Childcare and Kindergarten in Epsom, VIC
Great Beginnings Epsom offers long day care and Kindergarten for children aged 6 weeks to school age in the Bendigo area, conveniently located for families in Epsom, Ascot, Bendigo, California Gully, Eaglehawk, Goornong, Huntly, Jackass Flat and White Hills.
Outdoor play, gardens and centre pets
Children enjoy outdoor spaces with gardens, water play, loose parts, mud kitchen play, a climbing fort and space for active play. They also help care for Rosi the blue-tongue lizard and the centre fish, building responsibility and care for living things.
Sensory room and creative indoor spaces
Indoor rooms are warm and welcoming, with spaces for play, creativity, quiet time and group learning. The centre also has a dedicated sensory room to support regulation and wellbeing, along with art spaces our art program.
Experienced team of educators
Our multicultural team speaks a wide range of languages and brings different experiences to the centre. The team includes Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers who lead learning, school readiness and play-based programs.
Government-approved Kindergarten program
Our Government-approved kindergarten program is delivered by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Children build confidence for school through play, routines, friendships, independence and age-appropriate learning experiences.
Individual learning and inclusive support
Each child has an Individual Learning Plan shaped with families, using aspiration forms, observations, strengths, interests and developmental needs. Educators also work with early intervention and allied health supports when children need extra help.
Auslan, music, sport and excursions
Children take part in weekly Auslan incursions and the RAMSR music and movement program. They also enjoy extra learning experiences such as Kelly Sports, Hey Dee Ho, music, language and Japanese programs. Children connect with the wider community through local visits, incursions and the intergenerational program with Starth Haven Residential Home.
Fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily
Our in-house chef prepares breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack each day. Meals are planned to offer variety across the day, with allergies, dietary requirements, preferences and cultural needs catered for.
Supporting busy families every day
Nappies, wipes and selected essentials are provided to help make daily routines easier, with infant feeding support available where needed. Families stay connected through educator conversations and updates through our family app, along with observations and twice-yearly summary assessments.
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
Across all rooms, our program takes a holistic approach to children’s cognitive, social, emotional, physical and language development. Learning is guided by intentional teaching, responsive programming and each child’s interests.
0-2 years
Nursery
In our Nursery room, the focus is on helping babies feel safe, settled and connected as they begin their early learning journey.
Educators support secure attachments, emotional wellbeing and early developmental milestones through nurturing care, familiar routines, sensory play, music and language-rich experiences.
Children experience:
- Sensory play that supports exploration and development
- Music, storytelling and early language experiences
- Familiar routines that help children feel secure
- Nurturing care that supports emotional wellbeing
- Early movement and developmental milestone support
2-3 years
Toddler
In our Toddler room, children become more independent as they explore, communicate and build social connections through play.
Learning experiences are guided by children’s interests and include sensory play, movement, early literacy, simple project work and real-life skill development.
Children experience:
- Play-based learning that follows their interests
- Movement and sensory experiences
- Early literacy through stories, songs and conversations
- Simple projects that extend their ideas
- Opportunities to practise independence and social skills
3-5 years
Kindergarten
In our Kindergarten and Preschool room, children prepare for school through inquiry-based learning, extended projects and more collaborative group experiences.
Led by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers, the program builds early literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, emotional regulation, social skills and independence. Children also explore STEM, creative arts, sustainability, cultural experiences, storytelling, music and movement.
Children experience:
- Group learning, routines and self-help skill practice
- Lunchbox days, including packing, opening and managing food
- Inquiry projects that build critical thinking over time
- Early literacy, numeracy and STEM experiences
- Creative arts and collaborative group work
- School visits where teachers can meet children and understand their learning journey
- Transition statements and learning summaries shared with families and schools
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
$177.75/day
Toddler
2 – 4 years
$177.75/day
Kindergarten
4 – 5 years
$177.75/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 and spare socks.
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 and spare socks.
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.
Great Beginnings 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, Great Beginnings 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.