Childcare and kindergarten in Clarinda, VIC
Kindy Patch Clarinda offers long day care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, conveniently located for families in Clarinda, Clayton, Clayton South, Oakleigh South, Bentleigh East and Huntingdale in Melbourne. We are proud to hold an Exceeding rating in all seven quality areas, placing us among Australia’s top 8% of early learning services. We are also proud to be a National Finalist in the 2024 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards for Outstanding Service.
Outdoor spaces for every age group
Each age group has its own outdoor space, giving children room to explore, move and take part in age-appropriate supervised risky play. The kindergarten outdoor area includes a mud play space, large sandpit, wooden climbing and sliding equipment, and an art gallery.
Calm, home-like indoor rooms
Families often comment on the centre’s calm, relaxing and home-like atmosphere. Classrooms include Indigenous learning spaces, natural resources and cosy areas for rest. The kindergarten room includes interactive whiteboards, numeracy and literacy areas, and STEM programs.
Long-standing educator team
Our long-standing educators and teachers create engaging, safe and nurturing environments for children. Their consistency helps children build trusted relationships with familiar adults who understand their routines, personalities and interests.
Government-approved Kindergarten program
Our Government-approved Kindergarten program is led by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Children build early literacy, numeracy, self-help skills and confidence through play-based learning.
Individual Learning Plans for each child
Individual Learning Plans are developed in partnership with families, reflecting each child’s strengths, interests and goals. Educators use these plans to guide play, routines and learning in ways that suit each child’s needs and next steps.
Community guests and cultural learning
Children regularly welcome community guests, including emergency services, dental visitors and Aboriginal art and didgeridoo sessions. These experiences help children learn about health, safety, culture and the people who support their community.
Language, music, art and excursions
Children take part in Mandarin lessons, art and music experiences, along with weekly excursions to the park, Clayton Library and Clayton Primary School. These regular outings help children connect with local places and build confidence beyond the centre.
Fresh meals and daily updates
Children are offered fresh meals and snacks throughout the day, with menus planned for variety and balance. Families can also follow their child’s day through our family app, with photos and updates about routines, learning moments and centre experiences.
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.
Educators work closely with families to support each baby’s routines, comfort and developmental needs.
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
2-3 years
Toddlers
Our toddler program encourages curiosity, independence and early social skills as children explore the world with growing confidence.
Educators support toddlers to express their ideas, make choices and develop confidence in their abilities.
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
3-5 years
Kindergarten
Led by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers, our Government-approved 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
We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating
Thanks to the in-house chef at our Clarinda 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, including halal.
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
$191.90/day
Toddler
2 – 4 years
$191.90/day
Kindergarten
4 – 5 years
$191.90/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.
Kindy Patch 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, Kindy Patch 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.