Guardian Childcare & Education Mentone East

  • Keeping children safe always comes first. All of our team are committed to uphold the highest standards of child safety. Read our approach here
  • Every day is unique in our newly refurbished centre with modern resources from nursery to our leading 2-year Kindergarten program. You don’t want to miss out!
  • Meet our dedicated team and discover how we lead the way in your child’s development, where keeping you connected with regular communication about their progress as a top priority.
  • Belong to our nurturing community at Mentone East where our team get to know you and your child individually to help them be creative brave and curious in their learning

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

Mentone East Map Image

HOURS

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

ADDRESS

37 Blackwood Avenue Mentone, VIC, 3194

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 Mentone East, you become part of our family. We offer a welcoming and nurturing environment with high-quality educational programs at our childcare centre, from nursery through to our government-funded Flying Start to School kindergarten program. The experienced team of educators at our centre focus on building strong relationships with families, where children’s growth and learning is celebrated at every step.

Discover what makes our Mentone East daycare the ideal choice:

• Our newly refurbished indoor spaces are filled with modern, quality, age-appropriate resources that engage and inspire.
• An expansive outdoor area encourages exploration with native trees, herb gardens, creek beds, and exciting water play areas.
• Our To BE Me learning programs meet each child where they are, with a dedicated team supporting their individual development.

We are proud to be the leading early learning centre in the area where every child’s safety and wellbeing is our priority. Be part of our leading community!

Mentone East Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Aashima and team

"We believe children are curious learners which drives them to explore, ask questions and seek understanding about the world around them."

Daily Fees

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

View Daily Fees

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
(32)
Kirsty K
Kirsty K
22:02 17 Jul 25
The staff have been amazing over the years, showing such great care and support of our little ones as they grow. The centre has also had some great updates since we first started attending a few years ago which is lovely too. Thanks for taking such great care of them!
Brooke K
Brooke K
05:49 11 Jul 25
If I had to summarise Guardian Mentone East in one word, it would be relationships. From the very beginning, it was clear that every educator here values connection — not just with the children, but with families and with each other. It’s something you can feel the moment you walk through the doors.Every team member knows my son by name. He is greeted with warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine care each day, and I see how safe, seen and celebrated he feels in their presence. As a parent, handing over your child to someone else’s care is one of the biggest leaps of trust you’ll ever take — and I was so nervous. But this team made that leap feel lighter.They have shown my son nothing but kindness, respect, and belief in his abilities. They’ve nurtured his confidence, resilience, and independence in a way that feels intentional and deeply thoughtful. For me as a parent, they’ve offered guidance, reassurance, open communication, and a partnership I didn’t know I needed.I am endlessly grateful to this team for creating a space where my child can thrive — and where his dad and I feel truly supported as parents.
Chris K.
Chris K.
00:47 09 Jul 25
The team at Guardian Childcare & Education Mentone East are amazing! They have taught and helped my 2 year old to grow into the little man he is today. The educators are so passionate about the work they are doing and it shows. The communication is great and I’m always so excited to hear about what he’s been up to each day. The centre has a great warm and welcoming feeling and is so inviting for the children. The Centre Leadership Team are amazing and have been such a great help guiding through every step of the way.Highly recommend the centre and team at Guardian Mentone East! Big thanks to the team!
Monica J.
Monica J.
01:59 03 Jul 25
I'm so grateful for the amazing care my two children received at Guardian Mentone East from ages 2 to 5. The weekly sports incursions were a highlight of their week, and the consistent, caring staff made us feel like family. The educators were always communicative, keeping us in the loop about our children's daily adventures and milestones. Thank you for giving my kids a nurturing and fun environment to grow and thrive. Highly recommend!
Charntel D.
Charntel D.
08:56 01 Jul 25
I have both my children going to Guardian Mentone East since they were only 6-8months old and they have both loved it. The staff are very friendly and approachable! Highly recommend!
eshan B.
eshan B.
07:25 02 Apr 25
Prajakta V.
Prajakta V.
03:26 19 Dec 23
Adina T.
Adina T.
01:00 14 Dec 23
Our time at Guardian Mentone East has been a pleasant experience from day dot. From the admin staff to those busy in the kitchen, everyone there is happy, friendly and proactive. We put our little one in just as she was turning 1 and have always been satisfied with the level of communication and care. The educators are kind and patient, always willing to meet our child's needs. After the initial adjustment, our baby absolutely loves going to childcare - and we rest assured that she is getting great enrichment experiences and well balanced food (that she actually eats!). She even naps better there than at home. Would definitely recommend Guardian Mentone East to our friends and family for a well-rounded childcare service.
Danielle R.
Danielle R.
10:59 26 Sep 23
Very friendly team. My daughter is slower at warming up to people and the carers have been patient with her and now she’s loving it.
Kate S.
Kate S.
02:31 30 May 23
We chose Guardian Mentone East after visiting 3 other centres and couldn't be happier, it just felt right as soon as we walked in. Claire, Pawan and Charli are so supportive and caring, I felt completely comfrotable leaving our son in their care and he settled in so quickly. The rooms are great, full of light and loads of things to do, books and plenty of outdoor space to play. Sam and Louise do an amazing job running the centre and know everyone by name. The menu rotates regularly and there are lots of yummy, healthy meals for the kids. Plus we get great updates on how his day was and plenty of photos.
Matthew K.
Matthew K.
00:54 20 May 23
Lucky to have had our daughter at Guardian Mentone East for the last two years and had no hesitation to enrol our son to start in a few months time. Sam and Louise are fantastic at running the centre, and all of the educators we’ve had to date have also been fantastic. Centre itself is a good size, big enough to be able to secure a place, but small enough to still have a community feel.
Pavlina L.
Pavlina L.
23:05 30 Aug 22
Andréia L.
Andréia L.
10:44 14 Jun 22
Samantha H.
Samantha H.
03:44 22 Feb 22
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 done. Would highly recommend
Laura W.
Laura W.
04:38 11 Jan 22
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 brilliantly managed by Sam - the communication has been clear, frequent and I’ve enjoyed seeing pictures & reading about the learning experiences the children have had through StoryPark. The educators are fantastic. They supported my two children to be make friends, learn appropriate play, encouraged them to be curious and creative, but most importantly, fostered the kids to truly be themselves. My two children finished their kindy year very ready and excited for school and both commented on how much they’d enjoyed their time at the centre. Whole heartedly recommend!
Tavis N.
Tavis N.
06:07 25 Feb 21
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 son sits still, pays attention and listens to her instructions, even though she can be hard to hear. When she tells him to adjust what he’s doing during his swimming, he listens immediately.It’s clear to see my son's manners are a direct result of his teaching at Guardian Mentone East. His great behaviour is a testament to the skill, perseverance and diligence of all of his educators in the various rooms he’s gone through. I couldn’t be more proud of my son and happy with the results of his time at Guardian ME so far!The staff are always friendly and welcoming but its the results in my son's behaviour that speaks volumes. Often when we're asking for my son to consider his behaviour, we'll ask how his educators have asked him to behave. Their attentive and knowledgable instruction empowers us to guide our son through everything he has to learn. We're sending our second son to the centre as we're confident all the staff at Guardian Mentone East are equipping both our boys with the best start to their education journey.
Susan T.
Susan T.
21:14 22 Oct 20
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 help out with any questions you may have and all the careers have been amazing.Highly recommend this centre
Simon S.
Simon S.
23:29 17 Sep 20
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 happy and bubbly. We get daily communication on how our baby is going. He absolutely loves all the staff, they are brilliant.If your looking for a childcare center! Highly recommend this one.
Lauren M.
Lauren M.
00:03 16 Sep 20
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 bright with seperate rooms for each age group with play spaces and experiences set up accordingly as well as beautiful yards for their outdoor play. The management at this centre is excellent, they are always there to answer any questions I might have and go out of their way to make sure everything runs smoothly for families. The Educators throughout the centre are amazing and friendly, I see a lot of smiling faces daily when we arrive at the centre and they always make my daughter feel welcome. Drop offs are easy as she is familiar with the Equators and will willingly go to them and then off to explore. She absolutely loves attending the centre and that's due to all the staff and their hard work that they put in every single day. Thank you so much for all that you do for my daughter.
Kate P.
Kate P.
22:31 25 Aug 20
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 friends and Educators and what she will be learning.
Melissa H.
Melissa H.
00:25 22 Jul 20
Amazing centre! The staff are all so kind and caring. My son has the most amazing time when he goes.
Mikayla M.
Mikayla M.
20:24 10 Mar 20
Alice S.
Alice S.
18:17 22 Feb 20
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. They really listen to how you do things at home and do their best to provide a similar enviromemt. We are very happy to cuddle and be with out son while he falls asleep and the staff are very happy to do the same. If needed they will lay down with my son and help him fall asleep which is so lovely. While I am at work I have full condience he is well loved and cared for. The management are very quick to reply to emails or phone queries which is so handy. They have lots of casual days avail at times as well as our perm days so its very handy as I am a Nurse. They always do lots of fun actitivities with the children and the food menu is great.We highly recomend the place
Heather M.
Heather M.
23:47 12 Dec 19
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 the children. Any questions we have always get answered promtly. I definitely feel happy leaving my children in their care.
Carlie T.
Carlie T.
02:42 26 Nov 19
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 I get to see photos every day she attends and frequent feedback about their development. The kids just love being there and interact so well. I would recommend this child care to anyone. The Manager is amazing!!
Revere J.
Revere J.
11:05 14 Nov 19
The Centre has everything that you need with qualified educators and great spaces.
Amanda F.
Amanda F.
08:25 11 May 19
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 queries promptly and thoroughly.My daughter adores the women in her room; Mel, Kate and Amanda clearly love their jobs and have helped my daughter adjust and love her time at daycare. She’s learning so much and has come so far since she’s joined Creative Beginnings and I know so much of that is due to the team at Creative Beginnings. Thank you!
Michael M.
Michael M.
09:38 25 Apr 16
Sarah H.
Sarah H.
11:48 02 May 21
Great centre. Professional and allow children is explore and learn
Korryn M.
Korryn M.
05:37 29 Mar 18
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, the centre manager is the best fit for our centre and is doing a great job. Over the years I've recommended a number of children to the service and will continue to do so.
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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) $181.55 $81.48 $48.12
Toddler (2–3) $181.55 $81.48 $48.12
Kinder (3–5) $179.80 $79.73 $46.37

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?

Mentone East Centre Manager Image

Aashima and team

Our Centre team, led by our experienced Centre Manager Aashima, 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 Mentone East 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 lushes native trees, herb and vegetable gardens, sandpit creek beds and water play areas.
  • On-site Chef providing fresh snacks and meals daily
  • Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers
  • Nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, high-quality formula and bed linen provided
  • Extended hours of care each weekday from 7am to 6pm

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

No state fee relief information available.

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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