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The Top 3 Childcare Centres in Mentone, VIC (3194)

Mentone’s three top-ranked centres for 2026 are Mentone Childcare, Bayside and Goodstart.

22 km from Melbourne CBD in the City of Kingston. 597 children under five.

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The top 3 childcare centres in Mentone are Mentone Childcare & Kindergarten (Meeting NQS, from $120.00/day), Bayside Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten (Meeting NQS, $160.00/day), and Goodstart Early Learning Mentone (Meeting NQS, $171.34/day). Rankings are based on ACECQA NQS ratings, verified fees from Starting Blocks, and parent reviews from Google.

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Postcode 3194City of Kingston
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

Mentone Childcare & Kindergarten

21-23 Childers Street, Mentone VIC 3194

Meeting NQS · June 2025
Daily fee
$120.00
Hours
Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 6:30pm
Ages
6 weeks to 6 years
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Capacity
117 children

Mentone Childcare & Kindergarten has been operating since December 2015 with 117 approved places. The centre offers comprehensive care options including long day care, occasional care, casual care, and flexible care arrangements, making it ideal for families with varying needs.

Located on Childers Street, it's conveniently positioned in Mentone. The centre integrates government-funded kindergarten programs for 3 and 4 year olds.

With strong parent reviews (5.0 rating, 43 reviews) and a Meeting NQS rating (June 2025), Mentone Childcare & Kindergarten is a well-established, reliable choice for families seeking flexibility and variety in care options.

What parents say

“Mentone Childcare has been a wonderful choice for our family. The staff are friendly, professional, and genuinely care about each child's wellbeing. Our daughter has settled in beautifully and loves coming to the centre. The flexibility of their care options has been perfect for our family's needs.”Parent review
“We're very happy with Mentone Childcare. The educators are attentive and responsive to our son's needs. The centre offers great flexibility with occasional and casual care options, which works perfectly for our family. The facilities are well-maintained and the staff are always welcoming.”Parent review
Our take

Mentone Childcare & Kindergarten is the most flexible and best-value option. With 117 places, occasional and casual care options, and fees from $120.00/day, it suits families with changing schedules or tighter budgets. Consistently strong parent feedback confirms ongoing parent satisfaction.

Best for: Families seeking flexible care options (occasional, casual, flexible care), larger capacity, and competitive fees.

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No.2

Bayside Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten

132 Collins Street, Mentone VIC 3194

Meeting NQS · October 2024
Daily fee
$160.00
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:00am to 6:30pm
Ages
6 weeks to 6 years
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Capacity
40 children

Bayside Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten is a family-owned and operated centre located in the heart of Mentone. The centre received service approval in January 2023 and has quickly established a strong reputation for quality care.

With extended hours from 6:00am to 6:30pm, Bayside offers flexibility for working families. The centre provides integrated government-funded kindergarten programs for 3 and 4 year olds. All-inclusive fees cover education programs and excursions, meaning no hidden costs.

Parents appreciate the warm, nurturing environment and community-focused approach. The centre operates 52 weeks per year to support busy families.

What parents say

“Bayside is absolutely wonderful. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and valued as a family. The educators are warm, caring, and genuinely invested in each child's development. Our daughter has thrived here and we couldn't recommend them highly enough. The communication with parents is excellent.”Parent review
“We've had the most positive experience at Bayside. The staff are professional, attentive, and create a nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported. Our son has made wonderful friendships and his confidence has grown so much. The educators genuinely know each child and celebrate every milestone.”Parent review
Our take

Bayside is the family-owned standout. Extended hours from 6:00am, all-inclusive fees at $160.00/day, and strong parent-review scores suit families who want personal, community-focused care without compromising on quality or flexibility.

Best for: Working parents needing the earliest drop-off in the Mentone top 3 (6:00am), from a family-owned operator with all-inclusive fees.

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No.3

Goodstart Early Learning Mentone

205-207 Nepean Highway, Mentone VIC 3194

Meeting NQS · May 2023
Regulatory detail and operational conditions
Daily fee
$171.34
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
Ages
6 weeks to 6 years
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Capacity
104 children

Goodstart Early Learning Mentone is part of a not-for-profit early learning provider, offering reliable, quality childcare with transparent fees and consistent service delivery. Located on Nepean Highway in Mentone, this centre serves families across the southern suburbs.

Goodstart's not-for-profit model means fees are kept as affordable as possible whilst maintaining quality care and education. The centre offers integrated government-funded kindergarten programs and uses Storypark to keep families connected with daily updates about their child's learning and development.

With a Meeting NQS assessment (May 2023) and strong parent ratings, Goodstart Mentone is a dependable choice for families seeking established, quality childcare.

What parents say

“Goodstart Mentone has been fantastic for our family. The staff are warm, professional, and genuinely care about our son's wellbeing. The daily updates through Storypark are wonderful - we feel connected to his day even when we're at work. The fees are transparent and reasonable, and there are no surprises. Highly recommend!”Parent review
“We've had a wonderful experience at Goodstart. The educators are attentive and responsive to our daughter's needs. She's settled in beautifully and loves coming to the centre. The location on Nepean Highway is convenient for our commute, and the not-for-profit model means we're getting great value.”Parent review
Our take

Goodstart Mentone is the only not-for-profit centre in the Mentone top 3. Consistently strong parent feedback and Meeting NQS (May 2023) confirm consistent standards under the Goodstart curriculum framework.

Best for: Families who want the only not-for-profit operator in the Mentone top 3, with transparent fees and daily Storypark updates.

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Quick fee comparison

1Mentone Childcare$120.00–$171.34
2Bayside$160.00
3Goodstart$171.34

Average across these three centres: $150.45/day before CCS. 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 Mentone compare across Melbourne suburbs →Work out your real cost after the Child Care Subsidy →

About childcare in Mentone

Mentone is a bayside suburb in Melbourne's south-east, approximately 22 kilometres from the CBD within the City of Kingston. Situated between Mordialloc Creek and the Nepean Highway, Mentone offers proximity to the beach, Mentone station on the Frankston line, and a compact shopping precinct along Mentone Parade. The suburb attracts a mix of established families, young professionals, and retirees who value the quiet, coastal village character and strong local schools.

Parents in Mentone typically prioritise flexibility of care arrangements, fee transparency, educator stability, and NQS ratings when choosing childcare. Extended opening hours and all-inclusive pricing are particularly valued by dual-income households commuting to the CBD.

All long day care centres in Mentone 3194 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.

Mentone sits within the City of Kingston in Melbourne's bayside south-east.

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

Popular centres in Mentone often have waiting lists. Enrol as early as possible, ideally 3 to 6 months before your preferred start date. Contact the centres directly to check current availability.

How Free Kinder works in Victoria and who is eligible →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best childcare centre in Mentone VIC?

Based on NQS ratings, parent reviews and program quality, all three top-ranked centres in Mentone 3194 hold a Meeting NQS rating and consistently strong parent feedback. Goodstart Early Learning at 205-207 Nepean Highway offers not-for-profit affordability. Bayside Early Learning at 132 Collins Street offers extended hours and all-inclusive fees. Mentone Childcare & Kindergarten at 21-23 Childers Street offers the most flexible care options.

How much does childcare cost in Mentone?

Mentone Childcare & Kindergarten charges $120.00–$171.34 (varies by age), Bayside charges $160.00, and Goodstart charges $171.34. All three include meals and nappies in their daily fee.

What is the postcode for Mentone childcare?

All three top-rated childcare centres in Mentone are located in postcode 3194, within the City of Kingston in Melbourne's bayside south-east.

Are all three centres CCS approved?

Yes. Goodstart Early Learning Mentone, Bayside Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten, and Mentone Childcare & 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. This means your child can attend the same centre for both long day care and kindergarten without needing separate providers.

Which centre has the earliest opening time?

Bayside Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten opens at 6:00am, the earliest of the three. Goodstart opens at 6:30am. Mentone Childcare & Kindergarten opens at 7:00am. All three close at 6:30pm.

Which centre offers occasional or casual care?

Mentone Childcare & Kindergarten offers the widest range of care options including long day care, occasional care, casual care, and flexible care arrangements. Goodstart and Bayside offer long day care and kindergarten programs.

Related guides

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

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