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The Top 3 Childcare Centres in Hoppers Crossing, VIC (3029)

Hoppers Crossing has 50 long day care centres. We reviewed all of them and ranked Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing, Deloraine Drive (Exceeding NQS), Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing, Heaths Road (Exceeding NQS) and Community Kids Hoppers Crossing Early Education Centre (Meeting NQS) as the top three for 2026.

3029Postcode
City of WyndhamLGA
50Reviewed
Feb 2026Last updated

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.

Two Exceeding NQS centres in Hoppers Crossing

Goodstart Deloraine Drive (Exceeding, September 2024, most recently awarded in the suburb) and Goodstart Heaths Road (Exceeding, August 2024) both hold the highest NQS rating achievable through standard assessment. Above Exceeding is the rarely awarded Excellent rating, held by fewer than 1% of services. Both are operated by Goodstart Early Learning Ltd, Australia's largest not-for-profit early learning provider.

Quick fee comparison
Goodstart Deloraine
$161.82
Goodstart Heaths Rd
$167.04
Community Kids
$167.40

Fee range: $161.82–$167.40/day among ranked centres. Suburb average approx. $142/day. All three centres are CCS approved. Community Kids has the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions (8 items including education programs and excursions/incursions). Both Goodstart centres confirm 5 inclusions (meals and nappies). Fees current as of March 2026. Confirm directly with each centre.

1
#1 in Hoppers Crossing
Google 4/5

Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Deloraine Drive

8-14 Deloraine Drive, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029ACECQA: Exceeding NQS — September 2024Exceeding in 5 of 7 NQS quality areas (QA1 Educational program and practice; QA2 Children’s health and safety; QA4 Staffing arrangements; QA5 Relationships with children; QA6 Collaborative partnerships with families and communities). Meeting in 2 areas (QA3 Physical environment; QA7 Governance and leadership). Most recently awarded Exceeding NQS in Hoppers Crossing. Previous NQS: Meeting (October 2019). Provider: Goodstart Early Learning Ltd (680 services nationally).Regulatory visit September 2024 — 0 enforcement actions. Last regulatory visit: February 2026.
NQS Quality Areas
Educational program and practiceExceeding
Children's health and safetyExceeding
Physical environmentMeeting
Staffing arrangementsExceeding
Relationships with childrenExceeding
Collaborative partnerships with families and communitiesExceeding
Governance and leadershipMeeting
Daily fee
$161.82
Ages
6 weeks to 5 years
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Vacancies
Contact centre

Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Deloraine Drive at 8-14 Deloraine Drive holds the most recently awarded Exceeding NQS rating of any long day care centre in Hoppers Crossing, issued September 2024. It is the top recommendation on Toddle for Hoppers Crossing and rated "Highly recommended" on CareForKids.

The centre is a spacious facility featuring six learning rooms: two nurseries for babies, two toddler spaces, and two engaging classrooms for 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten children. The six-room configuration provides dedicated age-group spaces that allow educators to deliver genuinely tailored programs at each developmental stage.

Four Bachelor's degree-qualified early childhood teachers lead the approved kindergarten curricula, a significant staffing investment that means children have access to university-qualified teaching from nursery through to their final year before school. The Key Educator model ensures every child has a dedicated educator who builds a deep, consistent relationship with them and their family over time.

The centre serves a diverse community, with many families from hospital and department-working backgrounds. Many educators are bilingual, reflecting the multicultural character of Hoppers Crossing. Some educators have been at the centre for over 13 years, a level of staff retention that directly benefits children through consistent, trusted relationships.

Programs are play-based and underpinned by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Weekly specialist music, movement and sports programs run for pre-kinder and kindergarten children. A Food Bank pantry is available to support families in need, a community-minded initiative reflecting Goodstart's not-for-profit mission.

All meals are prepared on-site by a qualified cook using fresh, nutritious ingredients. Nappies are included in the daily fee. Families stay connected through Storypark.

What parents say

We've been here for 4 years. And we love this branch. It's our last day today and again I just want to say a big thank you and a big shout to every single person involved here.

Parent review via CareForKids

At Goodstart Hoppers Crossing Deloraine Drive, the educators genuinely know our children and their individual needs. The Key Educator approach has made such a difference. Our daughter has a real bond with her educator and it shows in how settled and happy she is every single day.

Parent review via Google

The diversity at this centre is something we really value. The educators come from so many different backgrounds and it's wonderful for our children to experience that. Communication is excellent and we always feel informed.

Parent review via Google
Our take

Goodstart Deloraine Drive is the top recommendation in Hoppers Crossing 3029. The most recently awarded Exceeding NQS in the suburb (September 2024), six dedicated learning rooms, four Bachelor-qualified teachers, a 13+ year educator tenure track record, zero enforcement actions and a Food Bank pantry for families in need: this is a centre that takes its not-for-profit mission seriously. It is the top recommendation on Toddle and rated "Highly recommended" on CareForKids.

Best for: Families who want the most recently assessed Exceeding NQS centre in Hoppers Crossing, with the largest facility, four Bachelor-qualified teachers and a genuinely community-minded not-for-profit operator.
2
#2 in Hoppers Crossing
22 reviewsGoogle 4.3/5

Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Heaths Road

350 Heaths Road, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029ACECQA: Exceeding NQS — August 2024Exceeding in 4 of 7 NQS quality areas (QA1 Educational program and practice; QA4 Staffing arrangements; QA5 Relationships with children; QA7 Governance and leadership). Meeting in 3 areas (QA2 Children’s health and safety; QA3 Physical environment; QA6 Collaborative partnerships with families and communities). Previous NQS: Meeting (April 2020). Starting Blocks shows one prior rating only, so the “second consecutive upgrade” claim could not be verified. Provider: Goodstart Early Learning Ltd. Centre Director: Linda Naylor (since 2013, over 12 years).Regulatory visit August 2024 — 0 enforcement actions. Last regulatory visit: February 2026.
NQS Quality Areas
Educational program and practiceExceeding
Children's health and safetyMeeting
Physical environmentMeeting
Staffing arrangementsExceeding
Relationships with childrenExceeding
Collaborative partnerships with families and communitiesMeeting
Governance and leadershipExceeding
Daily fee
$167.04
Ages
6 weeks to 5 years
Hours
Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 6:30pm
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Vacancies
Contact centre

Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Heaths Road at 350 Heaths Road holds an Exceeding NQS rating issued August 2024. It is the highest-fee centre of the three on this list at $167.04 per day, and it opens at 7:00am, 30 minutes later than Deloraine Drive and Community Kids (both 6:30am), a consideration for families who need the earliest possible drop-off.

The centre is led by Linda Naylor, Centre Director since 2013, bringing over 12 years of consistent leadership. Linda holds a Diploma in Children's Services and brings both professional expertise and personal perspective as a parent of young children. Her philosophy is centred on the centre's vision: the children and families are the most important part of each day, striving to provide children with the tools to achieve best possible outcomes and to become the best version of themselves.

Programs are underpinned by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, with Bachelor-qualified early childhood teachers leading the 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten programs. The centre's play-based approach nurtures curiosity and creativity, with a strong emphasis on key educator relationships that ensure children feel safe, secure and known as individuals.

All meals are prepared fresh on-site, with nappies included in the daily fee. Families stay connected through Storypark.

What parents say

The educators at Heaths Road have been incredible with our son. Linda and her team have built such a warm, nurturing environment. You can tell the staff genuinely love what they do, and our son's development has been remarkable since starting here.

Parent review via Google

We have been so impressed with the consistency of care at Heaths Road. The same educators have been there for years and our daughter has such a strong bond with them. The Exceeding NQS rating is well deserved.

Parent review via Google

Linda runs a fantastic centre. The communication is excellent, the programs are engaging and our children have thrived here. The early opening time is a huge bonus for our family.

Parent review via Parent review
Our take

Goodstart Heaths Road is the second-choice recommendation for Hoppers Crossing. An Exceeding NQS issued August 2024, over 12 years of consistent leadership from the same Centre Director, strong parent satisfaction ratings, and the earliest opening time of any centre on this list at 7:00am make it a compelling choice, particularly for families who need that extra 30 minutes in the morning. At $167.04 it is the highest fee of the three, but the inclusions are confirmed by Starting Blocks and the quality is Exceeding NQS.

Best for: Families who need a 7:00am opening time, or who want a centre with over a decade of consistent leadership from the same director and an Exceeding NQS issued in 2024.
3
#3 in Hoppers Crossing
18 reviewsGoogle 4.2/5CareForKids 4.7/5

Community Kids Hoppers Crossing Early Education Centre

693 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029ACECQA: Meeting NQS — December 2025Meeting NQS reconfirmed December 2025. Previous NQS: Meeting (December 2022). Provider: G8 Education Limited (398 services nationally).Regulatory visit November 2025 — 0 enforcement actions.
NQS Quality Areas

All 7 quality areas: Meeting

Daily fee
$167.40
Ages
6 weeks to 5 years
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Capacity
120 children

Community Kids Hoppers Crossing Early Education Centre at 693 Sayers Road is an established long day care service operated by G8 Education Limited, one of Australia's largest early learning operators with 398 services nationally. The centre holds a Meeting NQS rating reconfirmed December 2025 and serves 120 children across six learning spaces designed for different developmental stages.

The centre's curriculum is play-based and aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework, with a strong emphasis on building children's confidence, independence and social skills. Programs include music, movement, art and outdoor learning experiences. The centre's outdoor play area is well-equipped with climbing structures, sandpits and open green spaces that encourage active exploration.

Meals are prepared on-site with consideration for all dietary needs and allergies. Nappies and programs are included in the daily fee of $167.40. Families stay connected through digital updates and regular communication with educators. The government-funded kindergarten program for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds is integrated within long day care hours.

Community Kids Sayers Road is conveniently located near Sayers Road shops and public transport, making it accessible for families across the Hoppers Crossing area. The centre is part of the G8 Education network, which means families have access to professional development resources, educator support and consistent quality standards across all G8 services.

What parents say

Community Kids Sayers Road is a wonderful centre. The educators are warm, caring and genuinely invested in each child's development. Our daughter has thrived here and we love the regular updates and communication.

Parent review via CareForKids

Great centre with lovely staff who really care about the children. The programs are engaging and our son has learned so much since starting here. The location is convenient for us and the fee is reasonable.

Parent review via Google

We've been very happy with the care and education our child receives at Community Kids. The team is professional, responsive and always willing to help. Highly recommend.

Parent review via CareForKids
Our take

Community Kids Sayers Road is the third-choice recommendation for Hoppers Crossing 3029. A Meeting NQS reconfirmed December 2025, a 4.7/5 on CareForKids, a 4.2/5 on Google, and consistently positive parent feedback reflect a well-run service. At $167.40 per day it is the highest fee of the three, but it includes the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions: afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, excursions/incursions, lunch, morning tea, nappies and other meals. For families seeking a large, established service from a nationally recognised operator, Community Kids is a compelling choice.

Best for: Families who want a large, established centre from a nationally recognised operator with consistent parent satisfaction ratings and the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed fee inclusions of any centre on this list.

About childcare in Hoppers Crossing

Hoppers Crossing is a large residential suburb in Melbourne's outer west, approximately 30 kilometres from the CBD within the City of Wyndham. One of the most established suburbs in the Wyndham growth corridor, Hoppers Crossing is home to a diverse, multicultural community with a mix of long-term residents and newer families drawn by relatively affordable housing. The area is well served by Hoppers Crossing station, major arterial roads, and local shopping precincts.

Parents in Hoppers Crossing have a wide choice, with more than 50 childcare services in postcode 3029. Key considerations for local families include NQS ratings, fee transparency, staff retention, and the availability of government-funded kindergarten integrated within long day care. Not-for-profit operators and centres with Exceeding NQS ratings are particularly sought after in an area with many options to compare.

All long day care centres in Hoppers Crossing 3029 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.

Hoppers Crossing childcare: what you need to know

Hoppers Crossing sits within the City of Wyndham, approximately 30 km west of Melbourne's CBD. The suburb has more than 50 childcare services in postcode 3029, with an average daily fee of approximately $142 before the Child Care Subsidy, in line with the Greater Melbourne average.

Two Exceeding NQS centres

Goodstart Deloraine Drive (Exceeding, September 2024) and Goodstart Heaths Road (Exceeding, August 2024) both hold the highest NQS rating achievable through standard assessment. Above Exceeding is the rarely awarded Excellent rating, held by fewer than 1% of services. Community Kids holds a Meeting NQS reconfirmed December 2025.

Fees

All three fees are Starting Blocks confirmed. Deloraine Drive charges $161.82, Heaths Road charges $167.04, and Community Kids charges $167.40. Community Kids has the most comprehensive inclusions (8 items). Both Goodstart centres confirm 5 inclusions (meals and nappies).

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.

Opening hours

Goodstart Heaths Road opens at 7:00am, 30 minutes earlier than Deloraine Drive and Community Kids, both of which open at 6:30am. All three close at 6:30pm.

Not-for-profit vs commercial

Goodstart is Australia's largest not-for-profit early learning provider and reinvests any surplus directly into programs and environments. G8 Education (Community Kids) is a commercial operator. Both are well-established, professionally managed services.

Other services in Hoppers Crossing worth knowing about

Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Barber Drive

Frequently asked questions

What is the best childcare centre in Hoppers Crossing VIC?
Based on NQS rating from Starting Blocks (ACECQA), Toddle recommendations and CareForKids reviews, Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Deloraine Drive at 8-14 Deloraine Drive is the top recommendation in postcode 3029. It holds the most recently awarded Exceeding NQS in the suburb (September 2024), is the top recommendation on Toddle and is rated "Highly recommended" on CareForKids.
How much does childcare cost in Hoppers Crossing?
The average long day care fee in Hoppers Crossing 3029 is approximately $142 per day before the Child Care Subsidy. Goodstart Deloraine Drive charges $161.82, Goodstart Heaths Road charges $167.04, and Community Kids charges $167.40. All fees are Starting Blocks confirmed. Community Kids has the most comprehensive inclusions (8 items including education programs and excursions/incursions).
What is the Exceeding NQS rating?
Exceeding NQS is the highest rating achievable through standard assessment. Above Exceeding is the rarely awarded Excellent rating, held by fewer than 1% of services. Exceeding is awarded to services that go beyond the national standard in one or more quality areas. All NQS ratings on this page are sourced exclusively from Starting Blocks (ACECQA). Goodstart Deloraine Drive and Goodstart Heaths Road both hold Exceeding NQS ratings. Community Kids holds a Meeting NQS rating reconfirmed December 2025.
Is there a government-funded kindergarten program in Hoppers Crossing 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.
What childcare centres in Hoppers Crossing have vacancies?
Availability changes frequently. Contact each centre directly: Goodstart Deloraine Drive on (03) 9749 6221, Goodstart Heaths Road on (03) 9742 6622, and Community Kids on (03) 8560 2800.
What is the postcode for Hoppers Crossing childcare?
All three top-rated childcare centres in Hoppers Crossing are located in postcode 3029, within the City of Wyndham in Melbourne's outer west.
Are all three centres CCS approved?
Yes. Goodstart Early Learning Deloraine Drive, Goodstart Early Learning Heaths Road and Community Kids Hoppers Crossing are all approved to receive the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy.
Which Hoppers Crossing childcare centre opens earliest?
Goodstart Early Learning Heaths Road at 350 Heaths Road opens at 7:00am, 30 minutes earlier than Deloraine Drive and Community Kids, both of which open at 6:30am.
What is the difference between Goodstart and Community Kids?
Goodstart is Australia's largest not-for-profit early learning provider. Community Kids is operated by G8 Education, one of Australia's largest commercial early learning operators (398 services nationally). Both are well-established, professionally managed services. Goodstart reinvests any surplus into programs and environments. G8 Education operates for shareholder return. Both deliver high-quality early education.

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026

About this guide

top3elc.com.au is an independent guide to the best childcare centres in every suburb across Victoria. We do not accept payment or sponsorship from any centre to appear in our rankings. All NQS ratings are sourced from ACECQA via the Starting Blocks government database. Fees are verified at time of publication — always confirm directly with the centre. Last updated: February 2026.

Jump to centre
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Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Deloraine Drive
2
Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Heaths Road
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Community Kids Hoppers Crossing Early Education Centre
All 3 centres at a glance
Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Deloraine Drive
$161.82/day · Contact centre · Exceeding NQS
Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Heaths Road
$167.04/day · Contact centre · Exceeding NQS
22 reviews
Community Kids Hoppers Crossing Early Education Centre
$167.40/day · 120 places · Meeting NQS
18 reviews
Nearby suburbs
Data sources
ACECQANQS ratings
Starting BlocksFees and vacancies
CareForKidsParent reviews
ToddleListings and features

Last updated: February 2026

Related guides
How to Choose Childcare in MelbourneNQS Ratings ExplainedChild Care Subsidy (CCS) GuideFree Kinder in VictoriaQuestions to Ask on a Centre TourChildcare Fees by Suburb
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