12 km from Melbourne CBD in the City of Banyule. 407 children under five.
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For Heidelberg families the three strongest picks are Goodstart Early Learning Heidelberg (Meeting NQS, $183.85/day), Cheeriokids Heidelberg (Meeting NQS, $172.90/day), and A2Z Childcare and Kindergarten (Meeting NQS, $179.00/day). Goodstart sits in Heidelberg (3084); Cheeriokids and A2Z are immediately north in Heidelberg Heights (3081). Each pick was weighed on its ACECQA NQS rating, Starting Blocks fees, and what parents report. Daily costs run from $172.90 to $183.85 across the trio.
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.How NQS ratings work, and what Meeting and Exceeding mean →
No.1 PICK
Goodstart Early Learning Heidelberg
28 Rosanna Road, Heidelberg VIC 3084
Meeting NQS · March 2025
All 7 quality areas: Meeting
Regulatory detail and operational conditions
Daily fee
$183.85
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
Ages
6 weeks to 6 years
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Capacity
122 children
Goodstart is a not-for-profit early learning provider. With a recent NQS assessment (March 2025) and strong parent ratings across multiple platforms, it's a reliable choice for families seeking established, quality childcare with consistent service delivery.
The centre uses Storypark to keep families connected with daily updates, and offers dedicated drop-off and pick-up car spaces directly outside.
With 122 approved places, Goodstart Heidelberg is the largest centre in this top 3, which may mean better availability for families seeking enrolment.
What parents say
“Both of my babies (one now in school) attend/attended this centre. The staff are the BEST in the world. My daughter made so many friends and the staff know us as a family. The food is fantastic and Kamal has gotten my picky daughter to eat a huge range of food she won't even touch at home. My baby is so well cared for and genuinely adored by the staff. They are caring and professional. The communication between families and the centre is outstanding.”Parent review
“I absolutely loved this centre and am so grateful for how caring, flexible and supportive they were. I always felt my son was safe, nurtured and genuinely liked and supported. They also have a good facility, convenient to the hospital and good food and set up.”Parent review
Our take
Goodstart Heidelberg is the reliable, nationally backed option in the area. The most recent NQS assessment (March 2025), 122-place capacity, Storypark parent communication, and dedicated drop-off parking make it the most practical choice for busy families. The not-for-profit model keeps fees transparent.
Best for: Dual-income families near Austin Health or Heidelberg station who need reliable 6:30am–6:30pm hours, dedicated drop-off parking, and the reassurance of a 122-place not-for-profit centre with a March 2025 NQS assessment.
Cheeriokids is a family-owned boutique centre run by husband-and-wife team Matthew and Ness, who work full-time on-site. Their all-inclusive fees mean no hidden costs, and their consistent 5.0 ratings across multiple platforms reflect genuine parent satisfaction.
The centre also offers a government-funded kindergarten program designed for working families, combining curriculum with the flexibility of long day care.
With only 40 children, Cheeriokids maintains an intimate, home-like atmosphere where educators know every child and family personally.
What parents say
“We have had experience with childcares over the years (mostly bad). I sent my eldest (5) when she was 2.5, and I've never felt so secure since then. She was a shy girl and has now blossomed into a confident girl who is school ready and fully equipped to start prep. The teachers are all unbelievable; caring, intelligent and you KNOW they love your kids. I truly think Cheeriokids has had a large part in shaping my kids into who they have become and I'll be forever grateful.”Kim
“Every childcare centre seems family-oriented but Cheeriokids is beyond that, the management is quite flexible to any arrangements that can suit your needs, especially for parents like us who both work full time. Family run business that is loving and caring. I feel lucky to have such wonderful staff look after my children.”Parent review
Our take
Cheeriokids is the standout boutique option. Consistently strong parent feedback across review platforms, owner-operators on-site daily, all-inclusive fees at $172.90/day, and only 40 places make it the most personal choice. Parents consistently describe it as genuinely family-run, not just a marketing claim.
Best for: Families seeking a smaller, family-run centre with a home-like atmosphere, transparent all-inclusive pricing, and kindergarten integration.
A2Z is a modern, purpose-built facility offering long day care alongside government-funded kindergarten programs for 3 and 4 year olds. At $179.00/day it's the most affordable option in this top 3, with all-inclusive fees and consistently strong parent feedback.
The centre is noted for stable staffing with very little turnover, a strong indicator of a well-run operation.
A2Z also offers occasional care, casual care, and before school care, making it the most flexible option for families with varying needs.
What parents say
“After a bad experience with another childcare down the road, A2Z was a welcome relief for us. Our son settled in and connected with the staff straight away. He's now been attending A2Z for nearly 2 years and we take great comfort in knowing that he and the other children are treated well there. The team is also very stable with very little staff turnover.”Parent review
“As soon as I walked through the door I knew it was the perfect place for my daughter. We were greeted by Bree who was so personable, happy, warm and friendly. The centre is very clean, organised, has clean bright toys and furniture. On my daughter's first day, a staff member who hadn't met us yet greeted us by name. It was lovely and affirmed how much they care and know each child.”Parent review
Our take
A2Z is the best-value option at $179.00/day all-inclusive. Consistently strong parent feedback across review platforms confirms quality. Parents highlight the stable staffing and personal attention. The range of care options (occasional, casual, before school) adds flexibility that the other two don't offer.
Best for: Budget-conscious families wanting a modern facility with government-funded kindergarten access, all-inclusive fees, and flexible care options including casual and before school care.
Averaged over all three centres shown, Goodstart in Heidelberg 3084 plus Cheeriokids and A2Z in adjoining Heidelberg Heights 3081: $172.78/day before CCS. Each is CCS approved. Check current fees directly with every service.
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.
Heidelberg is a well-established suburb in Melbourne's north-east, about 12 kilometres from the CBD within the City of Banyule. One thing to flag before the rankings: only the top pick, Goodstart, is actually in Heidelberg (3084), while the other two sit immediately north in Heidelberg Heights (3081), which we have included as the nearest strong options for local families. Anchored by the Austin Health precinct, Heidelberg station, and the artist-colony heritage of the Heidelberg School, the area draws healthcare workers, young families, and long-term residents who value the Yarra River parklands, strong local schools, and a walkable town centre.
Parents in the Heidelberg area typically weigh NQS ratings, fee transparency, educator continuity, and the availability of government-funded kindergarten when choosing childcare. The broader Heidelberg and Heidelberg Heights area has more than ten early learning services, giving families a reasonable range of options across not-for-profit, family-owned, and independent operators.
All long day care centres in the Heidelberg and Heidelberg Heights area 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.
Heidelberg (3084) and Heidelberg Heights (3081) sit within the City of Banyule in Melbourne's north-east. Daily long day care fees at the top three centres range from $172.90 to $183.85 before the Child Care Subsidy. All three centres offer all-inclusive pricing.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
All three centres on this list are CCS approved. Most Australian families are eligible for CCS, which is means-tested based on combined family income and activity levels. Eligible families can receive up to 90% subsidy on fees.
Free Kinder
All three centres offer government-funded kindergarten programs for 3 and 4 year olds integrated within their long day care model. This means your child can attend the same centre for both long day care and kindergarten.
Waitlists
Cheeriokids in particular has limited availability given its 40-place capacity. Goodstart's 122-place capacity may offer better availability. Enquire early, ideally 3 to 6 months before your preferred start date.
What is the best childcare centre in Heidelberg VIC?
Goodstart Early Learning Heidelberg at 28 Rosanna Road is ranked #1 in Heidelberg 3084, holding a Meeting NQS rating (March 2025) with 122 licensed places. Cheeriokids Heidelberg (#2) also holds Meeting NQS with consistently strong parent feedback. A2Z Childcare and Kindergarten (#3) holds Meeting NQS at $179.00/day with consistently strong parent feedback. All three are CCS approved.
How much does childcare cost in Heidelberg?
Daily fees range from $172.90 to $183.85 per day among the three ranked centres. A2Z charges $179.00, Cheeriokids charges $172.90, and Goodstart charges $183.85. All three include meals and nappies in their daily fee. The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly.
What is the postcode for Heidelberg childcare?
Goodstart is in Heidelberg proper (postcode 3084). Cheeriokids and A2Z are in Heidelberg Heights (postcode 3081). Both are within the City of Banyule in Melbourne's north-east.
Are all three centres CCS approved?
Yes. Goodstart Early Learning Heidelberg, Cheeriokids Heidelberg, and A2Z Childcare and Kindergarten are all approved to receive the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy.
Can I get government-funded kindergarten at these centres?
Yes. All three centres offer government-funded kindergarten programs for 3 and 4 year olds integrated within their long day care model. Contact the centres directly to confirm current availability and enrolment requirements.
Which centre is the most affordable?
A2Z Childcare and Kindergarten offers the best value at $179.00/day with all-inclusive fees covering meals, nappies, education programs, and excursions. Cheeriokids is $172.90/day and Goodstart is $183.85/day.
Which centre offers casual or occasional care?
A2Z Childcare and Kindergarten offers the widest range of care options including long day care, occasional care, casual care, and before school care. Cheeriokids also offers vacation care alongside long day care.