Choosing child care is a big decision. This page provides quick, clear answers about daily routines, the learning programme, safety, fees, and how to organise a tour. Ferntree Gully Children’s Centre offers extended day care and funded kindergarten in a warm, community-minded setting for local families.
Ferntree Gully Children’s Centre is family-owned and operated, with a long-standing connection to local families and a strong focus on educator relationships and smaller group experiences.
Key points families often value include:
The centre has been operating since 2009, supporting local families for 16 years as of 2025.
Many families come from Ferntree Gully and nearby areas such as Boronia, Knoxfield, Scoresby, Bayswater, Upwey, Tecoma and The Basin.
Learning is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and delivered through play-based experiences across rooms. The focus is on children’s wellbeing, belonging, communication and confidence—skills that support a smooth transition into school.
School readiness is supported through age-appropriate routines and learning experiences that build:
Families often appreciate that the kinder years feel structured and familiar, helping children feel ready for the next step.
Yes—Ferntree Gully Children’s Centre offers Funded Kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-old children in a long-day care environment. This supports working families who prefer a single, consistent setting throughout the day. If you’d like details on your child’s eligibility and the current program structure, a tour is a helpful next step.
Ferntree Gully Children’s Centre is known for all-inclusive care, with key daily essentials provided to simplify drop-offs and busy mornings. This includes meals and day-to-day care items such as nappies and wipes. If your child has specific dietary needs or allergies, or if you prefer to provide certain items, discuss this during your tour so that routines are clear from day one.
Many families bring a small bag with personal comfort items and weather-appropriate spares. A typical daily list may include:
The centre team may provide a tailored “what to bring” checklist during enrolment to match your child’s room and age.
Many families may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) depending on their circumstances. If you’re unsure where to start, ask the team during your tour, and they can point you to the information you need and what details may be required during enrolment.
The centre has a strong child-safe culture and follows Victorian child safety expectations, including the Victorian Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme. Families frequently raise questions about safety, ratios and supervision, and these are treated as core priorities.
Safety, room size and staff-to-child ratios are recognised as key concerns for families—especially when parents have seen worrying media reports about incidents at child care services. The centre places strong emphasis on supervision, a safe layout, and a caring environment designed for connection, with a focus on smaller class sizes.
Families often describe the centre as clean, bright, engaging and welcoming, with outdoor play areas that keep children active and curious. The approach prioritises meaningful educator-child interaction and day-to-day engagement.
The centre operates 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, 52 weeks a year (excluding weekends). If your family needs a particular drop-off/pick-up routine, raise it during your tour so expectations are clear.
Ferntree Gully Children’s Centre provides care for children from around 6 months up to 6 years, with a long-day care model and a funded kindergarten program for eligible ages.
The centre supports children across key stages, commonly including:
During a tour, families may see how rooms are set up, how routines run, and how educators support transitions.
Availability changes throughout the year. The fastest way to check current vacancies is to:
Yes. Families are encouraged to visit and look around before enrolling so they feel confident about the environment, routines, and the right room for their child. The team has also seen that rushed “next day” starts may lead to a less settled experience, so a considered tour and onboarding is encouraged where possible.
To book a tour:
Tours are the best time to discuss your child’s age, the number of days needed, funded kinder questions, and any health/allergy considerations.
A two-week notice period is available for families who are unhappy with the service, helping parents feel more confident about taking the next step.
If you couldn’t find what you were looking for, the team is happy to help.
