Child care in melbourne CBD

[Stephs]

Hi I am wondering if anyone knows of a good child care centre in Melbourne's CBD i am returning to work next month and would like to have my son close by me.

Thanks

[Pandora]

Not sure about 'good' as I have no experience with them, but there are c/c centres in the CBD.

There is one in the world trade centre complex that is relatively new, there used to be one on collins st called Kids on Collins, but Im not sure if that one is still running.
And there also was an ABC in the QV building on lonsdale and swanston st but I dont know whether that was impacted byt the recent roubles that ABC had or not.

[Nai]

Kids on Collins is pretty good and also Sunkids - both are up the Spencer St end of Collins St. Sunkids also has one in Flinders St I think. QV has a couple if that end of town is closer. There is also one at the Convention Centre.

[Stephs]

Thanks Guys, I had heard that the one in the World Trade Centre/ Convention Centre (I think its the same ??) was very good, does anyone know what it is called?? I am quite keen to avoid ABC given the recent troubles.

[Pandora]

I can find out for you, both my parents work in the building. I will also see if they know anyone with kids who go there.

[Stephs]

That would be brilliant. Thank you

[luna moth]

I used to work in the Melbourne childcare scene and know pretty much every centre - have been to most and worked in about half as relief staff. Which part of the CBD are you looking for - where do you work, and where do you live? There are a couple that are fairly well tucked away and you might not know of them. Also, how soon do you need it? The best places won't have spots for over a year, so that's something to consider too.

[Pandora]

The one at the world trade centre is a "Future Kids" centre.
If you google that you will get to their website that has information.
Mum said she doesnt know anyone who's kids go there now, its reasonable new though and one of the women at her work is looking to enrol her child there 1-2 days a week.

Have a look on the NCAC website, they will have some info on the things to look for in good childcare centres, there is a list of questions to ask the director if you go there to look around. I printed it out and gave it to ours when I went, and even the reactions that they had to that one thing was part of the deciding factor for where I sent DS.

[luna moth]

Have a look on the NCAC website, they will have some info on the things to look for in good childcare centres, there is a list of questions to ask the director if you go there to look around. I printed it out and gave it to ours when I went, and even the reactions that they had to that one thing was part of the deciding factor for where I sent DS.

That's really good advice. Note too that I would generally steer clear of anywhere that has changed its registration in the last 5 years - a note comes up beside its accreditation history. Those places tend to be not so great.

[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.

[heart]

Hi Stephs

I am facing the same issue and am about to send my son to child care. Just wondering whether you have decided which child care to go to and why. Thanks.

Heart

[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.