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The Top 3 Childcare Centres in Rowville, VIC (3178)

Haven Early Learning (Meeting NQS), Jacobs ELC (Meeting NQS) and Greenwood Rowville (Meeting NQS) - independently ranked for 2026.

3178Postcode
City of KnoxLGA
4Reviewed
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.

Quick fee comparison
Haven Early Learning
$194.00
Jacobs ELC
$125.00
Greenwood Rowville
$190.85

Suburb average: $169.95/day before CCS. All three centres are CCS approved.

1
#1 in Rowville
CareForKids 5/5

Haven Early Learning Rowville

1 Taylors Lane, Rowville VIC 3178ACECQA: Meeting NQS — October 2025Previous Exceeding NQS November 2022. QA5 Relationships with children rated Exceeding.Regulatory visit July 2025 — Zero enforcement actions
Daily fee
$194.00
Ages
6 weeks to 6 years
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Vacancies
Contact centre

Haven Early Learning Rowville is located at 1 Taylors Lane and is operated by Evolve Early Education Pty Ltd, a provider running 39 services nationally. The centre holds a Meeting National Quality Standard rating issued in October 2025, a downgrade from its previous Exceeding NQS rating issued in November 2022. While the overall rating has moved to Meeting, the centre retains an Exceeding rating in Quality Area 5, Relationships with children, which is a significant quality signal for families who prioritise warm, responsive and respectful interactions between educators and children. This quality area is widely regarded as one of the most important indicators of day-to-day care quality.

The most recent regulatory visit was conducted in July 2025 with zero enforcement actions recorded and no current conditions on the service approval. Haven Early Learning operates Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 6:30pm and caters for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. The centre offers government-funded kindergarten programs and is CCS approved. The daily fee is $194.00 for children aged 0 to 35 months and $191.00 for children aged 36 months and over, making it the premium option in Rowville by fee. The fee includes a comprehensive package of 8 inclusions: breakfast, lunch, morning tea, afternoon tea, nappies, education programs, excursions and incursions, and other meals.

Haven Early Learning Rowville has earned a 5.0 out of 5 rating on CareForKids from 41 reviews, the highest review volume of any centre in Rowville and a perfect score that is difficult to maintain at that scale. Parent feedback consistently highlights the warmth and dedication of the educators, the quality of communication with families and the genuine care shown to each child. The centre is currently offering permanent positions only, so families seeking casual or part-time arrangements should confirm availability directly with the centre.

What parents say

We couldn't recommend Haven more highly. Our family has had over 7 years of experience here, and it has been nothing short of amazing.

Kerri-Lee Dawson via CareForKids

My son and daughter both go to Haven and absolutely adore the carers. The time and effort they put into each of our little ones is just next to none.

Mona Momtazi via CareForKids

Can not recommend Haven any higher! This centre has been incredible from our first orientation visit.

AJ Blank via CareForKids
Our take

Haven Early Learning Rowville ranks first in Rowville on the strength of its October 2025 NQS assessment, which confirmed an Exceeding rating in Quality Area 5, Relationships with children, even as the overall rating moved from Exceeding to Meeting. The centre's 5.0 CareForKids rating from 41 reviews is the strongest parent review signal in the suburb and reinforces the quality area result. The previous Exceeding NQS overall rating (November 2022) demonstrates that this centre has operated at the highest standard in recent history. The $194.00 daily fee reflects the premium positioning, but the comprehensive inclusions package and quality area performance justify the investment for families prioritising relationship quality.

Best for: Families who want a centre with the strongest relationship quality in Rowville, evidenced by an Exceeding rating in the Relationships with children quality area and a 5.0 CareForKids rating from 41 reviews.
2
#2 in Rowville
CareForKids 5/5

Jacobs Early Learning Centre

8 Jacob Drive, Rowville VIC 3178ACECQA: Meeting NQS — February 2023Upgraded from Working Towards NQS June 2018.Regulatory visit October 2025 — Zero enforcement actions
Daily fee
$125.00
Ages
6 weeks to 6 years
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Contact centre
Vacancies
Contact centre

Jacobs Early Learning Centre is located at 8 Jacob Drive and is operated by Jacobs Early Learning Centre Pty Ltd, an independent, single-site provider that has been operating since August 2012. The centre holds a Meeting National Quality Standard rating issued in February 2023, an upgrade from its previous Working Towards NQS rating issued in June 2018. This improvement trajectory is a meaningful quality signal, demonstrating that the centre has invested in educator quality, program delivery and operational standards to achieve a higher rating under the National Quality Framework.

The most recent regulatory visit was conducted in October 2025 with zero enforcement actions recorded and no current conditions on the service approval. Jacobs Early Learning Centre operates Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 6:00pm, closing at 6:00pm rather than the 6:30pm close that is more common in the suburb. The centre caters for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years and is CCS approved. At $125.00 per day, it is by far the most affordable long day care centre in Rowville, a remarkable $65.00 to $69.00 per day less than the other two ranked centres. The fee includes 6 inclusions: breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, education programs and other meals.

Jacobs Early Learning Centre has earned a 5.0 out of 5 rating on CareForKids from 22 reviews, matching Haven Early Learning's perfect score at a smaller review volume. Parent reviews consistently highlight the warmth and longevity of the staff, the intimate and personal feel of a small, independently operated centre and the genuine care shown to every child. For families who prefer a family-owned centre with stable, long-serving educators and the best value fee in the suburb, Jacobs Early Learning Centre is a compelling option. Vacancies are currently available.

What parents say

So happy with the care that has been provided for my son. My son started at 5 months old and being a small centre it is perfect for him, as he doesn't like to be with new people.

Alana Freeman via CareForKids

We love JELC! The staff are so warm (and have been around for years), caring, and professional. My child has learned so much since starting.

Steph via CareForKids

We absolutely love this childcare! We moved our daughter here after being at another centre, and the difference has been incredible.

Jamil Khan via CareForKids
Our take

Jacobs Early Learning Centre ranks second in Rowville on the strength of its February 2023 Meeting NQS rating, which represents a genuine upgrade from Working Towards NQS in June 2018, combined with the most affordable fee in the suburb at $125.00 per day. As an independent, single-site operator since 2012, the centre offers the kind of continuity and personal attention that larger group providers cannot replicate. The 5.0 CareForKids rating from 22 reviews confirms strong parent satisfaction. Families should note the 6:00pm closing time, which is 30 minutes earlier than most competitors.

Best for: Families who want a family-owned, independently operated centre at the most affordable fee in Rowville, with a 5.0 CareForKids rating and a genuine NQS improvement story.
3
#3 in Rowville

Greenwood Rowville

1028 Wellington Road, Rowville VIC 3178ACECQA: Meeting NQS — March 2024Previous Meeting NQS May 2019. Consecutive Meeting across two assessment cycles.Regulatory visit March 2026 — Zero enforcement actions. Most recent regulatory visit in Rowville top 3.
Daily fee
$190.85
Ages
6 weeks to 6 years
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Vacancies
Contact centre

Greenwood Rowville is located at 1028 Wellington Road and is operated by G8 Education Limited, one of Australia's largest early childhood education providers running 398 services nationally. The centre holds a Meeting National Quality Standard rating issued in March 2024, its second consecutive Meeting NQS rating, having previously been rated Meeting in May 2019. This consecutive Meeting record across two full assessment cycles demonstrates sustained compliance with the National Quality Framework over an extended period, providing families with confidence in the centre's ongoing operational standards.

The most recent regulatory visit was conducted in March 2026, the most recent of any centre in the Rowville top three, with zero enforcement actions recorded and no current conditions on the service approval. This recent regulatory clearance is a valuable assurance for families. Greenwood Rowville operates Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 6:30pm and caters for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. The centre offers government-funded kindergarten programs and is CCS approved. The daily fee is $190.85, which includes a comprehensive package of 8 inclusions covering meals, education programs and additional items.

Greenwood Rowville features newly renovated indoor learning environments and a diverse educator team that includes Mandarin and Cantonese speakers, reflecting the multicultural character of the broader Knox community. This multilingual capability is a genuine differentiator for families who value cultural diversity and language exposure in their child's early learning experience. The Wellington Road location provides convenient access for families commuting along one of the suburb's main arterial routes. Vacancies are currently available at the centre.

What parents say

Our daughter has been here for 4 years, she is 5 days a week and loves going to school everyday.

Daniel Rogers via CareForKids

Out of the numerous centres I have taken my daughter this is by far the most welcoming and friendly daycare around.

Courtney Jamonts via CareForKids
Our take

Greenwood Rowville ranks third in Rowville with consecutive Meeting NQS ratings across two assessment cycles (May 2019 and March 2024), the most recent regulatory visit in the top three (March 2026, zero enforcement actions), a comprehensive package of 8 inclusions at $190.85 per day and a diverse multilingual educator team. The backing of G8 Education Limited provides structural stability and investment capacity, while the newly renovated environments and Wellington Road location add practical appeal.

Best for: Families who want a well-resourced centre with the most recent regulatory clearance in Rowville, comprehensive inclusions, and a diverse multilingual educator team.

About childcare in Rowville

Rowville is a well-established family suburb in Melbourne's outer east, located approximately 30 kilometres south-east of the CBD within the City of Knox local government area. The suburb is bordered by Wellington Road to the north, Stud Road to the west and the Dandenong Creek corridor to the east. Rowville is well serviced by bus routes connecting to Dandenong, Knox City and Stud Park shopping centres, and the suburb offers easy access to EastLink for commuters heading north or south. Parks, reserves and the Rowville Community Centre make it a popular choice for families with young children.

The childcare market in Rowville postcode 3178 comprises four long day care centres, all of which currently hold Meeting National Quality Standard ratings. Daily fees among the top three range from $125.00 to $194.00 per day before the Child Care Subsidy, reflecting a wide spread between the most affordable independent operator and the larger group providers. All three ranked centres are CCS approved.

All centres in postcode 3178 were assessed for this guide using NQS ratings sourced exclusively from Starting Blocks (ACECQA), verified fee data, and parent reviews from CareForKids. The three centres selected represent the highest-quality long day care options available in Rowville for 2026.

Rowville childcare: what you need to know

Rowville is an established family suburb in Melbourne's outer east, sitting in the City of Knox local government area approximately 30 km south-east of the CBD. The suburb's childcare market includes four long day care centres in postcode 3178, all currently holding Meeting National Quality Standard ratings.

NQS ratings

All four long day care centres in Rowville postcode 3178 currently hold Meeting National Quality Standard ratings. Haven Early Learning Rowville is the most recently assessed (October 2025) and retains an Exceeding rating in Quality Area 5, Relationships with children. Jacobs Early Learning Centre upgraded from Working Towards to Meeting in February 2023. Greenwood Rowville has maintained consecutive Meeting ratings since May 2019.

Fees

Fees in Rowville range from $125.00 to $194.00 per day among the three ranked centres, one of the widest fee spreads in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Jacobs Early Learning Centre at $125.00 per day is significantly more affordable than the other two centres. All three ranked centres are CCS approved, meaning eligible families can access the Child Care Subsidy of up to 90% to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Vacancies

Jacobs Early Learning Centre and Greenwood Rowville both had vacancies confirmed at time of publication. Haven Early Learning Rowville is currently offering permanent positions only. Families should contact centres directly to confirm current availability by age group and day.

Regulatory visits

All three ranked centres have had recent regulatory visits with zero enforcement actions: Haven Early Learning (July 2025), Jacobs Early Learning Centre (October 2025) and Greenwood Rowville (March 2026). Greenwood Rowville's March 2026 visit is the most recent of any centre in the top three.

Other services in Rowville worth knowing about

Discovery Bay Child Care

Frequently asked questions

What is the best childcare centre in Rowville VIC 3178?
Based on NQS ratings sourced exclusively from Starting Blocks (ACECQA), Haven Early Learning Rowville at 1 Taylors Lane holds the most recently issued NQS rating in the suburb (Meeting NQS, October 2025) and retains an Exceeding rating in Quality Area 5, Relationships with children. Haven also has a 5.0 CareForKids rating from 41 reviews, the strongest parent review signal in Rowville.
How much does childcare cost in Rowville VIC?
Long day care fees in Rowville range from $125.00 to $194.00 per day. Jacobs Early Learning Centre is the most affordable at $125.00 per day. Greenwood Rowville charges $190.85 per day and Haven Early Learning Rowville charges $194.00 per day. All three ranked centres are CCS approved, meaning eligible families can access the Child Care Subsidy of up to 90% to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Are there any Exceeding NQS childcare centres in Rowville?
No centre in Rowville postcode 3178 currently holds an overall Exceeding NQS rating. However, Haven Early Learning Rowville holds an Exceeding rating in Quality Area 5, Relationships with children, as part of its October 2025 Meeting NQS assessment. Haven previously held an overall Exceeding NQS rating issued in November 2022.
What is the cheapest childcare in Rowville?
Jacobs Early Learning Centre at 8 Jacob Drive is the most affordable long day care centre in Rowville at $125.00 per day, significantly less than the other two ranked centres ($190.85 and $194.00). The centre holds a Meeting NQS rating (February 2023), a 5.0 CareForKids rating from 22 reviews and is CCS approved. Note that it closes at 6:00pm rather than 6:30pm.
What childcare centres in Rowville have vacancies?
Jacobs Early Learning Centre and Greenwood Rowville both had vacancies confirmed at time of publication (March 2026). Haven Early Learning Rowville is currently offering permanent positions only. Vacancy availability changes frequently, so families should always confirm directly with each centre.
What is the postcode for Rowville childcare?
The postcode for Rowville, Victoria is 3178. All three ranked long day care centres in this guide are located within postcode 3178 and are registered with ACECQA under the National Quality Framework.

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
1
Haven Early Learning Rowville
2
Jacobs Early Learning Centre
3
Greenwood Rowville
All 3 centres at a glance
Haven Early Learning Rowville
$194.00/day · Contact centre · Meeting NQS
Jacobs Early Learning Centre
$125.00/day · Contact centre · Meeting NQS
Greenwood Rowville
$190.85/day · Contact centre · Meeting NQS
Nearby suburbs
Data sources
ACECQANQS ratings
Starting BlocksFees and vacancies
CareForKidsParent reviews

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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