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
Melton World of Learning
$173.45
Goodstart Melton High St
$156.08
Community Kids Melton
$172.85
All three centres are CCS approved. Fees current as of March 2026. Confirm directly with each centre.
About childcare in Melton
Melton is a growing suburb in Melbourne's west, located approximately 35 kilometres from the CBD within the City of Melton. The area is home to a broad mix of established families and newer arrivals drawn by relatively affordable housing and strong transport links via the Melton train line and Western Freeway. With a postcode of 3337, Melton has a significant population of young families with children under five, making access to quality early childhood education and care a top priority for the community.
There are eight long day care centres operating in the Melton 3337 postcode, and all hold a current Meeting NQS rating from ACECQA. This is a strong baseline for the suburb, meaning families can be confident that every centre meets the National Quality Standard. When choosing between centres, parents in Melton typically prioritise all-inclusive fee structures, proximity to home or work, educator consistency, and the recency of each centre's NQS assessment.
For this guide, all eight long day care centres in Melton 3337 were assessed against NQS ratings, verified fees from Starting Blocks, regulatory compliance history, and parent reviews from independent platforms. Three centres were selected as the top-ranked options for local families.
Melton childcare: what you need to know
Melton sits within the City of Melton, one of Melbourne's fastest-growing municipalities in the western growth corridor. The Melton 3337 postcode currently has eight long day care centres, all holding a Meeting NQS rating.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
All three centres on this list are CCS approved. Most Australian families are eligible for CCS, which is means-tested and calculated based on your combined family income, the number of hours of recognised activity you undertake, and the type of care your child attends. CCS can cover up to 90% of the daily fee, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Free Kinder
Victoria's government-funded kindergarten program provides up to 15 hours per week of free kinder for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. All three centres offer integrated Free Kinder within their long day care programs, meaning families do not need a separate sessional kindergarten enrolment. Contact each centre directly to confirm current funded hours and eligibility.
Fees
Daily fees across the top 3 range from $156.08 at Goodstart Melton High Street to $173.45 at Melton World of Learning. All three centres include meals in their daily fee. Fees are current as of March 2026; confirm directly with each centre before enrolling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best childcare centre in Melton VIC?
Based on NQS ratings, parent reviews, regulatory compliance and fee transparency, Melton World of Learning at 229 to 231 Station Road is the top-ranked long day care centre in Melton. It holds a Meeting NQS rating confirmed in July 2024 with a QA6 Exceeding result, a consecutive Meeting record since September 2019, and an all-inclusive daily fee of $173.45 covering eight inclusions. For families who prioritise affordability, Goodstart Early Learning Melton High Street offers the lowest fee in the top 3 at $156.08 per day.
How much does childcare cost in Melton?
Daily fees across the top 3 centres in Melton range from $156.08 at Goodstart Early Learning Melton High Street to $173.45 at Melton World of Learning. Community Kids Melton charges $172.85 per day. All three centres include meals in their daily fee and are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can cover up to 90% of fees depending on family income and activity levels.
What NQS ratings do Melton childcare centres have?
All eight long day care centres in Melton 3337 hold a Meeting NQS rating from ACECQA. Among the top 3, Melton World of Learning was rated Meeting in July 2024 with QA6 rated Exceeding, Goodstart Melton High Street was rated Meeting in July 2024, and Community Kids Melton was rated Meeting in June 2025. Community Kids holds the most recent NQS assessment in the top 3.
Are there childcare vacancies in Melton?
All three top-ranked centres currently show vacancies. However, availability changes frequently and varies by age group. Contact each centre directly to enquire about current openings for your child's age and preferred start date: Melton World of Learning on (03) 9746 7853, Goodstart Melton High Street on (03) 9746 6388, and Community Kids Melton on (03) 9747 6844.
How do I choose between the top 3 childcare centres in Melton?
It depends on what matters most to your family. Melton World of Learning offers the strongest NQS result with a QA6 Exceeding rating and eight comprehensive inclusions. Goodstart Melton High Street is the most affordable at $156.08 per day, with the most recent regulatory clearance and a not-for-profit operating model. Community Kids Melton has the most recent NQS assessment (June 2025) and a multicultural learning environment. We recommend touring all three before deciding.
Is there Free Kinder available in Melton?
Yes. All three top-ranked centres offer government-funded Free Kinder integrated into their long day care programs. Eligible 3 and 4-year-olds can access up to 15 hours per week of funded kindergarten without needing a separate sessional enrolment. Contact each centre to confirm current availability and eligibility.
Are all three centres CCS approved?
Yes. Melton World of Learning, Goodstart Early Learning Melton High Street and Community Kids Melton Early Education Centre are all approved to receive the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy. CCS can cover up to 90% of fees depending on family income and recognised activity hours.