We are proud to announce that Kids on Collins Nursery and Early Education has been awarded Most Outstanding Early Education Centre–Melbourne CBD at the Melbourne Local Business Awards.
This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our leadership team, educators, and staff who consistently strive to provide the highest standard of early learning and care.
We are honoured by this achievement and extend our sincere thanks to the families and community who continue to place their trust in Kids on Collins.
At Kids on Collins, we understand the challenges of balancing work and parenthood. That’s why we provide exceptional early childhood education in a safe, stimulating, and conveniently located environment in Melbourne’s CBD at 544-546 Collins Street.
We help working families by providing extended hours, a rooftop playground, and an enriching curriculum that allows you to concentrate on your work without stress, knowing your child is happy and safe.
Kids on Collins, proudly owned by The Eltham College Foundation Ltd, a not-for-profit charity established in 1982. Kids on Collins has been a pioneer in Melbourne’s CBD’s early education scene since 1996, being one of the first child care centres in the CBD. Kids on Collins was the first child care centre in Australia to feature “Gardens in the Sky”, an outdoor learning area for children. Kids on Collins continues to lead with innovative, state-of-the-art facilities at the heritage-listed MacPherson Building. Operating under the Little Flyers Learning Centres banner, our commitment remains to nurture and empower every child in a vibrant, urban setting.
At Kids on Collins, we offer a comprehensive range of child care and early learning centres designed to support every stage of your child’s development—all in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
In addition to our tailored learning program’s, we provide daily nutritious meals, comprehensive care supplies, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, including our signature “Gardens in the Sky” rooftop learning area. Each Centre is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a vibrant, enriching experience for your child.
Ever wondered what a typical day at Kids on Collins looks like? Here’s a glimpse into the enriching experiences your child will enjoy:
Jennifer is the Centre Director at Kids on Collins. Jenn joined the Kids on Collins team in 2006 as a Room Leader and over the years has worked her way to the role of Centre Director. With a background in Montessori Teaching and Social Work, she has been able to fully immerse herself and contribute to the learning journeys of the children and educators. Jenn is dedicated to creating nurturing environments where children thrive and develop essential skills that they will take with them throughout their lives. She believes in working collaboratively with the team at Kids on Collins, demonstrating best practice, providing support and guidance throughout all aspects of the industry and encouraging continuous improvement among the team. Jenn believes that a strong understanding of pedagogical principles is essential for creating rich learning environments for children and continually encourages her team to engage in reflective practice and professional development opportunities.
Jenn is passionate about cultivating strong partnerships with families, encouraging them to be actively involved in their child’s learning journey, soliciting feedback and collaborating on shared goals for their child’s development and well-being. She believes in fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive community that celebrates diversity, respects individual differences and promotes a sense of belonging for all children and families.
1Our dedicated centre director is the driving force behind Kids on Collins. Starting with us as a room leader in 2006, Jennifer has slowly worked her way up, now leading our centre with passion and skill. She brings new ideas and a strong desire to support each child’s learning. Jennifer has a strong background in both Montessori teaching and social welfare.
The early childhood education programme, Kids on Collins, has become a model of excellence thanks to Jennifer’s guidance. Focusing on making a place where people can work together, think, and feel welcome helps both children and educators to do well. Jennifer constantly supports best practices and ongoing professional development. Helping every child grow, and build strong relationships with families.
Jennifer Farrell has been dedicated and visionary in her work to make Kids on Collins a top child care centre in Melbourne’s CBD, giving every child the tools they need to reach their full potential.
With over eight years of experience in the early childhood education and care industry, Russell Dolendo has dedicated his career to fostering an environment of growth and development for both children and educators alike. Throughout his journey at Kids on Collins, he has honed his skills and built a strong foundation in the sector, completing both his diploma in early childhood education and care and his bachelor’s in early childhood education.
Russell is deeply passionate about guiding children to reach their full potential, instilling in them good social values, and nurturing a strong sense of community. His practice is grounded in the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), ensuring that all programmes foster a holistic approach to children’s learning and development. He is also committed to providing high-quality, responsive, and inclusive education that reflects the diverse needs of children and families.
An advocate for creative arts, sustainability, and championing diversity and inclusion, Russell thrives on sharing his knowledge and collaborating with his fellow educators.
Kids on Collins is more than just a child care centre—we are a community that fosters learning, development, and well-being. Here’s why families choose us:
✔ Prime Location: We are conveniently located in the Melbourne CBD, making drop-offs and pick-ups effortless.
✔ Extended Hours: Designed for working parents, we offer longer operating hours to suit your schedule.
✔ Expert Educators: Our team of highly qualified and passionate educators ensures a nurturing learning environment.
✔ Rooftop Playground: A unique, safe outdoor space where children can play and explore.
✔ Parent-Friendly Policies: Parents can visit during lunch breaks for playtime or breastfeeding.
✔ No Late Fees: If you’re running late to work, you won’t be charged extra.
✔ Multilingual Staff: Our educators speak 27 different languages, ensuring an inclusive, culturally rich environment.
✔ Corporate Partnerships: We work with local businesses to make child care accessible and stress-free.
We are conveniently located in the Melbourne CBD, making drop-offs and pick-ups effortless.
Designed for working parents, we offer longer operating hours to suit your schedule.
Our team of highly qualified and passionate educators ensures a nurturing learning environment.
A unique, safe outdoor space where children can play and explore.
Enjoy breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a hot ‘High’ tea served at 5pm daily,
Parents can visit during lunch breaks for playtime or breastfeeding.
Our educators speak 12 different languages, ensuring an inclusive, culturally rich environment.
We work with local businesses to make child care accessible and stress-free.
Kids on Collins offers a daily fee of $193. Many families may qualify for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) through Services Australia, which can significantly reduce the daily costs based on the family’s income and activity levels. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Kids on Collins is dedicated to delivering high-quality childcare. Additionally, for children enrolled in the Funded Kindergarten Program, Free Kinder funding is provided to eligible families to offset part of their weekly fees.
The daily fee for Kids on Collins is $185. Most families can claim the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) through Centrelink to help lower daily costs. The amount is calculated on the family’s income and activity levels. Kids on Collins is committed to providing high-quality child care in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. The kindergarten funding is deducted from the daily fee for children enrolled in the Funded Kindergarten Program.
Enjoy breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a hot ‘High’ tea served at 5pm daily, all designed to meet nutritional standards and regularly reviewed by Nutrition Australia.
We provide nappies, sunscreen, sunhats, and cot/bed linen, ensuring your child’s daily needs are fully met.
Discover how our transparent pricing and comprehensive care support make us an excellent choice for families in Melbourne’s CBD seeking high-quality child care. If you’re interested in a detailed breakdown of costs or would like more information, our friendly team is here to assist you. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
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We take great pride in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment at Kids on Collins. Our Center is one of the few in Melbourne to employ professional cleaners who conduct a thorough cleaning each day. In addition, our educators carry out regular spot cleaning of the children’s areas and practice excellent hygiene throughout the day, both personally and with the children.
We may be bias, but we hire some of the most passionate and highly trained educators in Melbourne! We boast industry low staff-turnover, which highlights that we have happy and supported teams; as such, we are able to provide stable learning environments for the children in our care.
The average cost of child care in Melbourne has increased, and it tends to be highest in Victoria. The average cost of sending a child under two to a daycare for 25 hours per day has risen to $165–$166.
A children’s centre is a place, or group of places, where local families with young children can go to enjoy services and receive help that they need, including free parenting support.
Yes, we provide nutritious, freshly prepared meals daily, catering to various dietary needs and allergies. This procedure ensures your child receives balanced, healthy food throughout the day.
We offer a central Melbourne location, a strong focus on early education, highly qualified educators, and a safe, nurturing environment for your child to thrive.
We cater to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years old, providing tailored learning programmes for each developmental stage to ensure your child’s growth and happiness.
