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Places open on Tuesdays and Thursdays

A small, calm place to learn and play.

Family day care in Melton for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Four children a day, with one educator they know by name.

Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

A bright play room with child-sized tables, chairs and low shelves
An educator and a child drawing together at a small table

Hello, I’m Priya.

I’ve worked in early childhood for twelve years, eight of them in big centres. I opened Wombat Hollow in my home because I wanted to know every child properly, and every parent too.

Here your child isn’t one of twenty. They help cook lunch, water the garden and choose what we explore next. You get a photo and a few honest lines at the end of each day.

Priya Nair, educator

How family day care is different

  • Four children a day

    Never more than four under school age, so every child is noticed.

  • The same educator, every day

    Your child settles with one person they know, not a rotating roster.

  • A home, not a hall

    Quiet rooms, a real kitchen, a backyard with a veggie patch and a mud kitchen.

What your child’s day looks like

A steady rhythm, with room to follow what the children are into.

Small hands cutting and gluing coloured paper Wooden and coloured toys laid out in rows
  1. Arrivals and free play

    A slow start with puzzles, books and blocks.

  2. Morning tea, then outside

    Garden, sandpit and water play, in most weather.

  3. Group time

    Stories, songs and whatever the children are curious about that week.

  4. Lunch and rest

    Cooked here. Sleepers sleep; others have quiet time.

  5. Making and building

    Painting, play dough, cooking, loose parts.

  6. Afternoon tea and pick-ups

    You get a photo and a few lines about the day.

Fees, said plainly

$12.80 per hour, before Child Care Subsidy

What you actually pay depends on your subsidy, and for most families it is much less. Tell us your details when you visit and we’ll work out your real daily cost with you.

  • All meals and snacks, cooked here
  • Nappies, wipes and sunscreen
  • A daily photo and note
  • No fee on public holidays

Starting, in three unhurried steps

  1. 1

    Come and visit

    Bring your child for half an hour. See the rooms, ask anything.

  2. 2

    Try a morning

    A short stay with you nearby, so the first full day isn’t a shock.

  3. 3

    Start when you’re ready

    We sort the subsidy paperwork together. It takes about ten minutes.

From our families

  • “Our son cried at drop-off for two days and now runs to the door. Priya sends a photo every afternoon.”

    Hannah and Reuben, Kurunjang

  • “Small group made all the difference for our shy three-year-old. She talks about the veggie patch constantly.”

    Mei L., Melton West

Questions parents ask

What do I need to pack?
A hat, a change of clothes and a comfort toy if they have one. Food, nappies and sunscreen are provided.
What happens if my child is sick?
Keep them home and let us know by 7 am. Children need to be well for 24 hours before coming back.
Can I use the Child Care Subsidy?
Yes. We are an approved service, and we help you set it up before your first day.

Come and see us

Visits are on weekday afternoons, when the children are settled. Leave your details and Priya will call you to find a time.

Or ring 0491 570 110 after 5:30 pm.

In a quiet street near the Melton Botanic Garden. You get the address when you book.