Guardian Childcare & Education Watsonia

Reviews from Google

(39)

Formerly Watsonia Early Learning Centre

  • Keeping children safe always comes first. All of our team are committed to uphold the highest standards of child safety. Read our approach here
  • From the most nurturing nursery room to our leading two year kindergarten program – we are the leading centre in the area for the first 5 years of your child’s development.
  • Our newly refurbished indoor spaces are filled with quality, age-appropriate resources that engage and inspire.
  • Together, let’s give your child the best start to life here at Guardian Watsonia

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

HOURS

Mon to Fri 7:00am to 6:30pm

ADDRESS

10-12 High St Watsonia, VIC, 3087

SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS

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

Welcome to our Centre

Welcome to Guardian Childcare & Education Watsonia, formerly Watsonia Early Learning Centre. In our modern, purpose-built early learning centre, our diverse team of Educators creates a nurturing environment where children’s growth and learning is celebrated at every step from our nursery rooms through to our government-funded Flying Start to School kindergarten program.

What makes our Watsonia childcare special?

• The centre is newly refurbished, featuring four distinct learning spaces with quality, age-appropriate resources to inspire curiosity.
• Engaging learning programs including Cooking, Sustainability and Joy of Reading.
• Our To BE Me learning programs meet each child where they are, supporting their individual development. Our team understands and encourages your child at every stage.

Families quickly discover a welcoming community with a shared commitment to every child’s wellbeing and safety. We’re proud of our early learning centre – your child will never want to leave! Join the leading childcare provider in the area!

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Watsonia Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Courtney and team

“We love building strong relationships with families and the community to support children’s growth and development in their early years. We want to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where children can learn whilst having fun!”

Daily Fees

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

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To Be Me

To BE Me is our exclusive learning program designed for each age and stage of a child’s first years. To BE Me sets the standard for early learning with a contemporary approach tailored to your child’s age, interests and strengths. It sets easy to follow Development Pathways and encompasses our educational programs, room set-ups, daily rhythms and the way we support your child. Read more here!

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

(39)
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Tiffany H.
I've had the pleasure of delivering music incursions at this centre for some time now, and it's always a positive experience. The educators are genuinely helpful and supportive, and they've gone out of their way to encourage and make space for my sessions, which I really value.
The families here are engaged and wonderful to work with, and it’s clear there's a strong sense of community. The centre is also well-resourced, which helps create a vibrant and enriching learning environment for the children.
It’s a lovely place to visit and contribute to, and I always look forward to my time there.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience with us Tiffany! It’s always a pleasure having you at the centre, and we truly appreciate the energy and joy you bring through your music incursions. Our educators love working with you and are grateful for your dedication and the positive impact you have on the children. We’re proud of the strong sense of community here at Guardian Watsonia, and it’s wonderful to hear that it shines through in your visits. Thank you again for your ongoing support and for being such a valued part of our extended learning environment. We always look forward to welcoming you back.
Nadia T.
Today was my first day at Watsonia Guardian as I was transferred by management at my other centre (temporarily). The staff at this centre is so organised, very welcoming, and friendly which it made me feel so comfortable and welcome stepping into a new environment. Thank you to all the staff for making me feel welcome and greeting me through the doors with a smile. I’m really looking forward to working alongside all of you for the next couple of months ☺️
Response from the owner:It was such a pleasure having you join us today Nadia! We're so glad to hear that you felt welcomed and comfortable — that means a lot to us. The team was genuinely excited to meet you, and your positive energy was felt from the moment you walked in. We’re really looking forward to getting to know you better and working alongside you over the next few months.
Tegan C.
All the staff are amazing and so so welcoming. My girls attend 3 days a week and absolutely love it!
Response from the owner:It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our team’s warm and welcoming approach makes a difference for your family Tegan. We love seeing your girls each week and watching them thrive, thank you for being part of our community!
Daniel H.
Couldn’t be happier with how this centre continues to look after our two girls. We have been with the centre now for over four years and they have always taken care of our kids extremely well and we the girls are so happy every time we come to pick them up.
Response from the owner:Thanks Daniel! We truly appreciate your continued support over the past four years. It means so much to us that your two girls feel happy and well cared for each day. Seeing their smiles at pick-up time is one of the highlights of our day. Thank you for being such a valued part of our community—we’re so glad to be on this journey with your family!
Joshua S.
Both my boys have been attending Guardian Watsonia for over two years now. The atmosphere of the environment and the team has been a positive experience for both my children and our family. The communication from the Centre Manger Courtney is always supportive and she really knows every single child that comes through her doors. Couldn't recommend Watsonia anymore :)
Response from the owner:Thanks Joshua! We’re so happy to hear that both your boys have had such a positive experience with us. Creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for children and their families is at the heart of what we do, and it’s wonderful to know that it’s made a difference for yours. Courtney will be especially touched by your mention — she’s truly dedicated to knowing and supporting every child in our care, and your recognition means a lot. We’re so grateful to have your family as part of our community, and we look forward to many more great moments together!
Carla G.
Both of my children are attending for childcare and kinder and love it! Teachers are incredible with the kids and as a parent the team communicate with me about everything and are so supportive. The positive, loving and support of the team are amazing.
Response from the owner:Carla, we’re so happy to hear that both of your children are enjoying their time at our centre and that you feel supported and well-informed as a parent. Our educators are passionate about creating a positive, loving, and engaging environment where children can thrive and it’s wonderful to know that this shines through in your family’s experience. Your kind words mean so much to our team, thank you for your lovely review!
Georgina B.
I couldn’t be more pleased with Watsonia Guardian. The staff has been incredibly welcoming and professional. I remember feeling anxious when my daughter started, as any new parent would, Shae particularly took a real interest in my baby and myself and she would always reassure me everything was okay. My daughter is always excited to go, her lead room Educators Grace, Vivian and Priyanka are always happy to see her walk through the doors and truly care about her. The facilities are clean, well organised, safe, and I feel confident that my child is in great hands. Communication with the management team (Courtney & Kahli) and Educators is always easy, fun and I appreciate their interest in my daughter and any updates on her progress. I highly recommend Watsonia Guardian to any parent looking for a nurturing and reliable daycare.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your heartfelt review! We are delighted to hear that you and your daughter have had such a positive experience at our centre. Our team, especially Shae, Grace, Vivian, Priyanka, Courtney, and Kahli, are dedicated to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for all our children and their families. It's wonderful to know that your daughter is excited to attend and that you feel confident in the care and communication provided. Your kind words about our facilities and staff mean a lot to us. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to support your daughter's growth and happiness.
Kahli E.
My children have attended Guardian Watsonia for a while now and we have loved every moment of it. My children are thriving with their childcare experience and have learnt so much in their time. They both get so excited to attend & absolutely adore their educators.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words, Kahli! We’re so happy your time at our centre in Watsonia is going so well and that your little ones are excited to come to care! At Guardian, we’re all about partnering with our families to deliver the best quality outcomes for our children and really appreciate your review.
Emily C.
We love Watsonia Early Learning, the centre is always so clean and inviting the staff are extremely friendly and approachable. My sons have created such beautiful bonds with their educators and learnt so much and grown so much confidence over the years
Response from the owner:Thank you Emily for your great review for our centre in Watsonia. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations. We will continue to provide the best possible care for our families and children 😊
Tamsin Van de W.
Both my girls have been going for 4 years. The staff are amazing and go above and beyond to make sure the kids have a great time. They take care with everything and have managed my daughters allergy’s better than the previous centre.
Can’t thank them enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you Tamsin for your great review for our centre in Watsonia. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations. We will continue to provide the best possible care for our families and children 😊
Jessica M.
My daughter Maddy M just started and we already love it ! Sofia and Ely have been so lovely with her . We have just moved from another centre and im so glad we have . My newborn son is on the waitlist for December, I am looking forward to him learning and having fun at this centre, I feel safe. You can tell it’s run correctly and professional . Bonus points it’s always clean and smells amazing when you walk in. The director Loren was fast at emailing me back. The whole progress has been great so far, looking forward to the next few years. Jess
Response from the owner:Thank you Jessica for your 5-star rating for our centre in Watsonia. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian over many more days to come!
Tracey A.
Our daughter started at Watsonia Early Learning centre this year. My gosh I can't explain the comfort it brings each day I drop her off. The carers and team are friendly, thoughtful and caring. Communication is regular and there is always activities to keep our bub entertained.

Special call out to Caitlin, Sonja, Courtney, Miss Katie and Rhiannon!

Tracey Kurz
Ashley F.
Watsonia ELC and the entire team are fantastic. Over the past 4 years, they have cared for our two girls and taught them so many wonderful things. They make the kids feel so comfortable and always take the time to keep us updated on their progress. We especially love the daily communication and photos. Cannot recommend Watsonia ELC enough. 👍👍👍
Sheridan S.
Both my girls are loving daycare. They have come ahead leaps and bounds. The educators are so attentive and we cant thank them enough.
Santo S.
My granddaughters are thriving here! They can’t wait to tell me all about it. Thank You
Shae J.
Have loved watching my son blossom with the beautiful educators here
Stace W.
Highly recommend watsonia early learning my daughter has the best time there, the educators are incredible & so caring!
Fatimah
Center team is the most creative one among my all experiences. Center is literally a treat to watch. Center director and manager are very professional and helpful. The staff is so welcoming, nice and affectionate with kids. The structure and cleanliness is commendable. My kid is lucky to get a slot here.

Love it.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star rating of our centre in Watsonia. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian for many more days to come! ​
S W.
We recently moved our daughter over to Watsonia ELC from another centre is the area, and we couldn’t be happier!
She has gone from crying every single day at the other place, to happily waving goodbye! The centre itself is very welcoming, with excellent facilities. Big enough to offer a variety of activities, but small enough to know each family and child.
All the staff are really caring and great with the kids, and the ongoing updates and photos throughout the day are really reassuring for parents.
D W
Laura C.
Veronica H.
I love this centre; brand new infrastructure but experienced and stable staff. My daughter loves it there. They have also been very supportive during this COVID crisis.
Alicia N.
My son loves going to Watsonia Early Learning Centre. He happily gives us a wave and jumps into Ella's arms when I drop him off. He is engaged in different activities and is always learning and developing. The centre serves nutritious meals and the smell of freshly baked goods in morning is very inviting. The ready to take home meals once a week is also a great help for busy families. The director and staff are lovely and will follow up on any feedback or requests professionally and promptly. The centre has been very professional and kind during the COVID 19 pandemic. They never complained or gave the full extent of how it has effected them at their work place or personally. Their support during this time has always been about the kids and their families. I highly recommend Watsonia Early Learning Centre.
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for your kind words Alicia. We love having your family as part of ours!
Elaine W.
My daughter has been going there for nearly a year. Staff are amazing, kind and caring. A real family friendly environment
Response from the owner:Thanks so much Elaine for your kind words, they mean a lot to everyone here.
Marlo M.
Exceptional care and love given to our kids, we couldn't recommend WELC highly enough. The staff are loving and caring, facilities are top notch, food delicious - our kids love going there. We love our kids going there. Thank you for everything you guys do.
Response from the owner:Thank you Marlo! We love having your family as part of ours. Your kind words mean so much to us all.
Jamie S.
Watsonia early learning has been a god send to our family. Our son is a very shy boy, with the help of the highly professional and patient educators he has come right out of his shell. Not to mention the food they create for the children is amazing.. they have managed to get my son to eat vegetables 😂 can’t recommend enough ❤️
Response from the owner:Wow! It's so wonderful to hear that we've made a difference. Thank you for sharing this Jamie, it means a great deal to us.
Nicole S.
I’m glad I listened to my husband because Watsonia ELC has been nothing short of superb. Amazing leadership from the director Emily shows amongst all the enthusiastic, professional and caring staff. Our daughter is happy when we pick her up every day.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Nicole!
Stacey W.
My two kids have been attending Watsonia Early Learning Centre since it opened. The staff are fabulous with my kids and they always make them feel special. My kids are always coming home with artwork and love doing things there that they don’t get to do at home. The continuity of staff has been good.
Response from the owner:Thanks for your kind words Stacey. We are so please that your little ones are enjoying their time with us!
tegan H.
We are very lucky to have our children cared for by the wonderful staff at Watsonia Early Learning Centre. We transitioned from another ELC last year due to personal circumstances and although we thought it was going to be stressful, our two children transitioned beautifully. The staff engage with the children and nothing is ever a hassle. The educators are honest, caring and always have a smile on their face. Their facilities are excellent and exciting for young children.
Response from the owner:We are lucky to have your family as part of ours Tegan! Thanks so much for your kind words!
Alex S.
Amazing carers and managers and so attentive to the little ones and families.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your lovely words Alex.
Shelley B.
We couldn’t be happier with the care provided to our child at Watsonia ELC, highly recommended !
Response from the owner:That's wonderful Shelley. Thanks so much for letting us know!
Caroline R.
The staff are very friendly and always greet us by name which reinforce a sense of belonging and childcare "family". The staff are also very responsive to questions and enquiries. The facilities are bright inspiring and clean. The outdoor areas are well thought out and set up. We love the weekly updates and photos emailed to us.
Response from the owner:We are so pleased Caroline that your family feels a part of ours - that means a great deal to us, thank you!
Jorja H.
Changing Daycare Centres can be really hard on both the parents and children, but WELC made our transition so smooth and made sure both of my children (Nursery and Pre-Kinder) were comfortable and happy before their first full day.

Since they started, we have not had any tears at drop off, and are excited to head to Daycare each day. We receive an impressive amount of daily updates from the centre too!
I cannot recommend Loren and her team enough. WELC has been a game changer for our family. Thank you!
Brett S.
Wonderful, caring staff and a great environment. We get daily updates with photos and the staff offer plenty of activities for the kids throughout the day. Highly recommend!
Tara W.
The staff and facilities are fantastic! We get daily updates on how our child's day is going and staff always take the time to tell us about his day and listen to any feedback we have. I would highly recommend this centre.
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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

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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) $171.39 $75.49 $43.52
Toddler (2–3) $171.39 $75.49 $43.52
Kinder (3–5) $164.67 $70.81 $39.52

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?

Watsonia Centre Manager Image

Courtney and team

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

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What our families say about the centre

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