Diverse learning programs including Bush Kinder, community and park visits. Plus children love playing in our green-filled outdoor spaces complete with bike and scooter track.
We have availability across all ages on certain days. Let's work together to find the best schedule for your family.
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.
Book a tour today to see the Centre for yourself & have all your questions answered.
Welcome to Guardian Childcare & Education Croydon, formerly Platypus Junction Croydon. Our wonderful childcare centre is conveniently located at 20 Croydon Road Croydon, just across the road from the Croydon Primary School with easy access to Croydon Train Station and Maroondah Highway. Our bright and fresh purpose-built childcare centre encompasses the historic Croydon church hall. This wonderful structure has been a special addition to our beautiful learning environments, thoughtfully created for the development of babies to 4-year-old kindergarten. We welcome you to come and enjoy our community space. This space is for parents and families to catch up with each other or can be used when extra time is needed at drop off.
Our long day care in Croydon daycare centre is ideally located for families in surrounding suburbs near Croydon, Croydon North, Croydon Hills and Mooroolbark.
Our Croydon 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, bike track and veggie garden
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 6:30am to 6:30pm
Supported through a passionate and dedicated team of university-qualified Teachers and Educators, our childcare and day care centre in Croydon is an inclusive learning environment for children where a personalised approach to learning opportunities ensures children are supported to be bold, creative, and curious in their learning journey.
Children attending our Guardian Croydon child care centre will also have the chance to see the same familiar faces as they move on up from our nursery room, into our Kindergarten program, designed specifically to help prepare your child transition from early learning to primary school.
The Victorian Government offers funding to provide families upto 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 $2,050 a year for children aged three years old and above in eligible long day cares in 2024. Ask us for more information when you visit our Centre.
As part of our unique Visible Learning Program, families will also have the chance to gain an understanding of their child’s learning. Easily accessible for families, our Learning Exchange Display provides the opportunity for our Teachers and Educators to share with you any updates on their progress every day. You will also have the chance to share with us your own personal goals and visions for us to implement, having direct input in your child’s educational journey.
Families will also be given access to our family communication app Storypark, where we will share with you any significant updates in your child’s day, as well as any other important updates that happen in the centre – ensuring that you’re always connected, even when you’re not here.
If you’re looking to begin the adventure and are wanting to explore, book a tour and meet our team at Guardian Childcare & Education Croydon today!
“I aim to provide a high-quality learning environment where children, families, and educators feel safe and valued.”
Where children are supported to be brave,
curious, and bold in their learning,
for the best possible start to life.
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.
With endless possibilities, there’s never a dull moment and no two days are the same.
Handover time with children, families and our friendly Educators. There's a chance for conversation to share what's important for the day/what's happened the night before at home.
Breakfast time where families are welcome to stay and enjoy breakfast with the children.
As children are arriving and families are coming and going, there's an opportunity for play as well as family grouping, open-plan play and multi-age grouping.
There's an opportunity for children to come together and enjoy morning tea.
Following morning tea, the planned experiences continue. This includes both indoor and outdoor programs.
There's an opportunity for children to come together for lunch. With an open-door policy, families are able to join the centre for meals and excursion if they wish.
For children who want to, or need to, there's an opportunity to sleep, rest or relax. For children who don't need to rest, there are planned experiences, which are more likely to be outdoors.
Children come together for afternoon tea in small groups or with siblings (they can also rest and play together, too). This time also presents an opportunity to reflect on the day.
As families arrive to pick up children, there's an opportunity to speak to Educators and share information about the day.
Some centres offer early tea or light snack at the end of the day, which they can grab as they leave the centre. We’re mindful of how routines vary at home, so if throughout the day, we notice children look tired, food will be provided.
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.
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.
Centre Highlights
Stimulating learning environments equipped with natural open-ended materials and resources
Large outdoor play spaces featuring natural play structures, sandpits and water play
Commercial grade, open plan kitchen for the on-site cook to prepare 5 healthy and nutritious meals daily
Children socialise over meals shared in the Piazza
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/Preschool Program
Our specialist two-year kindergarten/preschool program is led by degree qualified Teachers in a long day
care setting. Children explore and understand their world in an environment of safety and
security. It’s where they develop the foundational literacy and numeracy skills to thrive.
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.
I loved Platypus when Ash was the manager. She was professional and always supported her staff. I could always approach her with no hesitation and talk about my needs and concerns. Loved working with many other staff members at that time Ben, Quinn etc. Loved time there. Had to resign as I was going on holidays for a year to India. When I came back the management and centre was owned by Guardian. So I was hesitant to go back as I didn't know anyone there. But I ended up joining Guardian. I have to stress that when Ash was there it was great with no doubts. Leanne the new manager of Guardian supported me like Ash and so did most of the staff there.
Jennifer S.
01:41 28 May 24
Excellent, caring team with a positive atmosphere for the kids
Chloe V.
04:27 07 May 24
Best kinder ever! Great educaters, great workers that alk work there, my daughter loves platypus junction and so do I, thankyou all for being so wonderful and caring. The centre us clean and got great educational learning different things for the children each day. The educators are beautiful with the children and my daughter loves it there!! They have great nutritrtion kids meals there, great outdoors equipment, awsome sandpits, and love all the music they have each tuesday morning!!Thankyou platypus junctionXxxxxxxoooo
Ally M.
04:33 27 Sep 22
I have nothing but nice things to say about Platypus Junction Croydon! They go above and beyond for the care of the children. Everyday we are greeted with smiling, welcoming faces and my son always leaves extremely happy. I can't imagine sending my son to any other Childcare Centre and I honestly can't recommend them enough.
Hannah L.
01:53 29 Jun 22
Megan A.
20:03 10 Feb 22
Millie R.
08:14 26 Jan 22
Emily H.
01:40 28 Oct 20
My son is three years old and has been in this centre for two and a half years. The educators in this centre are care about the kids. My boy especially like Malissa who is take care of him from nursery room to toddler room. She is always very positive and professional. The management team especially Katrina provides good atmosphere for the centre.
Nicolette B.
11:28 24 Jul 20
Melissa S.
09:38 20 Jul 20
Simone J.
08:37 30 Jun 20
My son has been attending Platypus Junction Croydon for 4 years now. I am extremely impressed with the staff and the education he has received throughout the years. Nothing is ever too much of an effort and all staff and management have been extremely accommodating. I would definitely recommend this centre to any parent. Thanks for looking after my boy guys!
Alex P.
19:48 12 Mar 20
Aimee J.
08:51 16 Aug 19
What can I say! Words cannot describe how appreciative I am of the team at Croydon! As a an early childhood professional I have been nothing but impressed with the educational experiences provided for my daughter! We have only been here for a short while but the amount of learning she is coming home with is amazing! Well done team, keep up the awesome work!
Ruby R.
04:41 16 May 19
The staff and facilities are wonderful, my little girl is very happy
Jason V.
00:11 15 Mar 18
If I could give more than 5 stars I would, staff are friendly and caring, not once have I never felt welcomed, facilities are second to none. Highly recommend.
Kristen C.
23:26 10 Sep 17
When doing a tour of Platypus Junction, I actually burst into tears. It was everything I wanted for my one year old son. The centre is clean, modern, inviting and calm. There is a strong emphasis on the children being both nurtured and educated, even from a young age. The staff are friendly and the front desk is always manned. We could not be happier.
Kelly W.
06:17 05 Sep 17
The staff here are amazing and care my girls very well. They welcome my girls everytime. The staff also came out the room to help them to settle in when they refused to go into the room in the first several days, because my girls had a bad experience at previous childcare.and now they go into the room with smile.They organize the activities quite well, also have underground car parking which is very convenient for parents.
Courtney S.
21:33 01 Sep 17
We have had a great start down at Platypus Junction with our 15 month old son, the new purpose built centre is very light and bright and the staff are very friendly and communicative regarding our sons care.
Hayley B.
00:26 29 Aug 17
My 1 year old and 3 year old settled in quickly with no fuss at all. My 3yo was anxious and unsettled at our previous daycare provider, but now looks forward to daycare! The centre is clean, bright and open and the staff are wonderful - providing engaging activities incursions. My kids are happy which means I'm happy!
Pippa J.
00:14 29 Aug 17
The staff that work at this centre have been so welcoming and warm towards myself and my daughter. My daughter is so incredibly happy to be dropped off into her room in the morning and we are always welcomed with big smile! We love it here!
Andrea H.
06:31 27 Aug 17
I have nothing but positive things to say about this centre and the staff that run it. Our 14 month old daughter loves it, she gets excited when we drop her off in the morning and comes home happy and exhausted from playing and socialising all day. I would not hesitate to recommend Platypus Junction to anybody who needs to place their child in care, our experience there has been excellent.
Aleisha D.
06:21 27 Aug 17
The staff are very friendly, helpful and caring. My son has been really happy and comfortable in the nursery room.
Hayley E.
03:25 27 Aug 17
We have had a wonderful start at Platypus Junction. Our girls have been cared and nurtured by all staff from the moment we commenced- thank you Platypus Junction!
bec R.
04:29 25 Aug 17
So wonderful to be part of such a wonderful early learning centre!
Sara W.
00:21 25 Aug 17
I can not recommend Platypus Junction in Croydon highly enough! As a first time mum going back to work and leaving my son was a scary prospect but every single staff member I have come into contact with at Platypus Junction has gone above in beyond in making the whole transition as smooth and positive as possible! They have a big emphasis on creating a nurturing and calm environment for the kids and the brand new center is just beautiful!
Chloe R.
00:18 25 Aug 17
We moved our daughter here after she struggled with a previous centre. She still has seperation anxiety but she settles very quickly with the wonderful staff she has bonded to and she is always busy having fun when we come to pick her up!
tahnee W.
00:08 25 Aug 17
The staff at Platypus Junction Croydon are absolutely amazing. They always welcome myself and my son by name when we arrive and are always happy and friendly. Everyone is very approachable and informative of my son's development and daily activities.They provide excellent service, educational activities, nutritional food and daily updates on their app for parents to access for their child.The facility is brand new, very well presented, clean, well organised, has secure security access, underground car parking and outdoor access for babies and children to play outside in a safe environment. The centre is very well staffed with highly trained and qualified educators.I highly recommend this childcare facility to anyone that is looking for a friendly and clean facility for their precious babies 😊 they will be very well looked after.
Chloe P.
23:48 24 Aug 17
I brought my daughter here after a terrible experience at another centre and now she looks forward to daycare 3 times a week. The teachers are genuinely caring and friendly, and take a real interest in my daughter and seem happy to be at their job! Best decision I made.
Colette H.
23:36 24 Aug 17
We love this centre! The educators are really wonderful and the food for the kids is really healthy and interesting! Would highly recommend.
Renee W.
04:48 25 May 17
Love the vibe of this his gorgeous new centre!
Emma J.
04:24 29 Aug 17
My daughter has been attending here for a couple of months now and she loves it. The staff have been fantastic and I love that a lot of the play/ learning is nature based. We get regular updates on her development and daily activities as well.
Explore our amazing learning spaces, meet our fantastic team, and ask all the questions you need about how your child will receive the best care and education.
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Need a different time?If you are unable to find a suitable time or day for your tour, please request a call back and our team will be in touch to help.
We’re excited to meet you and your child and can’t wait to introduce you to our Teacher and Educator Team and show you around our centre on .
We are here to find out what matters most to you and your child as we begin this celebration of learning together. We have sent you an email to confirm your tour with all the information you need to find us. To help prepare you for the day and to answer any questions you might have, you can download our checklist of questions.
If you are visiting the Centre please support the health and wellbeing of your family, and our children in care, and our educators by restricting your tour to 2 visitors per family. Please bring your valid identity document to verify your identity during the tour visit.
You will find us here:
Croydon
20/22 Croydon Rd Croydon, VIC, 3136
See where we are on the map:
If you need to change your tour or you would like to get in touch, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 13 82 30.
Thank you for requesting a call back about your Tour Booking.
Someone from our Centre Team will be in touch shortly to assist you with finalising your booking. If there is anything we can help you with in the meantime, please give us a call on 13 82 30.
Just a reminder, the Centre you have enquired about is:
If there’s anything we can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 13 82 30.
Enquire at Croydon
We are here to help you and answer your questions about our great Centres. Use the form below to tell us how we can help you, and we'll get back to you very soon.
Thank you! We have registered your interest at Croydon. We believe that every child deserves the very best start in life.
Booking a tour is a crucial step in choosing a care partner. During the tour, we can discuss our
availability in each age room, you can ask questions about our programs, daily routines and
more. You’ll see the environment, meet our team, and observe how we engage with children.
It’s a chance to get a feel for what makes Guardian special.
To book a time that suits you, click the link below and follow the simple steps.
