Childcare and kindergarten in Geelong, VIC
Headstart Geelong offers long day care and a kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, conveniently located for families in Lara, North Geelong, Highton, Geelong West, Newtown, Armstrong Creek, Geelong, South Geelong, East Geelong, Mount Duneed and Belmont.
Outdoor play and garden learning
Children can explore outdoor environments with a bike track, climbing fort with slide, and gardens filled with fruit trees, vegetables and herbs. These spaces give children room to ride, climb, garden, move their bodies and spend time learning outdoors.
Indoor spaces with dedicated art room
Indoors, children learn in purpose-built spaces with planned experiences and natural resources. Our dedicated art room is available to all children, giving them space to experiment with materials, express ideas and enjoy creative experiences.
Experienced team with personalised learning plans
Our caring educators come from diverse cultural backgrounds, bringing different experiences and perspectives to the centre. Each child has an Individual Learning Plan developed in partnership with families. These plans help educators understand each child’s interests, routines and goals.
Government-approved Kindergarten program
Our Government-approved Kindergarten program is delivered by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher and includes language lessons to help children prepare for school. Children build confidence through routines, friendships, play-based learning and growing independence.
Sports program and excursions
Children regularly visit the local library and welcome community members into the centre. In-house art and sports programs add creativity, movement and group participation to children’s learning throughout the week.
Healthy meals and family app updates
Children enjoy fresh, healthy meals prepared daily by our in-house chef, with menus planned for variety and balance. Allergies and individual dietary requirements are catered for. Families can also follow their child’s day through our family app, with updates and photos from the centre.
Secure your place today
Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.
Meet our Centre Manager
Age-appropriate early learning
0-2 years
Nursery
In our nursery environment, educators focus on building strong, secure and respectful relationships so babies feel safe, settled and supported as they explore the world around them.
Children in our nursery room are supported through:
- Responsive care and nurturing relationships that support emotional security and attachment
- Sensory exploration through textures, sounds, music and movement
- Early communication through songs, stories, gestures and conversations
- Tummy time and movement experiences that support physical development
- Calm, predictable routines that help babies feel safe and confident
- Age-appropriate play materials that encourage curiosity and discovery
Educators work closely with families to support each baby’s routines, comfort and developmental needs.
2-3 years
Toddlers
Our toddler program encourages curiosity, independence and early social skills as children explore the world with growing confidence.
Children in our toddler room are supported through:
- Play-based learning that encourages curiosity and problem-solving
- Storytelling, songs and conversations that support language development
- Creative exploration through art, music, dramatic play and movement
- Self-help skills and routines that build independence
- Social learning that supports sharing, cooperation and empathy
- Outdoor exploration that builds coordination, strength and confidence
Educators support toddlers to express their ideas, make choices and develop confidence in their abilities.
3-5 years
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten program prepares children for school through engaging, play-based learning experiences that build confidence, independence and a love of learning.
Children in our Kindergarten program are supported through:
- School readiness learning that builds early literacy and numeracy skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking through play-based projects and exploration
- Collaboration and teamwork through group learning experiences
- Creative expression through art, music, storytelling and dramatic play
- Outdoor learning that supports confidence, resilience and wellbeing
- Independence, responsibility and decision-making skills
Our Kindergarten program helps children develop the skills they need for a successful transition to school.
We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating
Thanks to the in-house chef at our Geelong child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. We cater to all dietary requirements.
Inclusive support for every child
Each child at our centre has an Individual Learning Plan developed in partnership with families, outlining goals that reflect their interests, strengths, and cultural background. These plans are introduced during our Meet and Greet night and updated monthly, with ongoing parent input gathered through regular conversations, review nights, and communication via various channels.
For children with additional needs or those learning English as an additional language, we offer inclusive and tailored support. Our multicultural team helps bridge language gaps by learning key words from families and supporting children in their home language. When needed, we access Inclusion Support to provide extra educators, ensuring every child feels supported and can thrive.
Fees
The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.
Nursery
0 – 2 years
$188.30/day
Toddler
2 – 4 years
$188.30/day
Kindergarten
4 – 5 years
$188.30/day
Child Care Subsidy Estimator
Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.
2026 3-Day Guarantee
From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.
Total Fees
$0.00
Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy
$0.00
Kindergarten/Preschool Subsidy
$0.00
Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)
$0.00
Matrix Out of Pocket Cost
Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).
| Child 1 | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days |
|---|
*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00
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Frequently asked questions
A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.
On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.
Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.
First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.
To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.
Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.
Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.
When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.
For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits, spare socks and a plastic bag for wet clothes.
For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits, spare socks and a plastic bag for wet clothes.
Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.
It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.
Headstart uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.
After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.
If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Headstart is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.
Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.
Contact us
We look forward to welcoming your family.