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 and CareForKids, 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
Guardian Preston West
$198.05
All inclusive
Nara Community
$100.00
Not-for-profit
Guardian Preston
$193.18
All inclusive
Suburb average approx. $139/day — below the Greater Melbourne average of $151. All three centres are CCS approved and hold Exceeding NQS ratings. Fees current as of March 2026 — confirm directly with each centre.
Preston childcare — what you need to know
Preston’s long day care sector is one of Melbourne’s north’s strongest, with 15 standalone centres and three Exceeding NQS-rated services. The average daily fee is approximately $139 — below the Greater Melbourne average of $151 — making it one of the more affordable inner-north postcodes for childcare. Parent satisfaction across the suburb averages 8.4/10 on KindiCare, with 631 total reviews.
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.
Free Kinder
Victoria’s government-funded kindergarten program provides up to $2,101 per year for eligible 3 and 4-year-old children. All three centres offer integrated Free Kinder within their long day care programs. Contact each centre directly to confirm current funded hours and eligibility.
NQS rating distribution
Preston has 3 centres rated Exceeding NQS and 12 centres rated Meeting NQS. No centres currently hold an Excellent rating. The three Exceeding centres are all included in this guide.
Waitlists
Nara Community Early Learning Centre currently has no vacancies — contact the centre on 03 9471 9914 to join the waitlist. Guardian Preston West has casual and permanent vacancies available. Contact Guardian Preston on 03 9471 1115 to confirm availability.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of long day care in Preston?
The average daily fee across Preston’s long day care sector is approximately $139, with individual centres in the top 3 ranging from $100.00 (Nara Community) to $198.05 (Guardian Preston West). All three top-ranked centres are CCS approved. The Victorian Government Free Kinder program provides up to $2,101 per year for eligible 3 and 4-year-old children at approved long day care centres. Contact each centre directly to confirm current fees and inclusions.
How many Exceeding NQS centres are there in Preston?
Preston 3072 has three long day care centres holding Exceeding NQS ratings — more than most Melbourne suburbs. Guardian Childcare & Education Preston West holds the most recent Exceeding assessment (December 2024). Nara Community Early Learning Centre has held Exceeding NQS across two consecutive assessments (April 2017 and June 2023). Guardian Childcare & Education Preston holds an Exceeding rating issued September 2022. All ratings are confirmed on Starting Blocks (ACECQA).
What is the cheapest Exceeding NQS childcare centre in Preston?
Nara Community Early Learning Centre at 77-91 St Georges Road charges $100.00 per day and holds an Exceeding NQS rating (June 2023). This is the lowest fee among all Exceeding NQS centres in Preston and includes afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, excursions and incursions, lunch and morning tea — confirmed on Starting Blocks. No current vacancies — contact the centre on 03 9471 9914 to join the waitlist.
What is the Guardian To BE Me program?
To BE Me is Guardian Childcare & Education’s proprietary curriculum, focused on emotional intelligence, social development and school readiness. The Flying Start to School program for 3 and 4-year-old children is delivered by University-qualified Early Childhood Teachers across 7 areas of learning. Both Guardian centres in Preston (Preston West at 391 Murray Road and Preston at 418 Murray Road) offer the To BE Me curriculum.
What does an Exceeding NQS rating mean?
An Exceeding NQS rating indicates the centre exceeds the National Quality Standard across all 7 quality areas. This is the second-highest possible rating under the National Quality Framework (below Excellent). All three top-ranked centres in Preston hold Exceeding NQS ratings, confirmed by Starting Blocks (ACECQA).
Are there childcare subsidies available in Preston?
Yes, eligible families may receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) from the Australian Government. The subsidy amount depends on family income, hours of care needed, and the centre’s approved provider status. All three top-ranked centres are CCS approved. The Victorian Government also provides Free Kinder funding — up to $2,101 per year for eligible 3 and 4-year-old children at approved long day care centres. Contact Services Australia at servicesaustralia.gov.au or individual centres for eligibility information.
Does Preston have any not-for-profit childcare centres?
Yes. Nara Community Early Learning Centre at 77-91 St Georges Road is a not-for-profit community centre established in 1989, governed by a committee of management drawn from the parent community. It charges $100.00/day with full inclusions and holds Exceeding NQS (June 2023). Goodstart Early Learning Preston — Dalgety Street is also a not-for-profit provider. Contact Nara on 03 9471 9914 or visit naracommunity.com for more information.
How do I choose between Guardian Preston West, Nara Community and Guardian Preston?
Choose Guardian Preston West if you want the most recently assessed Exceeding NQS centre in Preston (December 2024), the largest capacity (141 places), University-qualified teachers, full inclusions including excursions and nappies, and current vacancies — phone 03 9069 0545. Choose Nara Community if you want the lowest fee ($100.00/day with full inclusions including excursions), consecutive Exceeding assessments, not-for-profit community governance, and 35+ years of Preston history — no current vacancies, phone 03 9471 9914. Choose Guardian Preston for an Exceeding NQS centre on the eastern end of Murray Road, the To BE Me curriculum, and a Family Choice Award 2026 winner — phone 03 9471 1115. Visit all three in person.