Wominjeka
Welcome to the Early Childhood Education Services at the University of Melbourne. We are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the land on which early childhood education is provided.
Our services
The University of Melbourne provides long day care and kindergarten programs for children of staff, students and alumni, as well as children from the wider community.
The programs are offered at the Early Learning Centre in Abbotsford, and at the Queensberry Children’s Centre and Swanston Street Children’s Centre in Parkville. Our services cater for approximately 350 children aged from three months to five years.
All programs that respond to contemporary research, theory and practice of early childhood education, and we support the University of Melbourne's research and scholarship agenda.
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Long day care
Long day care (most often just referred to as daycare or childcare) is for children aged three months to six years of age. It is provided by early childhood education professionals in age-based rooms, and usually operates for 10 hours per day to support parents who are working or studying.
The University offers long day care services for children up to three years of age at Queensberry Street Children's Centre and Swanston Street Children's Centre.
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Kindergarten programs
Kindergarten is a pre-school education program provided by Early Childhood Teachers. Children are eligible for this program from the age of three.
The University provides kindergarten programs integrated into long day care at all three of our centres.
About us
Explore the Boorai children's art gallery
Boorai, the word for 'baby' or 'child' in Wurundjeri language, is the name given to our children's art gallery. Boorai provides a permanent venue for the display and appreciation of children's art and stories.
Our centres
About the Early Learning Centre
The Early Learning Centre (ELC) is located in the Abbotsford Convent Precinct, close the Yarra River, historic Abbotsford Convent Buildings and Gardens and the Collingwood Children’s Farm.
It offers:
- Integrated three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten programs, delivered five days per week by highly qualified and experienced Early Childhood Teachers
- A responsive, inquiry-based curriculum that caters for the child’s holistic development through relationship building with teachers and peers, active experiential play and special projects
- Generalist age-appropriate curricula that focuses on learning in language and literacy and science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM)
- A focused, specialised arts-based programs delivered by 'Artist Teachers' with expertise in two and three-dimensional art and the performing arts
- A regular 'Stepping Out, Finding Out and Speaking Out' learning in nature program which supports children as active citizens through walking excursions into the local community
- An award-winning 'Education for Sustainable Development' program, including an 'Eco Hero' child-led action group
- A focus on embedding First Nations perspectives across all programs.
Age groups and rooms
The Early Learning Centre is registered for 90 places. There are five playrooms where children are grouped by age, with multi-age groups as required.
| Room | Age | Places |
|---|---|---|
| Eucalypt Room | 3-years | 14 places |
| Waratah Room | 3-years | 16 places |
| Banksia Room | 4–5 years | 20 places |
| Blue Gum Room | 4–5 years | 20 places |
| Wattle Room | 4–5 years | 20 places |
Hours, programs and enrolment requirements
The ELC operates from 7:30am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, 48 weeks per year. It is closed public holidays and University of Melbourne holidays.
The ELC offers integrated kindergarten and long day care programs for three and four-year-olds. A minimum attendance of three days is required for all enrolments, and all part-time bookings must include either a Monday or Friday.
Attendance is limited to one University of Melbourne Early Childhood Service per child. Priority is given to children who will be enrolled into a funded place at the Early Learning Centre. Children must not be enrolled in another funded kindergarten program at any other early childhood service.
Age requirement
- Three-year old program: Children are required to turn three years of age by 30 April in the year of entry
- Four-year old program: Children are required to turn four years of age by 30 April in the year of entry.
Virtual tour
Photo gallery
Fees and subsidies
Fees
| Family | Full fee (per child) |
|---|---|
| Daily attendance (staff and community) | $152 |
| Daily attendance (student) | $137 |
Subsidies
The Early Learning Centre is a registered service provider with the Australian Government. For eligible families, a Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is paid directly to the service as a weekly fee reduction. Full fees are charged to families until CCS entitlements are confirmed.
A student rebate scheme to assist low-income local and international student families with their long day care cost is available. The amount of rebate available for each student is based on the families Child Care Subsidy (CCS) percentage (or income assessment), and the fees they pay at the service their child attends. Eligible families whose children attend Queensberry Children’s Centre, Swanston Street Children’s Centre and the Early Learning Centre receive the rebate directly through their childcare account. To find out more, please contact us.
How to apply
Applications for 2025 are now open.
To apply, please complete an application form (PDF 196.3 KB) and return it to:
The University of Melbourne Early Learning Centre
40 Clarke Street, Abbotsford 3067
education-elc@unimelb.edu.au
Applications are accepted throughout the year with places allocated dependent on availability. Children are required to meet age eligibility to be considered for enrolment.
Applications for 2026 enrolment will open 1 April 2025. Applications must be submitted by 27 June 2025 to be considered in initial round allocations for commencement of enrolment in January 2026. Applications received from July onwards will be considered for future allocations and/or vacancies.
Centre tours
The Early Learning Centre will be conducting tours for all prospective families. You are welcome to meet with our Centre Director and some of our educators whilst you learn about the ELC’s approach to early learning and take a walk through our indoor and outdoor experiences.
To find out more about early childhood education at the ELC and to arrange a tour, please contact the Centre on 03 8344 1444 (select option two).
Contact us
For all applications, accounts and enrolment enquiries, contact the Administration Office:
- Phone: 03 8344 9621
- Email: education-elc@unimelb.edu.au.
To contact the Centre directly, phone 03 8344 1444 (select option two).
Applications for 2025 are now open! Read how to apply below.
About the Queensberry Children’s Centre
Built in 1880, the former Queensberry Street Primary School (now registered with the Historic Buildings Council) has been renovated extensively to house the Queensberry Children’s Centre.
It offers:
- Integrated three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten programs, delivered five days per week by experienced and qualified Early Childhood Teachers
- A responsive curriculum that caters to individual and groups needs with strong emphasis on embedding First Nations perspectives and sustainability across all aspects of the program
- A play-based learning and teaching approach that is enhanced through the development of warm, reciprocal, and respectful relationships between children, educators, and families
- Generalist age-appropriate curricula that focuses on learning in language and literacy and science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM)
- A large outdoor play area providing natural spaces where children can connect with the natural world
- A specialist weekly music program delivered by a qualified teacher
- Food services and cloth nappies.
Age groups and rooms
The Queensberry Children's Centre is registered for 96 places. There are six playrooms where children are grouped by age:
| Room | Age | Places |
|---|---|---|
| Murrum Room | 3–12 months | 8 places |
| Warin Room | 10–19 months | 12 places |
| Walert Room | 18–29 months | 16 places |
| Murrack Room | 2–3 years | 16 places |
| Wadjil Room | 3–4 years | 22 places |
| Alice Paton Kindergarten Room | 4–5 years | 22 places |
Hours, programs and enrolment requirements
The Queensberry Children's Centre operates from 7:45 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, 50 weeks per year. It is closed on some public holidays and University of Melbourne holidays.
Queensberry Children's Centre offers full day early education programs for children aged three months to five years, including:
- Long day care programs for children under three years old
- Integrated kindergarten and long day care programs for three and four-year-olds.
Attendance is limited to one University of Melbourne Early Childhood Service per child. A minimum booking of two days per week is required for all enrolments. Part-time enrolments are required to include either a Monday or Friday booking.
For enrolment into integrated kindergarten and long day care programs, priority is given to children who will be attending a funded program at Queensberry Children's Centre. Children attending funded program at Queensberry Children's Centre must not be enrolled into a funded kindergarten program at any other early childhood service.
Age requirements
- Three-year old program: Children are required to turn three years of age by 30 April in the year of entry
- Four-year old program: Children are required to turn four years of age by 30 April in the year of entry.
Fees and subsidies
Fees
| Family | Full fee (per child) |
|---|---|
| Daily attendance (staff and community) | $156 |
| Daily attendance (student) | $137 |
Subsidies
Queensberry Children's Centre is a registered service provider with the Australian Government. For eligible families, a Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is paid directly to the service as a weekly fee reduction. Full fees are charged to families until CCS entitlements are confirmed.
A student rebate scheme to assist low-income local and international student families with their long day care cost is available. The amount of rebate available for each student is based on the families Child Care Subsidy (CCS) percentage (or income assessment), and the fees they pay at the service their child attends. Eligible families whose children attend Queensberry Children’s Centre, Swanston Street Children’s Centre and the Early Learning Centre receive the rebate directly through their childcare account. To find out more, please contact us.
How to apply
Applications for 2025 are now open. To apply, please complete an application form (PDF 427.6 KB) and return it to:
Early Childhood Education Services Administration
228 Queensberry Street, Carlton 3053
childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
Applications are accepted throughout the year with places allocated dependent on availability. Applications for enrolment commencing January must be submitted by August the previous year to be considered in the initial round of allocations.
For more information, please see: Information for applicants: 2025 (PDF 213.6 KB)
Virtual tour
Photo gallery
Centre tours
The Queensberry Children’s Centre will be conducting tours for interested families. You are welcome to meet with our Centre Director and some of our educators whilst you learn about the centre’s approach to early learning and take a walk through our indoor and outdoor experiences.
To find out more about early childhood education at the Queensberry Children’s Centre and to arrange a tour, please contact the Administration Team on 03 8344 9621.
Contact us
For all applications, accounts and enrolment enquiries, contact the Administration Office:
- Phone: 03 8344 9621
- Email: childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au.
To contact the Centre directly, phone 03 8344 9470.
Applications for 2025 are now open! Read how to apply below.
About the Swanston Street Children's Centre
The Swanston Street Children's Centre is housed in an historic building directly opposite the University of Melbourne’s main Parkville campus.
It offers:
- Integrated three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten programs, delivered five days per week by qualified Early Childhood Teachers
- A responsive curriculum that caters for children’s individual needs, dispositions, personalities and learning styles
- Purposefully developed play-based programs that respectfully acknowledge the importance of secure attachment and stages of development
- Inquiry-based curriculum that encourages sensory exploration, experiential learning and communication through visual and expressive arts
- Generalist age-appropriate curricula that focuses on learning in language and literacy and science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM)
- A regular 'Stepping Out, Finding Out and Speaking Out' learning in nature program which supports children as active citizens through walking excursions into the local community
- A weekly Indigenous studies program across all rooms
- A specialist weekly music program delivered by qualified teacher
- Food services and cloth nappies.
Age groups and rooms
The Swanston Street Children's Centre is registered for 41 places, with children grouped by age.
| Room | Age | Places |
|---|---|---|
| Kurrajong Room | 3–12 months | 8 places |
| Acacia Room | 1–2 years | 8 places |
| Tea Tree Room | 2–3 years | 12 places |
| Casuarina Room | 3–5 years | 13 places |
Hours, programs and enrolment requirements
The Swanston Street Children's Centre operates from 7:45am - 6:00pm, Monday to Friday, 50 weeks per year. It is closed some public holidays and University of Melbourne holidays.
Swanston Street Children's Centre offers full day early education programs for children aged three months to five years, including:
- Long day care programs for children under three years old
- Integrated kindergarten and long day care programs for three and four-year-olds.
Attendance is limited to one University of Melbourne Early Childhood Service per child.
For enrolment into integrated kindergarten and long day care programs, priority is given to children who will be attending a funded program at Swanston Street Children's Centre. Children attending a funded program at Swanston Street Children's Centre must not be enrolled into a funded kindergarten program at any other early childhood service.
Age requirement
- Three-year old program: Children are required to turn three years of age by 30 April in the year of entry
- Four-year old program: Children are required to turn four years of age by 30 April in the year of entry.
Virtual tour
Photo gallery
Fees and subsidies
Fees
| Family | Full fee (per child) |
|---|---|
| Daily attendance (staff and community) | $156 |
| Daily attendance (student) | $137 |
Subsidies
Swanston Street Children's Centre is a registered service provider with the Australian Government. For eligible families, a Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is paid directly to the service as a weekly fee reduction. Full fees are charged to families until CCS entitlements are confirmed.
A student rebate scheme to assist low-income local and international student families with their long day care cost is available. The amount of rebate available for each student is based on the families Child Care Subsidy (CCS) percentage (or income assessment), and the fees they pay at the service their child attends. Eligible families whose children attend Queensberry Children’s Centre, Swanston Street Children’s Centre and the Early Learning Centre receive the rebate directly through their childcare account. To find out more, please contact us.
How to apply
Applications for 2025 are now open. To apply, please complete an application form (PDF 427.6 KB) and return it to:
Early Childhood Education Services Administration
228 Queensberry Street, Carlton 3053
childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
Applications are accepted throughout the year with places allocated dependent on availability. Applications for enrolment commencing January must be submitted by August the previous year to be considered in the initial round of allocations.
For more information, please see: Information for applicants: 2025 (PDF 213.6 KB)
Centre tours
The Swanston Street Children’s Centre will be conducting tours for interested families. You are welcome to meet with our Centre Director and some of our educators whilst you learn about the centre’s approach to early learning and take a walk through our indoor and outdoor experiences.
To find out more about early childhood education at the Swanston Street Children’s Centre and to arrange a tour, please contact the Administration Team on 03 8344 9621.
Contact us
For all applications, accounts and enrolment enquiries, contact the Administration Office:
- Phone: 03 8344 9621
- Email: childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au.
To contact the Centre directly, phone 03 9035 4300.
Early Learning Centre (ELC)
For all applications, accounts and enrolment enquiries, contact the Administration Office:
- Phone: 03 8344 9621
- Email: education-elc@unimelb.edu.au
To contact the Centre directly, phone 03 8344 1444 (select option two).
Queensberry Children's Centre
For all applications, accounts and enrolment enquiries, contact the Administration Office:
- Phone: 03 8344 9621
- Email: childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
To contact the Centre directly, phone 03 8344 9470.
Swanston Street Children's Centre
For all applications, accounts and enrolment enquiries, contact the Administration Office:
- Phone: 03 8344 9621
- Email: childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
To contact the Centre directly, phone 03 9035 4300.