Guardian Childcare & Education

Prahran

  • We know it’s hard to choose a childcare. Take a tour with us, and you’ll see why so many families love us. A warm community, quality learning and fun experiences each day for your child – we have got it all.
  • From the most nurturing nursery room to our leading 2-year kindergarten program – we are the leading Centre in the area for the first 5 years of your child’s development
  • Your child will be in the best hands with us, and our centre will soon become their second home. They will never want to leave!

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

Prahran 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.

Prahran Map Image

HOURS

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

ADDRESS

349 High Street Prahran, VIC, 3181

SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS

Check out our fantastic indoor and outdoor learning spaces your child will enjoy

Welcome to our Centre

Welcome to Guardian Childcare & Education Prahran, a spacious and inviting centre, with childhood education programs focused on play-based learning. Our Prahran 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 long day care in Prahran is conveniently located for families residing in nearby suburbs, including South Yarra, Windsor, St Kilda, Malvern, and Armadale. This central location provides excellent accessibility to quality childcare for local families in Melbourne’s vibrant inner-southeast​

Our Prahran 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, play equipment and veggie garden
  • On-site Chef providing fresh snacks and meals daily
  • Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers
  • Nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat and bed linen provided
  • Extended hours of care each weekday from 7:00am to 6:00pm

Our long day care centre is a modern, welcoming centre with a range of exciting and inspiring environments, including two spacious outdoor yards, a water pump, workshop area, vegetable gardens, a worm farm and two open-plan studios.

The teachers and educators at our Prahran childcare centre provide quality learning programs for the children, including a two-year funded Kindergarten Program that will help prepare your child for the exciting transition to primary school.

Diverse learning programs with sports and music experiences plus community excursions to the Victoria Gardens park, NGV, pet shop and local library. The children love our fantastic vegetable garden and our pet rabbits and fish.

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 us for more information when you visit our Centre.

Children also get out and about on weekly excursions at our Prahran early learning centre, so we have a great connection with the surrounding community, visiting a range of locations, including Victoria Gardens, Prahran Library, Prahran Markets and Lumley playground. This helps the children gain an understanding of the world around them and build connections into the wider community.

At our long daycare centre in Prahran, we’re proud to have a culturally diverse team and celebrate a variety of events and holidays throughout the year. We also love to get involved in local fundraising events which further extends on our community connections.

As part of our unique Visible Learning Program, families have the chance to gain an in-depth 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.

The children enjoy meals freshly prepared on-site by our dedicated chef, using seasonal ingredients often harvested from our very own gardens. In addition, our educators love hosting regular hands-on cooking classes with the children. These experiences enhance the children’s understanding of good nutrition and lay the building blocks for establishing healthy food habits for life.

Begin the adventure at Guardian Prahran today by booking a tour today. Or you can speak to one of our team for more information about the Centre.

We’re Exceeding! What does that mean? Every six months, our Centres are assessed by ACECQA, the national body with the responsibility for monitoring the quality of all registered child care centres in Australia. A rating of Exceeding National Quality Standard means that you can be assured that this Centre is providing an exceptional level of care and attention for your child.

Read More
Prahran Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Nina

"I have had the privilege of working at Prahran for over 13 years, and during that time, it has truly become my second home. My goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment where children and families also feel at home."

Our Flying Start to School Preschool & Kindergarten program provides a specialised 2-year, curriculum focussed on the learning & development of children aged 3 to 5. Read more HERE on our unique 2 tier Becoming Me program for 3 year olds and Being Me for 4 year olds – preparing them for the next stage of life.

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

4.4
(21)
Elle O.
Elle O.
23:56 14 May 24
I adore our centre, our educators and the care they provide. We have been to other centres and nothing compares. Emily and the wider team are all over it making drop-off and any special notes an easy and seamless process, they're adaptable and always so kind to meet our needs without you feeling like a pain!
Alice M.
Alice M.
08:35 11 Mar 24
The centre is very lovely and welcoming with its coziness and family oriented vibe about it. The staff are just amazing and all the children seem very relaxed and happy :))
Sam C.
Sam C.
00:43 28 Feb 24
Thank you so much to Prahran Guardian. Our daughter has flourished for the last 2.5 years, we cannot speak more highly of the team.
Ashlinn M.
Ashlinn M.
01:39 14 Feb 24
We have been very happy with our experience at Guardian Childcare Prahran. Staff are attentive and caring, providing excellent play and learning opportunities for the children. Each day is different, keeping it exciting for them and making them eager to return.Parents are kept in the loop via the app. Easy to navigate, it's great knowing what they have been up to during the day along with how they have slept and what they've eaten.A big thank you to all staff for their enthusiasm and professionalism.
Cha C.
Cha C.
06:07 30 Jan 24
Guardian Childcare Prahran is a true gem!The caring and attentive staff provide a safe environment for our son and give him the opportunity to grow with confidence. We firmly believe that this center provides a secure environment that has facilitated our son's crucial developmental skills.The staff provides daily precise feedback – it is reassuring as parents to know what is going on during the day. We feel we can talk about anything and receive help when needed.The facility is fantastic, featuring a spacious outdoor area, cute animals, and a flourishing veggie garden.We recommend Guardian Childcare Prahran to parents seeking an exceptional childcare experience.
Amanda M.
Amanda M.
03:58 30 Jan 24
I can't say enough positive things about GCE Prahran. Emily, Nina, Phuong, Sandra, Corraine and the team have become like a second family to our little one. The centre is spotless, friendly, cosy and vibrant, while the educators provide a rich and colourful learning experience for our baby, who has thrived since joining. Every little detail is taken care of and, given the small classes, I can rest assured knowing baby is getting attention and personalised care the whole time.
Andrew B.
Andrew B.
01:25 01 Jan 24
Melanie H.
Melanie H.
03:06 16 Nov 21
Bernice T
Bernice T
00:28 28 Apr 21
Our daughter have been attending this facility since she was 7 months old. The environment has been so nurturing and safe. Although it is a small center, the educators make the effort to put up play and learning materials around the theme they are learning that week and change them very regularly to keep the children engage. The educators have so much love and patience for the children, you can feel this when you are there. We also love that they provide regular updates and share pictures of their daily activities. I highly recommend this center!
Michael S.
Michael S.
23:50 27 Apr 21
A great childcare centre. We're very happy with the team of carers. Very personable and they really care for the kids. Can highly recommend.
Lucy F.
Lucy F.
12:56 27 Apr 21
Both of our children love their time with the team. They are smiling each day we leave them. It gives us such piece of mind to have such an incredible and stable team looking after our little ones. The team are consistent which has enabled our kids to create great bonds with the carers. We are lucky to face found such a magical centre.
Amanda J.
Amanda J.
10:03 27 Apr 21
We are so lucky to have our son attend Guardian Prahran!! He absolutely adores all of the staff, they provide amazing care and a supportive learning environment. It is a fantastic set up with a lovely outdoor area for all of the children to play and bond. We couldn't recommend this centre enough, there is no comparison if you are looking for child care in the area.
miso J.
miso J.
04:02 27 Apr 21
The best childcare I ever dreamed of... From the day one when my daughter started, she was welcomed and surrounded by caring teachers. Really lovely place, nice outdoor set up and yummy food. Highly recommend!
Meg J.
Meg J.
02:09 27 Apr 21
I'm so incredibly grateful for the team at Guardian Prahran and couldn't recommend the centre more highly. My son Oscar has attended the centre since he was just over a year old, and I remember feeling so well supported during that transition, particularly as a single mum. Oscar is 2.5y/o now and basically runs in on the days he attends Guardian Prahran! He's learnt so much and has developed strong bonds with all of the educators. It's such a joy to see how much he values his time at the centre and it's been a wonderful experience as a mother to watch him thrive in that setting, too. Thank you so much to everyone at Guardian Prahran.
Katherine M.
Katherine M.
01:31 27 Apr 21
Guardian Early Learning in Prahran is so wonderful. Both our children have started here around 6 months old. I love all the carers and the learning environment. I realise now how lucky we are to go here where class sizes are small compared to other local ELCs. Highly recommend!
David C
David C
22:37 30 Mar 21
Amazing team who care so much for the littlies, provide a nurturing environment, and keep parents well informed. Nothing better than seeing the kids so excited to go to kinder every morning. Thank you Guardian Prahran team.
Rachael B.
Rachael B.
02:25 15 Sep 20
Our daughter loved daycare here. They were very caring, supportive and flexible catering to the individual and ever changing needs of the child.
Renee H.
Renee H.
00:53 10 Aug 18
This daycare centre is so wonderful, great staff retention, our little boy LOVED it there. We moved out of the area and were so sad to have to let go of this centre. No centre has been able to live up to it - we tried two others in the area before High street and I wasn't happy with either of them, the wait list at High Street was originally 18 months, so we were thrilled to get in. We loved every one of the educators there, great indoor and outdoor space, very nurturing, attentive and caring. So many other centres we went to even through the tours had staff who were tuned out and disinterested, I never saw that at High Street - staff always present and on the ball.
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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.

Whilst no two days of learning are ever the same - here's what a day at Guardian might look like.

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.

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

Helpful Information

Opening Hours

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

What to Bring

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

More about Guardian Prahran

Our childcare and early learning programs at Guardian Prahran offer so many benefits for families, including: 

  • Kindergarten Program: We help prepare your child for Primary School with our leading curriculum delivered by specialist Teachers and skilled Educators.
  • Partnership with Families: Your peace of mind is important to us, so we work with you and your child every step of the way. 
  • Community connections. Regular excursions to explore the local area, as well as a ‘home-away-from-home’ approach to care. 
  • Wellbeing and nutrition. Nutritionally balanced, seasonal meals and snacks prepared by a dedicated on-site chef, as well as regular cooking classes for the children. 
  • Provide real-world inspired environments. Our Centres inspire curiosity, foster creativity and support discovery with a variety of sensory-rich and sustainable spaces designed for early learning that encourage your child to think, question and do amazing things. 

The orientation and settling in period at your new Centre is all about understanding and respecting the needs of both families and children. You are welcome to stay with your child when dropping off or picking up for as long as you and our team feel is necessary. We’ll also take care of you at the start, because we know that sometimes mum and dad need some extra support and a tissue or two!  

We aim to make the orientation experience a positive and welcoming introduction to Guardian Prahran. We will provide options for your start at the Centre, which include:  

  • Inviting you to visit with your child at times that suit you, to familiarise yourself with the Centre prior to your child’s attendance.  
  • Providing you with a detailed tour of the Centre, which will include introductions to Educators, other children, and families, and that highlights procedures that impact you and your child.  
  • We will provide you with our Family Handbook, and plenty of opportunities to have all your questions answered.  
  • Supporting you and your family with the opportunity to stay with your child during the settling in process.  
  • Encouraging you to share information about your child and any concerns, doubts or anxieties you may have in regard to their enrolment.  

From your child’s first day we will work on building relationships with their educators and other children in their room. This will help your child create bonds which will make them feel secure and safe in the Centre. We will also support them to get settled in their new environment by encouraging them to have some fun and enjoy creative experiences which interest them.  

Read our FAQs for new families to help with any other questions you may have. 

If you’re thinking of enrolling, we’d encourage you to book a tour today. During your tour you will have the opportunity to meet our Centre Manager, Educators and have a really good look around the Centre while the team answer any questions you may have.  We even have a list of questions you can ask us to make sure Guardian Prahran is the right fit for you and your family.   

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
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.

What our families say about the centre

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