How we chose the top 3
Every centre was assessed against five criteria: NQS rating independently assessed by the Victorian regulatory authority, fee transparency verified against the Starting Blocks database, parent satisfaction drawn from KindiCare, CareForKids and Toddle, program quality including curriculum approach and educator qualifications, and practical value including hours, inclusions and Free Kinder access.
We do not accept payment from any centre to appear on this list. Our rankings are independent.
Quick fee comparison
YMCA Moroak Cres
$129.60
Lowest fee in top 3
Clyde North average: $141.03/day before CCS (based on all three centres). All three centres are CCS approved. Fees current as of March 2026. Confirm directly with each centre.
About childcare in Clyde North
Clyde North is one of Melbourne's fastest-growing outer south-east suburbs, located within the City of Casey approximately 45 kilometres from the CBD. With a large and rapidly growing population, the suburb is characterised by young families drawn to new housing estates, modern community infrastructure and relatively affordable property prices compared to inner Melbourne.
Parents in Clyde North typically prioritise NQS quality, availability of places in a high-demand market, inclusive fee structures and proximity to new housing estates when selecting long day care. As demand for childcare places is high relative to supply, securing a place often requires early enquiry and waitlist registration.
All 13 long day care centres in Clyde North 3978 were assessed for this guide against NQS ratings from ACECQA via Starting Blocks, verified fees and parent reviews from independent platforms. Three centres were selected as the top-ranked options for 2026.
Clyde North childcare: what you need to know
Clyde North sits within the City of Casey, approximately 45 km south-east of Melbourne's CBD. The suburb has 13 long day care centres providing 1,567 places across postcode 3978, serving an estimated 4,434 children under five. With 2.8 children under five for every available long day care place, significantly above the Greater Melbourne average of 2, demand is consistently high and waitlists are common. The average daily fee is approximately $142 per day before the Child Care Subsidy.
All three centres hold Exceeding NQS
Clyde North is exceptional in the context of this guide: all three centres on this page hold Exceeding NQS ratings, the highest rating achievable through standard assessment. Above Exceeding is the rarely awarded Excellent rating, held by fewer than 1% of services. This is rare. Across Greater Melbourne, only 6–7% of long day care centres hold an Exceeding NQS rating.
Fees
Kids on Meridian charges $125.00 per full day with the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions. The YMCA fee is not published on Starting Blocks: contact centre directly. Story House charges $168.50 per full day (confirm inclusions directly). All fees are before the Child Care Subsidy. All three centres are CCS approved.
Free Kinder
Victoria's government-funded kindergarten program provides up to 15 hours per week for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. All three centres offer integrated Free Kinder within long day care hours, delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers.
Demand
With 2.8 children under five per LDC place, Clyde North has a genuine supply shortage. Contact your preferred centre early, as waitlists are common, particularly for infant and toddler rooms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best childcare centre in Clyde North VIC?
Based on NQS rating from Starting Blocks (ACECQA), parent satisfaction and regulatory recency, Story House Early Learning Clyde North at 1-3 Selandra Boulevard is the top recommendation in Clyde North 3978. It holds an Exceeding NQS issued August 2024, the most recently awarded Exceeding NQS among long day care centres in the suburb, strong parent ratings across review platforms, a 5.0/5 CareForKids rating and a December 2025 regulatory visit with zero enforcement actions.
How much does childcare cost in Clyde North?
The average long day care fee in Clyde North 3978 is approximately $142 per day before the Child Care Subsidy. Kids on Meridian charges $125.00 per full day with the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions, the lowest fee of any Exceeding NQS centre in the suburb. The YMCA does not list a fee on Starting Blocks: contact the centre directly on (03) 8320 2600 to confirm. Story House charges $168.50 per full day. Confirm inclusions directly. All fees are before the Child Care Subsidy.
Are there any Exceeding NQS childcare centres in Clyde North?
Yes. Per Starting Blocks (ACECQA), the authoritative regulatory record, three long day care centres in Clyde North 3978 hold Exceeding NQS ratings. Story House Early Learning (August 2024), Clyde North Moroak Crescent YMCA Early Learning Centre (July 2024) and Kids on Meridian (September 2024) all hold Exceeding NQS ratings. This is exceptionally rare. Across Greater Melbourne, only 6–7% of long day care centres hold an Exceeding NQS rating.
Is there a government-funded kindergarten program in Clyde North childcare centres?
Yes. Victoria's Free Kinder program provides government-funded kindergarten hours for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. All three centres on this list offer integrated Free Kinder within their long day care programs, delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, at no cost up to 15 hours per week.
What childcare centres in Clyde North have vacancies?
Availability changes frequently. Contact each centre directly: Story House Early Learning on (03) 5999 0697, Clyde North Moroak Crescent YMCA on (03) 8320 2600 or the YMCA enquiry line on (03) 8371 0500, and Kids on Meridian on (03) 9212 0240. Story House and the YMCA have vacancies confirmed by Starting Blocks as of March 2026. Kids on Meridian vacancy status is conflicting between sources. Confirm directly on (03) 9212 0240.
What is the postcode for Clyde North childcare?
All three top-rated childcare centres in Clyde North are located in postcode 3978, within the City of Casey in Melbourne's outer south-east.
Are all three centres CCS approved?
Yes. Story House Early Learning Clyde North, Clyde North Moroak Crescent YMCA Early Learning Centre and Kids on Meridian are all approved to receive the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy.
How do I choose between Story House, the YMCA and Kids on Meridian?
All three hold Exceeding NQS ratings, an exceptional distinction in any suburb. Story House offers the most recently awarded NQS (August 2024) and the highest parent review count at $168.50/day. Confirm inclusions directly. The YMCA has the most recent regulatory clearance (January 2026), strong parent ratings, and is the only not-for-profit on this list. Confirm fee directly. Kids on Meridian is the only centre with all 7 NQS areas Exceeding, the lowest fee at $125.00/day with the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions, and weekly incursions at no extra cost.
Why is Clyde North's childcare market so competitive?
Clyde North has 2.8 children under five for every available long day care place, significantly above the Greater Melbourne average of 2. The suburb's rapid population growth, with 48,318 residents and 4,434 children under five, means demand consistently outstrips supply. Contact your preferred centre as early as possible.