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
Greenwood Rowville
$190.85
Suburb average: $169.95/day before CCS. All three centres are CCS approved.
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.
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.