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3 centres ranked

The Top 3 Childcare Centres in Clyde North, VIC (3978)

Clyde North’s three top-ranked centres for 2026 are Story House, YMCA Moroak Crescent and Kids on Meridian. All three hold Exceeding NQS.

45 km from Melbourne CBD in the City of Casey. 3,611 children under five.

More about Clyde North

Clyde North is an outer south-east suburb, located approximately 45 km from the CBD in the City of Casey. All three ranked centres hold an Exceeding NQS rating, the highest rating achievable through standard assessment (above Exceeding is the rarely awarded Excellent rating, held by fewer than 1% of services). The three standout long day care centres in Clyde North for 2026 are Story House Early Learning Clyde North, Clyde North Moroak Crescent YMCA Early Learning Centre and Kids on Meridian, independently ranked on NQS ratings sourced exclusively from Starting Blocks (ACECQA), verified fees and parent reviews from Google. All three are CCS approved and operate Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 6:30pm.

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Postcode 3978City of Casey
How we chose: we weigh five things together: NQS rating and how recently it was issued, parent reviews, program and environment, fees and inclusions, and practical fit including hours and Free Kinder access. We do not accept payment from any centre to appear on this list, and we do not rank by who owns a centre. Read how we rank.What an Exceeding NQS rating actually means →
All three centres hold Exceeding NQS

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 exceptionally rare. Across Greater Melbourne, only 6–7% of long day care centres hold an Exceeding NQS rating.

High demand suburb

Contact your preferred centre early, as waitlists are common, particularly for infant and toddler rooms.

No.1 PICK

Story House Early Learning Clyde North

1-3 Selandra Boulevard, Clyde North VIC 3978

Exceeding NQS · August 2024★ Google 4.9/5 · 94 reviews

Google reviews, captured 1 August 2026

Children's health and safety: Meeting · Governance and leadership: Meeting · 5 areas Exceeding

Regulatory detail and operational conditions

Most recently awarded Exceeding NQS of the three ranked centres. NQS sub-area results: 5 of 7 quality areas Exceeding, 2 Meeting (Children's health and safety; Governance and leadership). Previous NQS: Meeting (February 2020). Provider: Kids House Early Learning, part of Story House Early Learning (62 services nationally).

Regulatory visit December 2025: 0 enforcement actions in the past two years. Three conditions sit on the service approval, all concerning the outdoor play spaces. The approved provider must ensure the nominated supervisor, staff and volunteers are aware of the risk assessment and follow the procedures for adequate supervision of children in those spaces; must incorporate and maintain natural elements and features within them; and must ensure objects are not placed in a manner that may allow a child to climb over barriers or fences, with all play equipment maintained and placed to meet Australian Playground Standards (AS 4685:2014) with particular consideration given to falling space, impact areas and free space. Source: Starting Blocks service record, retrieved 4 August 2026.

Daily fee
$168.50
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
Ages
6 weeks to 5 years
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Capacity
130 children

Story House Early Learning Clyde North at 1-3 Selandra Boulevard holds an Exceeding NQS rating issued August 2024, and was visited by the regulatory authority in December 2025 with zero enforcement actions.

Part of the Story House Early Learning group, which operates 62 services nationally, the Clyde North location is one of the group's flagship centres. Story House is the only early learning provider in Australia to be certified three times as a Great Place to Work, a meaningful indicator of staff culture that directly benefits children through consistent, stable educator relationships.

The centre serves children from 6 weeks to 5 years and is located on Selandra Boulevard, a convenient, accessible location in the heart of Clyde North close to local shops, schools and community services. The educational program is guided by the STRONG Beginnings Curriculum, an inquiry-based approach that fosters confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing alongside academic foundations. Programs include STEAM activities, nature-based experiences, art, music, cooking and gardening, with extracurricular activities woven throughout the week.

The centre's multicultural team reflects and celebrates the diversity of the Clyde North community. Families stay connected through Storypark, with daily updates and learning documentation shared regularly. No bond or enrolment fee is required. Current vacancies are confirmed by Starting Blocks.

What parents say

The team at Story House Clyde North is exceptional. They go above and beyond every single day and the programs are always engaging and varied. Our son has developed so much confidence since starting here.Parent review via Google
Our take

Story House Early Learning Clyde North ranks first in this guide. An Exceeding NQS awarded August 2024, a December 2025 regulatory visit with zero enforcement actions, consistently strong parent feedback across review platforms and current vacancies make it the standout first choice. Confirm fee inclusions directly with the centre before enrolling.

Best for: Families who want an Exceeding NQS centre with current vacancies and a nationally recognised group operator.

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No.2

Clyde North Moroak Crescent YMCA Early Learning Centre

555 Ramlegh Boulevard, Clyde North VIC 3978

Exceeding NQS · July 2024

Children's health and safety: Meeting · 6 areas Exceeding

Regulatory detail and operational conditions

NQS sub-area results: 6 of 7 quality areas Exceeding, 1 Meeting (Children's health and safety). Previous NQS: Meeting (January 2020). Provider: Victorian YMCA Community Programming (not-for-profit, 66 services nationally).

Regulatory visit January 2026: 0 enforcement actions in the past two years. No current conditions on service approval. Most recent regulatory visit of any centre on this list (January 2026).

Daily fee
$152.00
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
Ages
6 weeks to 5 years
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Capacity
104 children

Clyde North Moroak Crescent YMCA Early Learning Centre at 555 Ramlegh Boulevard holds an Exceeding NQS rating issued July 2024 and strong parent ratings across review platforms. It is operated by Victorian YMCA Community Programming, a not-for-profit organisation operating 66 services nationally with a genuine community mission.

Located on Ramlegh Boulevard near the Ramlegh Reserve and community facilities, the centre serves families across Clyde North's Ramlegh estate and surrounding areas. As a not-for-profit, the YMCA reinvests any surplus directly into programs and environments rather than returning it to shareholders, a meaningful structural difference from commercial operators.

The centre is a warm, welcoming space designed around the needs of young children from 6 weeks to 5 years. The educational program is guided by the YMCA's learning frameworks, with a focus on curiosity, confidence and independence. Programs include regular incursions and excursions, nature-based play, a lending library to encourage a love of reading, and the ELLA (Early Learning Language Australia) program. Outdoor play areas give children room to discover, explore, climb and play freely.

The Victorian Government-funded kindergarten program for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds is delivered by Bachelor-qualified teachers, integrated within long day care hours. Free Kinder appears as a weekly credit on the YMCA account statement. Families stay connected through regular drop-off and pick-up conversations, learning documentation and family events.

What parents say

The YMCA at Ramlegh Boulevard has been wonderful for our family. The educators are warm, consistent and genuinely invested in our children's development. The not-for-profit model means you can see exactly where your fees go: back into the programs and the environment.Parent review via Google
Our take

Clyde North Moroak Crescent YMCA Early Learning Centre ranks second in this guide. An Exceeding NQS issued July 2024, strong parent ratings across review platforms, the most recent regulatory clearance of any centre on this list (January 2026, zero conditions), current vacancies and the backing of the YMCA's not-for-profit mission make it a compelling choice for families who want an Exceeding NQS centre with genuine community values. Contact the centre directly to confirm the current fee and inclusions before making a decision.

Best for: Families who want an Exceeding NQS not-for-profit centre with the most recent regulatory clearance of any centre on this list (January 2026), Bachelor-qualified kinder teachers and the backing of the YMCA's community mission.

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No.3

Kids on Meridian

61 Matterhorn Drive, Clyde North VIC 3978

Exceeding NQS · September 2024★ Google 4.6/5 · 64 reviews

Google reviews, captured 1 August 2026

All 7 quality areas: Exceeding

Regulatory detail and operational conditions

All 7 NQS quality areas rated Exceeding, the only centre on this list to achieve a clean sweep across every quality area. Most recently assessed centre on this list. First ever NQS rating for this service. Service approved March 2022. Provider: Docrich (family owned and operated).

Regulatory visit July 2024: 0 enforcement actions. No current conditions.

Daily fee
$170.78
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
Ages
6 weeks to 6 years
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Capacity
120 children

Kids on Meridian at 61 Matterhorn Drive holds an Exceeding NQS rating issued September 2024, the most recently assessed centre on this list, and its first ever NQS rating, having been approved as a service in March 2022. The July 2024 regulatory visit found zero conditions and zero enforcement actions. With 120 licensed places, it is a purpose-built facility serving families from 6 weeks to 6 years.

Kids on Meridian is family owned and operated by Docrich, and its philosophy reflects this personal investment: the centre takes the time to understand every family's needs through orientation visits, family meetings with each child's teacher, and ongoing relationship-building with the wider community.

The educational program is play-based and aligned to both the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Programs are designed individually for each child to ensure they are meeting milestones and are offered learning experiences that are meaningful and challenging. Highly qualified Early Childhood Teachers lead the teaching team, communicating daily with families through the Educa online learning platform and holding Parent and Teacher collaboration interviews twice yearly.

Weekly incursions are a genuine highlight. The Jumparoo program provides fun and creative movement for children from 6 weeks to 3 years, specifically designed for the early learning years. The Little Sporty Legends sports program runs from the nursery room right through to the kindergarten room. All incursions are included at no additional cost to families. The centre also runs an intergenerational program, connecting children with elderly community members to foster empathy, belonging and lifelong learning.

Fresh meals are prepared on-site daily using only fresh ingredients, with menus developed in consultation with The Oscar Care Group to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Vegetarian and halal meals are available. The daily fee of $170.78 is the lowest of the three ranked centres, and includes the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions package of any centre on this list: afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, lunch, morning tea, nappies and other meals. All incursions and special classes are included at no additional cost.

What parents say

After literally visiting every centre in the area and feeling something off with the majority of them except this one, we couldn't be happier with the centre. The educators, management and whole team are amazing, always friendly and you can tell they really care about the kids. They have great programs throughout the week from STEM, music, Jumparoo etc which the kids really seem to love. Our son settled in quickly and is thriving after only being there 6 months.Parent review
My youngest child has been attending Kids On Meridian since shortly after his first birthday and they have exceeded all expectations. He had a nasogastric tube and we were advised to enrol him to help him learn to eat. Within 6 months he was eating. It's now been around 3 years since we joined the Meridian family and I couldn't ask for anything more. They've been wonderful educators and supporters, consistently going above and beyond.Parent review
Kids on Meridian is a wonderful ECEC centre. My daughter has been attending the centre for almost 4 years and they have been consistent, nurturing, supportive and offered incredible learning opportunities. In a sector saturated with profit driven services, Kids on Meridian feels like a family, community and safe place where children are always at the centre.Parent review
My daughter went for 3 and 4 years kindergarten. She was so happy. All the educators and admin staff are great. They are very polite. Food was awesome. We never had any problems. Different activities, community access, story time and outdoor activities gave my daughter memories and a great education. My daughter still misses the place and asks me all the time to go back.Sharon Christian via Google
Our take

Kids on Meridian is the third-choice recommendation for postcode 3978, and a genuinely compelling one. The most recently assessed centre on this list (Exceeding NQS, September 2024), the lowest fee of the three ranked centres at $170.78 per day, with the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions package including all meals, nappies and education programs. The family-owned model, weekly Jumparoo and sports incursions at no extra cost, an intergenerational program, and strong parent reviews on Google (4.0/5 from 34 reviews) make this a centre that genuinely stands out. Confirm vacancy status directly with the centre before making a decision.

Best for: Families who want the lowest fee of the three ranked centres, with the most comprehensive inclusions package, weekly incursions at no extra cost and a family-owned operator with a genuine community philosophy.

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Quick fee comparison

1Story House$168.50
2YMCA Moroak Cres$152
3Kids on Meridian$170.78

Average across these three centres: $163.76/day before CCS (based on all three centres). All three centres are CCS approved. Confirm directly with each centre.

Childcare fees vary by age group. The rates shown may reflect different age bands at different centres, so confirm the rate for your child's age directly with each centre.

See how fees in Clyde North compare across Melbourne suburbs →Work out your real cost after the Child Care Subsidy →

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.

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 sits within the City of Casey, approximately 45 km south-east of Melbourne's CBD. Demand is consistently high and waitlists are common.

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 $170.78 per full day with the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions. The YMCA charges $152.00 per full day, uniform across all four published age bands on Starting Blocks. 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.

How Free Kinder works in Victoria and who is eligible →

Other services in Clyde North worth knowing about

Clyde North YMCA Early Learning Centre, Aayana Street

Bluebird Early Education Clyde North

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 ranks first in this guide. It holds an Exceeding NQS issued August 2024, consistently strong parent feedback across review platforms and a December 2025 regulatory visit with zero enforcement actions.

How much does childcare cost in Clyde North?

Kids on Meridian charges $170.78 per full day with the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions, the lowest fee of the three ranked centres. 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 ranked 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 holds an Exceeding NQS awarded August 2024 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 $170.78/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?

Demand for long day care in Clyde North is high, and waitlists are common. Rapid population growth in the suburb means demand consistently outstrips supply. Contact your preferred centre as early as possible.

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Data sources: ACECQA (NQS ratings), Starting Blocks (Fees and vacancies), Google Reviews (Ratings). top3elc.com.au does not receive referral fees.

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