Guardian Childcare & Education Preston

  • Proud winner of the Family Choice Award 2025. As determined by our existing families rating their experience of our Centre via Family Satisfaction Survey and independent Google Reviews. Click here for more detail
  • Newly renovated centre with stunning indoor and outdoor spaces that feel like a home away from home. Your child won’t want to leave!
  • Our experienced and passionate Educators are dedicated to helping children learn and grow in a welcoming and supportive environment. We are so proud of them and the amazing centre they have created.
  • We know you want the best for your child. At Guardian Preston we are proud of our quality learning, incredible resources, and the care and attention we provide each child. You have to come and see us.

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

Preston 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.

Preston Map Image

HOURS

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

ADDRESS

418 Murray Road Preston, VIC, 3072

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 Preston our recently refurbished spacious and inviting centre, with childhood education programs focused on play-based learning. Our Preston 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 beautiful long day care centre in Preston is in a heritage-listed mansion, and features the building’s original façade, thriving gardens, a huge grapevine, music classes, and a range of learning spaces and play areas, filled with high quality resources.

Our Preston 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, a hat and bed linen provided
  • Extended hours of care each weekday from 6:30am to 6:30pm

Our long day care in Preston is conveniently located for families residing in nearby suburbs, including Reservoir, Thornbury, Coburg North, Heidelberg West, and Bellfield. The centre provides a welcoming space where children can explore engaging indoor and outdoor environments, nurturing creativity and development through play-based learning programs.

Our Preston childcare boasts renovated outdoor spaces, a treehouse fort, water pumps, creek beds and natural play structures, children are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace. The Centre also offers a two-year funded Kindergarten Program, delivered by degree-qualified Teachers, to help prepare your child for the exciting transition to primary school. Our Kindergarten program, in a long day care setting, is aligned with the Early Years Framework.

We are proud to have a culturally diverse team and we take pride in celebrating a variety of cultures and holidays throughout the year. In addition, the children at our Preston early learning centre get out and about on regular excursions to Preston Market, our local café and the neighbouring park, where we enjoy wonderful connections to the local community.

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.

Our on-site Chef prepares five nutritionally balanced meals using seasonal ingredients each day. To further explore food at the Centre, Educators host regular hands-on cooking experiences for the children to extend on their knowledge of nutrition, encouraging them to try new tastes and textures!

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.

If you’re looking for high-quality child care in Preston that supports each child to grow and thrive, let’s get started!

Begin an exciting learning journey at Guardian Preston today. Book a tour to explore the Centre, or speak to our team.

Read More
Preston Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Elizabeth and team

"We believe early childhood is about challenging children by helping them communicate with the world and to prepare them to overcome any obstacle presented in their future".

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

5.0
(16)
Daniel K.
Daniel K.
01:48 01 Apr 25
Our son has been attending Guardian Preston for 2 years, and we couldn't be happier.The staff are beautiful, they put in so much effort to create a welcoming and friendly environment for the kids, it really feels like a little community.The educators and management are always receptive to our feedback and take a proactive approach to addressing any concerns we raise.We feel so safe sending our son here because we know he will be cared for by a beautiful group of people who clearly have the best interests of the kids in mind in everything they do.
Jojo
Jojo
23:32 31 Mar 25
My child has been attending Guardian Childcare & Education Preston for the last year and I couldn’t be happier with our experience! The staff is incredibly caring, attentive, and dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment.From the moment we enrolled, we felt welcomed and reassured that our little one was in great hands. The daily activities are engaging and educational, helping my child develop important social and learning skills. I also appreciate the open communication from the teachers and regular updates on my child’s progress.The facility is always clean, well-organised, and equipped with everything needed for a fun and enriching day. It’s clear that the team genuinely loves what they do, and that makes all the difference.I highly recommend this Centre to any parent looking for a warm, professional, and caring daycare for their child!
Jessie R.
Jessie R.
08:41 28 May 24
Caring, attentive, family feel
Juan Rodriguez (.
Juan Rodriguez (.
01:46 22 Apr 24
Mary S.
Mary S.
11:40 26 Feb 24
Great welcoming and caring childcare. My son settled very quickly and he loves going to Guardian. Thank you for your great work.
Jack F.
Jack F.
21:36 28 Nov 23
Yao Y.
Yao Y.
03:00 09 May 23
My daughter really enjoys here. I'm very happy with that.
Irene T.
Irene T.
02:47 18 Apr 23
Adam L.
Adam L.
03:13 30 Aug 22
Engaged carers and staff. Always friendly and always open to conversation regarding care.
Amy T.
Amy T.
04:33 01 Aug 22
Home away from home , we love this centre
Dani M.
Dani M.
04:33 28 Jun 22
D
D
04:29 20 Apr 22
My daughter attended this day care for roughly 2.5 years, over this time the love, care and attention to details in her learning and development was expectational.  The team took so much time to understand her challenges and strengths as well as any issues that arose such as nappy rash, general accidents grazing her knees in the play area were always handled with the greatest level of sensitivity, professionalism and respectfully to my parental wishes and instructions. All the team worked so hard and as a result I saw my daughter gained momentous amount of confidence, understanding and beautiful friendships within the centre. I was so emotional to pull her out of the centre I almost cried on her last day as I dropped her off, but as we moved to a different part of Melbourne I was unable to continue her preschool education here. I highly recommend this centre with the greatest confidence.
Lauren K.
Lauren K.
03:13 19 Apr 22
These guys are amazing. The educators and administration staff alike are all extremely welcoming, warm and helpful. We love the community that they've created. You can really tell how much they all care for each of the kids.
Anna
Anna
04:18 19 Oct 21
Meena N.
Meena N.
02:43 19 Oct 21
J N.
J N.
07:48 20 Mar 19
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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

Frequently asked questions

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?

Preston Centre Manager Image

Elizabeth and team

Our Centre team, led by our experienced Centre Manager Elizabeth, 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.

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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Guardian Centres Nearby

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