Choosing the right day care center in Sydney is a crucial decision for parents looking to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for their children. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit for your little one. In this guide, we’ve curated the 7 best day care centers in Sydney to help you make an informed choice. Each center offers unique services tailored to meet the diverse needs of families, ensuring your child receives the best care possible. From educational programs to flexible schedules, here’s a quick look at what day care centers typically provide:
7
Number of companies
297
Verified reviews
4,57
Average rating
1. Guardian Childcare & Education
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4,8/5
Quad 4, 10 Parkview Dr, 2127, Sydney Olympic Park
- Day care center
- Educational institution
- Learning center
Why we chose them
Guardian Childcare & Education Homebush is a standout childcare and learning center located in Sydney Olympic Park, offering a nurturing and resource-rich environment for children to thrive. With a focus on early education, the center features engaging indoor and outdoor spaces, including herb and vegetable gardens, sandpits, climbing frames, and bike tracks. Its structured learning programs, such as the two-year Preschool Program, are meticulously designed to prepare children for a seamless transition to primary school. The center also emphasizes sustainability, creative exploration, and the joy of learning through activities like cooking and gardening, ensuring a holistic developmental experience for every child.
The center is staffed by highly experienced educators and degree-qualified teachers who are dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere. Families benefit from access to daily updates through a family communication app, personalized progress tracking, and flexible care options tailored to their needs. With its culturally diverse team and commitment to celebrating various customs, the center creates a welcoming community for children and parents alike. From the provision of nutritious meals by an on-site chef to its innovative learning programs, the center offers a comprehensive and enriching environment where children can grow with confidence and curiosity.
2. Sittr
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3,6/5
Level 13/50 Carrington St, 2000, Sydney
- Child care agency
- Software company
Why we chose them
Sittr stands out as Australia’s leading babysitter and nanny platform, trusted by thousands of parents nationwide. By combining the reliability of a traditional child care agency with the convenience of modern technology, this innovative app makes it easy for parents to connect with pre-screened, verified babysitters and nannies. All carers undergo comprehensive background checks, including a government-issued Working With Children Check and a Photo Identity verification. Additionally, every sitter is trained in Senior First Aid, ensuring they are equipped to handle emergencies involving asthma or anaphylaxis. With no monthly fees and on-demand availability, the platform simplifies child care while prioritizing safety and trust. Parents can also browse verified reviews to find the perfect match for their family’s needs.
Offering both software and child care services, Sittr brings peace of mind through its industry-leading insurance coverage, which includes Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. The app’s user-friendly interface allows parents to post jobs, review matches, and book their chosen babysitter or nanny with ease. Its pay-as-you-go model eliminates costly placement or membership fees, making professional child care more accessible. Whether seeking a one-time babysitter or a regular nanny, parents can rely on this platform’s robust features and commitment to safety, making it a top choice in the child care industry.
3. Kids Club Child Care Clarence Centre
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5,0/5
83 Clarence St, 2000, Sydney
- Day care center
- Child care agency
- Education center
Why we chose them
Kids Club Child Care Clarence Centre stands out as a premier early learning facility located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. With its state-of-the-art amenities and a child-led, play-based curriculum, the centre is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning in children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Designed with three age-specific rooms and a vibrant outdoor play area, the centre provides a nurturing environment where children can explore, grow, and thrive. Passionate Educators focus on social, emotional, and cognitive development, ensuring each child feels supported and valued. Families can also benefit from all-inclusive services, which encompass nutritious meals prepared by an on-site chef, extracurricular activities like yoga and music, and real-time updates through a dedicated app.
Recognized for its excellence in early childhood education, the centre offers a comprehensive school readiness program and partners with the NSW Government’s Start Strong initiative to make quality preschool programs more accessible. Its commitment to inclusivity is evident in its diverse community, multicultural learning experiences, and tailored care for individual needs. Parents appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, hygiene standards, and thoughtful transition support offered to ease children into daycare life. With award-winning facilities and a team of experienced Educators, this centre is a trusted choice for families seeking high-quality childcare and education in Sydney’s bustling CBD.
4. Guardian Childcare & Education Phillip Street
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4,6/5
4/126 Phillip St, 2000, Sydney
- Day care center
- Educational institution
- Learning center
Why we chose them
Guardian Childcare & Education Phillip Street offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged six weeks to six years, conveniently located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Recognized as ‘Exceeding’ the National Quality Standard, this center provides a world-class curriculum led by university-qualified teachers and educators. With a focus on play-based learning, children are encouraged to explore creativity and develop essential social and emotional skills. The center features thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces, including a sandpit, veggie garden, and age-specific studios that foster discovery and imagination. Daily fresh meals prepared by an on-site chef ensure children’s nutritional well-being, while programs like Joy of Reading, STEM activities, and cooking classes enhance their educational journey.
Families benefit from an inclusive approach, with comprehensive communication through a dedicated app that provides regular updates on their child’s progress. The center’s Flying Start to School program is a standout feature, offering a specialized two-year preschool curriculum to prepare children for primary school. Parents can also take comfort in the strong sense of community fostered through excursions to local landmarks and family engagement opportunities. By emphasizing community, connection, and belonging, this daycare, educational institution, and learning center ensures children receive a holistic early education experience, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
5. Guardian Childcare & Education Walker Street
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4,8/5
Shop 6/141 Walker St, 2060, North Sydney
- Day care center
- Educational institution
- Learning center
Why we chose them
Guardian Childcare & Education Walker Street stands out as a premier childcare and early learning center in the vibrant North Sydney CBD. This facility caters to children aged six weeks to six years, offering comprehensive daycare, preschool, and kindergarten programs designed to nurture bold, curious learners. With an emphasis on personalized education, children benefit from tailored learning experiences that align with their interests and developmental milestones. Equipped with expansive outdoor spaces featuring herb and vegetable gardens, a worm farm, an obstacle course, and water play troughs, the center fosters creativity and exploration. Highly qualified educators and university-trained teachers ensure children receive the best start to life, integrating the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards into their curriculum. Families appreciate the inclusive and nurturing environment, where children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Guardian Walker Street provides an exceptional balance of care and education, enriched by unique offerings like a two-year preschool program and a specialized Flying Start to School curriculum. The center prioritizes strong connections with families, encouraging active participation in their child’s learning journey through regular updates via a dedicated app. On-site chefs prepare nutritious meals daily, while engaging programs like Joy of Reading and Sustainability inspire lifelong learning. The thoughtfully designed indoor spaces brim with quality educational resources, and the outdoor areas allow multi-age interactions, fostering a sense of community. Guardian Walker Street’s commitment to inclusivity, professional excellence, and innovative teaching methods makes it a trusted choice for families seeking childcare and early education in North Sydney.
6. Guardian Childcare & Education
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4,9/5
1/580 George St, 2000, Sydney
- Day care center
- Educational institution
- Learning center
Why we chose them
Guardian Childcare & Education George Street stands out as a premier childcare and early learning center in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Catering to children aged six weeks to six years, the center focuses on a play-based learning approach designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Families benefit from its convenient location near Town Hall train station, allowing easy access without leaving the building. The center features engaging indoor and outdoor learning spaces, including a sandpit, bike track, and veggie garden, all complemented by a dedicated on-site chef who prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily. With a diverse team of university-qualified educators, the center fosters a culturally inclusive environment where children can thrive socially and intellectually.
Offering comprehensive services as a day care center, educational institution, and learning center, the facility integrates enriching programs like music, yoga, STEM, and language learning into its curriculum. Its unique Flying Start to School preschool program supports the transition to primary education with a specialized two-year curriculum for children aged three to five. Regular excursions to local community spots such as libraries and parks further enhance the children’s learning experiences. With strong ties to the community and an emphasis on sustainability, the center provides an environment that encourages exploration and development. Families are kept connected through the Storypark app, ensuring they stay updated on their child’s progress and daily activities.
7. Woodstock Early Learning Centre
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4,3/5
3 Brushbox St, 2127, Sydney Olympic Park
- Day care center
Why we chose them
Woodstock Early Learning Centre has been a trusted provider of exceptional childcare services for over a decade, serving local communities with dedication and professionalism. Known for its holistic approach to early learning, the center focuses on nurturing children’s individuality while encouraging them to explore, think, and grow. Offering award-winning service, it has successfully supported over 1,600 families across multiple locations in Sydney. Their carefully designed programs incorporate educational play-based activities, fostering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. With an emphasis on inclusivity, the center ensures every child feels valued and connected through its diverse curriculum and natural play spaces.
The center takes pride in its state-of-the-art facilities, including thoughtfully planned indoor and outdoor play areas designed to inspire creativity and exploration. Children engage in activities such as socio-dramatic play, STEM projects, gardening, and obstacle courses, which promote gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and environmental stewardship. Additionally, their comprehensive school readiness program equips children with essential skills like literacy, numeracy, and fine motor coordination, preparing them for a smooth transition to formal education. Parents consistently praise the center’s professionalism and personalized care, making it a standout choice for families seeking high-quality childcare services.
Frequently asked questions
What services do day care centers in Sydney typically offer?
Day care centers in Sydney usually provide a range of services including early childhood education, meal plans, nap time supervision, play-based learning, arts and crafts activities, outdoor play, and social skill development. Some centers may also offer language programs, music classes, and extended care hours.
What is the average cost of day care services in Sydney?
The average cost of day care services in Sydney ranges from €60 to €130 per day, depending on the location, age group, and services provided. Some centers may offer discounts for siblings or part-time attendance.
How can I choose the best day care center for my child in Sydney?
To choose the best day care center, consider factors such as proximity to your home or workplace, staff qualifications, child-to-teacher ratios, curriculum, safety measures, cleanliness, and reviews from other parents. Visiting the center and asking detailed questions is highly recommended.
What is the typical timeline for enrolling my child in a day care center in Sydney?
Enrollment timelines vary, but many popular day care centers in Sydney recommend booking a spot 6-12 months in advance, especially for infants. Some centers maintain waiting lists, so early planning is crucial.
Are meals included in the cost of day care services in Sydney?
Most day care centers in Sydney include meals and snacks as part of their daily services. However, it’s best to confirm with the center whether food is included, and if so, what kind of dietary options are available.
What qualifications should I look for in day care center staff?
Day care center staff should have relevant qualifications such as a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Additionally, they should have first aid training, working with children checks, and experience in child development and care.
What safety measures are typically in place at Sydney day care centers?
Day care centers in Sydney usually follow strict safety protocols, including secure entry systems, regular cleaning, staff background checks, first aid kits, and adherence to child-to-teacher ratio requirements. Outdoor play areas are often enclosed and supervised at all times.
Are there government subsidies available for day care services in Sydney?
Yes, families in Sydney may be eligible for government subsidies like the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which helps reduce the cost of day care. The amount you receive depends on your income, the type of care, and the hours you use. It’s recommended to check your eligibility through the government’s official website.
