Childcare and kindergarten in Mooroolbark, VIC
Manchester Road Child Care Centre offers long day care and a kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, conveniently located for families in Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park, Croydon, Kilsyth, Lilydale, Montrose and Mount Evelyn.
Outdoor learning with nature
The outdoor environment includes a large climbing fort and a bush tucker garden, with space for children to explore, climb and play. Children also help care for native animals such as stick insects and Blue Tongue lizards, adding a hands-on nature experience to their day.
Creative indoor learning spaces
Indoors, children have access to fun and creative learning spaces that encourage self-exploration and discovery. Educators set up experiences that invite children to try ideas, use their imagination and learn through play.
Nurturing and experienced team
Our nurturing educators and teachers value strong relationships with children and families. They work with families to understand each child’s interests, needs and routines, then use this knowledge to create programs that feel relevant and personal.
Government-approved Kindergarten program
Our Government-approved Kindergarten program is delivered by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher. The program helps children practise routines, build friendships and develop the skills they need for a confident start to school.
Regular community walks
Children across all age groups take part in regular community walks. These outings help children become familiar with their local area, observe the world around them and feel connected to the Mooroolbark community.
Extracurricular programs
Children enjoy a range of extra learning experiences, including weekly yoga and sports, reptile experiences, monthly Little Wombats Indigenous learning, drama experiences and first aid experiences for children.
Fresh meals prepared daily
Fresh meals and snacks are prepared daily to help children stay nourished and ready for their day. Menus include balanced options and cater for allergies and individual dietary requirements.
Updates through our family app
Families can keep up with their child’s day through photos and updates in our family app. This includes routines, learning moments, centre activities and the experiences children are enjoying throughout the week.
Secure your place today
Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.
Age-appropriate early learning
We provide learning experiences tailored to each stage of your child’s development. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and designed to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and growing independence.
6 weeks – 2 years
Nursery
In our nursery environment, educators focus on building strong, secure and respectful relationships so babies feel safe, settled and supported as they explore the world around them.
Children in this age group experience:
- Responsive care and nurturing relationships that support emotional security and attachment
- Sensory exploration through textures, sounds, music and movement
- Early communication development through songs, stories, gestures and conversations
- Tummy time and movement experiences that support physical development
2 – 3 years
Toddlers
Our toddler program encourages curiosity, independence and early social skills as children begin exploring the world with growing confidence.
Children in this age group experience:
- Play-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity and problem solving
- Language-rich environments with storytelling, songs and conversations
- Opportunities to build independence, such as self-help skills and routines
- Social learning experiences that help children practise sharing, cooperation and empathy
3 – 5 years
Kindergarten
Our Government-approved Kindergarten program prepares children for school through engaging, play-based learning experiences that develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.
Children in this age group will build:
- Early literacy and numeracy skills through play-based activities, stories, songs and everyday routines
- Problem solving and critical thinking through play-based projects and exploration
- Collaboration and teamwork through group learning experiences
- Self-help skills that support school routines, such as opening lunchboxes, looking after belongings and getting dressed independently
We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating
At our Mooroolbark early learning centre, our wonderful in-house cook collaborates with families and educators to create delicious menus that explore multicultural choices. These healthy, nutritious, and tasty meals are offered seasonally, with a few special days organised throughout the year to support our local community and multicultural families and educators. Our rotating menu provides breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack, all freshly made daily. We also cater to all dietary requirements, ensuring every child enjoys their meals.
Fees
The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.
Nursery
0 – 2 years
$182.10/day
Toddler
2 – 4 years
$182.10/day
Kindergarten
4 – 5 years
$182.10/day
Child Care Subsidy Estimator
Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.
2026 3-Day Guarantee
From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.
Total Fees
$0.00
Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy
$0.00
Kindergarten/Preschool Subsidy
$0.00
Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)
$0.00
Matrix Out of Pocket Cost
Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).
| Child 1 | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days |
|---|
*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00
Explore nearby G8 Education centres
Looking for other great childcare, kindergarten or preschool options? Discover more G8 Education centres near you!
Frequently asked questions
A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.
On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.
Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.
First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.
To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.
Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.
Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.
When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.
For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits and spare socks.
For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits and spare socks.
Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.
It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.
Early Learning Services uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.
After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.
If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Early Learning Services is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.
Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.
Contact us
We look forward to welcoming your family.