You and Your Child

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.

Learn More About Our Centre

Rated Exceeding National Quality Standard

Our well-equipped centre offers a rich variety of stimulating indoor and outdoor learning experiences so our children can explore many different environments and situations. In our spacious and naturally focused outdoor areas, children enjoy playing and relaxing in the shade or tending to our vegetable and herb gardens. We encourage learning about sustainability and nature through recycling and composting food scraps.

Many of our caring, friendly and experienced Educators live in the local area and enjoy building close relationships with our families and the local community.

Our nursery is designed to help children feel happy and secure in a caring and nurturing environment where they experience a variety of developmentally appropriate activities. Our toddlers enjoy a range engaging and stimulating experiences to explore throughout the day, stimulating their self-help skills and develop a growing appreciation of the natural world around them.

The Pre-Kinder and Kinder programs focus on play-led learning, encouraging children to develop their interests and explore their identity through play, arts, literature, music and movement. We ensure our children are happy and settled when engaged in open-ended learning experiences and partner with our neighbouring primary school to help ensure a smoother transition to formal learning.

The Kinder children use the prep playground daily as well as utilising the library, open plan classrooms and science room. Our Kinder teacher works around the school’s schedule to ensure the children can use these rooms when they are vacant. This process assists the children to engage and become familiar in a school environment before entering primary school.

Begin the Adventure at Guardian

To explore the centre, chat with our team of Educators and learn more about our high-quality curriculum, book a tour now.

Book a Tour Enquire Now

What Our Families Say