3 day guarantee

Community Kids Chirnside Park Early Education Centre

Limited spots remaining

Enrolment availability

The information below gives an indication of current availability at the centre.

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday

Childcare and Kindergarten in Chirnside Park, VIC

Community Kids Chirnside Park offers long day care and a Kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, conveniently located for families in Chirnside Park, Croydon, Mooroolbark and Lilydale in Melbourne. Our centre has been rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard for over 10 years and have an active Reconciliation Action Plan.

Large, natural outdoor spaces

Children love our expansive outdoor areas with sensory play, natural elements, two vegetable gardens and spaces for imaginative play.

Calm and inspiring rooms

Our indoor spaces are designed for play-based learning, supporting children’s wellbeing and overall development.

Stable team with low staff turnover

Our long-tenured team of educators creates a safe and nurturing environment where children feel supported.

Government-approved Kindergarten program

Our Kindergarten program is delivered by Bachelor-qualified teachers, supporting confident transitions through partnerships with local schools.

Individual Learning Plans for every child

We create Individual Learning Plans for each child, based on their interests, strengths and developmental goals, and partner with families to regularly review and update each plan.

Community and enrichment experiences

Children enjoy community outings and weekly Happy Feet Fitness sessions, helping build confidence, coordination and connections with others.

Healthy meals made onsite each day

We provide freshly prepared meals and snacks, with menus adapted to suit dietary needs and allergies.

Making the day easier for families

Nappies, wipes and essentials are provided for your child’s care. Stay connected with updates and photos through our communication app.

Secure your place today

Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.

Meet our Centre Manager

Rebecca

21 years with our centre

  • Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
“Fostering each child’s sense of agency is crucial in helping them grow and develop in an ever-changing world.”

I have been working at Community Kids Chirnside Park since 2005, progressing from Assistant Educator to Centre Manager. From a young age, I always wanted to work with children. Over the past 17 years, I have collaborated with our team to build a service committed to delivering quality outcomes for the children in our care.

My career has taught me that fostering each child’s sense of agency is crucial in helping them grow and develop in an ever-changing world. As educators, it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment that nurtures children’s social, emotional, and physical well-being and to work alongside families to create a circle of support that lifts children to their greatest potential.

It takes a village to raise a child. We have a long-serving, dedicated, and passionate team at Community Kids Chirnside Park. Our centre is a home away from home for our local community, focusing on a holistic approach to children’s well-being and education. We create engaging and aesthetic play spaces that respect children’s evolving abilities and continue to challenge ourselves to ensure we provide the best care.

We understand that starting at a new childcare centre can be overwhelming. From the first enquiry, we address all your questions one by one. We guide families through all the necessary forms and administration, including enrolment forms, Child Care Subsidy (CCS), explaining subsidies, government caps, centre schedules, our centre menu, and more.

I look forward to welcoming your family to Community Kids Chirnside Park early education centre.

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Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Chirnside Park, our play-based curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), supporting children to learn through play, exploration and discovery.

Sustainability

Environmental responsibility is a focal point of our curriculum. Children participate in tending to vegetable gardens, caring for worm farms, composting, and learning about natural cycles. We emphasise using recycled resources and furniture to educate children on repurposing items and reducing landfill waste.

Community Engagement

Children and educators regularly go on excursions to explore the local community, including visits to the nature reserve, local shopping centre, and post office. These outings enrich their learning experiences and foster a sense of community connection.

Social and emotional learning

Children develop a strong sense of identity as they feel safe, secure and supported, building confidence, resilience and a positive sense of self. Through group activities, conversations and play, children learn to interact with others with care, empathy and respect, building positive relationships and friendships.

Language and early literacy

Children develop early literacy through storytelling, books, songs and meaningful conversations. Educators support children to explore language in many forms, including speaking, listening, viewing, drawing and writing, while building confidence communicating with others.

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.

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6 weeks – 2 years

Nursery

Nursery

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6 weeks – 2 years

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
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2 – 3 years

Toddlers

Toddlers

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2 – 3 years

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
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3 – 5 years

Kindergarten

Kindergarten

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3 – 5 years

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
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Healthy, nutritious meals each day

Our Chirnside Park childcare centre provides healthy, freshly made meals created daily by our in-house cook, catering to all dietary requirements, including allergies. Each meal is nutritionally balanced according to the Healthy Eating Advisory Service. Our menus rotate weekly over a four-week cycle, ensuring variety and a well-rounded diet for the children. We offer breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack to keep children nourished throughout the day.

What a typical day looks like for your child

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Arrival at the centre

Your child will be welcomed by our team of educators, who will ensure the morning transition from home to centre goes as smoothly as possible. On arrival, share information about your child’s specific needs for the day.

  Next: Mealtimes
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Mealtimes

Our centre chefs prepare a nutritious menu for your child to sit down and eat. This is a great time for everyone to share stories from the day. Educators model healthy eating practices, social behaviours and support children’s growing independence with mealtime routines.

Previous: Arrival at the centre Next: Infant care
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Infant care

If you have an infant, we spend one-on-one time with them to establish a connection. Educators talk gently and respond to babies’ cues. We use songs, games, and conversations to strengthen relationships and build language skills.

Previous: Mealtimes Next: Play-based learning
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Play-based learning

Your child is naturally curious. They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals.

Previous: Infant care Next: Sleep, rest and relaxation
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Sleep, rest and relaxation

We match routines to your child’s individual needs. Opportunities for rest and relaxation help make them feel safe. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who no longer don’t sleep in centre.

Previous: Play-based learning Next: Heading home
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Heading home

As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

Previous: Sleep, rest and relaxation  

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

$175.65/day

Toddler

2 – 4 years

$175.65/day

Kindergarten

4 – 5 years

$175.65/day

Step 1: Family Information & Financial State

Child Care Subsidy Estimator

Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.

**1-4 days = 12 hour sessions, 5 days = 100 hours

Changes to CCS – The 3-Day Guarantee (Starting 5th January 2026)

The Australian Government is replacing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test from 5th January 2026, to provide a min. 72 hours per fortnight or 3 days per week of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) for eligible families.

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

What our families say

5.0(30 reviews)
Source: Google Business Profile. Reviews are correct at the time of accessing this webpage.

Beth Louise

My oldest daughter has been attending community kids in Chirnside Park for over 3 years now and I cannot recommend them enough! The care and passion they have given is incredible. I could not fault them at all, they really make it such a comfortable…. See more My oldest daughter has been attending community kids in Chirnside Park for over 3 years now and I cannot recommend them enough! The care and passion they have given is incredible. I could not fault them at all, they really make it such a comfortable experience and have always put the needs of the children first. Communication has been excellent and consistent, and now both my daughters love going each day and have formed great bonds with their educators.

Kaleigh Codrea

Nursery team have been so kind and patient during our time adjusting to care. They have done an enormous effort to get to know my son and make him feel comfortable and happy in his new space. Keely has made drop off especially easy and my son seems…. See more Nursery team have been so kind and patient during our time adjusting to care. They have done an enormous effort to get to know my son and make him feel comfortable and happy in his new space. Keely has made drop off especially easy and my son seems to really like her. Ash & Maggie’s communication has been great on pickup and they create such a fun environment with loads of music & outdoor play. Couldn’t ask for a better Nursery team.

Michelle Gaudion

Since meeting the team at Community Kids some 7 years ago, I’ve been nothing short of impressed with their commitment and care of my children. My second child is currently in the three kinder room and he loves his educators and friends. The team are…. See more Since meeting the team at Community Kids some 7 years ago, I’ve been nothing short of impressed with their commitment and care of my children. My second child is currently in the three kinder room and he loves his educators and friends. The team are communicative and consistent in their care. They also support the wider community and encourage our kids to think of others which I love. I’ve recommended Community Kids Chirnside to many friends.

Jennifer Groves

We have been sending our son to Community Kids in Chirnside Park for almost a year now in the toddler room and we love the centre! Would highly recommend them to anybody, the staff are doing an amazing job and manage the children very well. Never…. See more We have been sending our son to Community Kids in Chirnside Park for almost a year now in the toddler room and we love the centre! Would highly recommend them to anybody, the staff are doing an amazing job and manage the children very well. Never had an issue and my son seems to be really happy there 🙂

Kristy Bautista

Fantastic childcare centre! My girls absolutely love it there. It really is a great stepping stone for their early education. My eldest is doing their kinder program and I would not go anywhere else for kinder. The staff are all so friendly and…. See more Fantastic childcare centre! My girls absolutely love it there. It really is a great stepping stone for their early education. My eldest is doing their kinder program and I would not go anywhere else for kinder. The staff are all so friendly and caring and take so much time to communicate the educational intentions every term which I think is a fantastic initiative. It shows that they are not just "babysitting" your children but developing an individual program that suits every child. Absolutely fabulous staff:))

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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.

Read our step-by-step guide on how to enrol here.

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.

Learn more about our Settling-in Program.

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.

Community Kids 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, Community Kids 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.