Child care in melbourne CBD

[chrysalis]

Hey Stephs
Just seen your msg.
We have our son in one in Melb CBD and have looked at all which have been referred to here.
Feel free to PM me should you still need info. Cheerio Belinda.

[Bathsheba]

I've used 2 centres in Melbourne's CBD. One just for occassional care (the Melbourne City Council Centre in A'Beckett St.) and the ABC Centre in at Melbourne Central (only for 4 sessions).

Having worked in childcare I am very fussy. I know how easy it can be to make everything seem ok, when it's not. My number one factor to consider when choosing a centre is how the staff speak and interact with the children. Certainly the safety of the centre has to be considered but quality of staff could even over-ride that if they are excellent.

I found both these centres to be quite different... and both receive a "pass"... but both could be better. I won't be too critical of either centre as I only used them very briefly. I don't work outside the home and only needed 1 day a week as a break.

I have made an appointment to see Kids On Collins later this month. I've heard very good reports so am hopeful... although it could be problematic because they don't do single days per week.

Thanks ray for mentioning those others... will check them out too.

[Bathsheba]

Update: will be visiting Kids On Collins for a tour tomorrow... will let you know what I think... it's more expensive than ABC... $197 for 2 days... eek!

[fionas]

I've also noticed a couple on the edge of the CBD when driving past. There's one at the top end of Rathdowne Street and another that seems to be part of St Vincents Hospital on Victoria Parade so if you're looking for somewhere closeish to the Spring Street end of the CBD, they might be worth checking out too.