Bayside Early Learning Centre & Kinder: Nurturing Young Minds in Mentone, Victoria

Nestled in the heart of Mentone, a serene coastal suburb in Melbourne’s south-east, Bayside Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten stands as a beacon of quality childcare and early education. Located at 132 Collins Street, Mentone, Victoria, this centre has carved out a reputation for fostering a nurturing, homely environment where children aged six weeks to five years are empowered to grow as capable learners. With a strong commitment to play-based and structured learning, Bayside Early Learning Centre & Kinder is a cornerstone of the local community, offering families a trusted space for their children’s early development.

A Foundation Built on Care and Quality

Established as Bayside Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten Pty Ltd, the centre was officially registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in 2022, marking its formal entry into the competitive childcare sector. Under the leadership of key principal Negar Heidari, the centre has quickly gained recognition for its dedication to high-quality education and care. Licensed to accommodate up to 40 children, the facility operates from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday through Friday, providing flexible hours to support working families in Mentone and surrounding areas.

The centre received service approval from the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) on 16 January 2023, a testament to its compliance with the National Quality Standard (NQS). This standard ensures that the centre delivers quality education and care across seven key areas, including educational programme and practice, children’s health and safety, and collaborative partnerships with families. With a KindiCare Rating of 8.5—slightly below the local average of 8.7—Bayside Early Learning Centre remains a respected choice for parents seeking a supportive and enriching environment for their children.

A Homely Environment for Holistic Development

What sets Bayside Early Learning Centre apart is its commitment to creating a homely atmosphere where children are respected as individuals with unique learning potential. The centre is thoughtfully designed with two dedicated rooms: one catering to babies and toddlers, and another offering a structured kindergarten programme for older children preparing for school. This setup ensures that each child’s developmental needs are met through age-appropriate activities that blend play-based learning with structured educational experiences.

The centre’s philosophy emphasises the importance of fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young learners. Through a carefully curated curriculum, children engage in activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth. From sensory play for infants to early literacy and numeracy programmes for preschoolers, the centre tailors its offerings to support each child’s developmental journey. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, with many highlighting the centre’s ability to make children feel secure and valued, as evidenced by its impressive 5.0 rating based on 26 reviews on KindiCare.

Community and Parental Engagement

Bayside Early Learning Centre is more than just a childcare provider; it is an integral part of the Mentone community. The centre actively fosters partnerships with families, recognising that parental involvement is crucial to a child’s success. Regular communication, including updates on children’s progress and opportunities for parents to participate in centre activities, helps build a strong sense of community. This collaborative approach ensures that parents feel supported and informed, creating a seamless connection between home and the centre.

The centre’s location in Mentone, a family-friendly suburb known for its proximity to beaches and vibrant community spirit, enhances its appeal. Families in the area benefit from the centre’s convenient operating hours and its focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment. While specific fees are not publicly disclosed, childcare costs in Mentone typically range from $12.00 to $175.94 before subsidies, reflecting the premium quality of services offered by providers like Bayside.

Navigating the Childcare Landscape

The childcare sector in Victoria has faced significant scrutiny in recent years, with concerns about safety, funding, and regulatory oversight making headlines. A 2025 review highlighted systemic issues, including poor information sharing and a focus on educator privacy over child safety, prompting calls for reform. Despite these challenges, Bayside Early Learning Centre has maintained a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Its compliance with the NQS and positive parent feedback underscore its commitment to prioritising children’s well-being.

The broader childcare market in Melbourne remains robust, with strong demand for high-quality facilities. A recent sale of a childcare centre in nearby Brighton East for $16.5 million on a 4.9% yield highlights the sector’s investment potential, driven by long-term leases and growing demand for early education services. While Bayside Early Learning Centre itself has not been linked to recent sales, its presence in this dynamic market positions it as a valuable asset to the community and a potential target for investors seeking stable, socially impactful businesses.

Challenges and Resilience in the Sector

The childcare industry is not without its challenges, as illustrated by the experience of another local provider, Windermere Early Learning Centre in Frankston. In July 2023, parents at Windermere were informed of a potential closure due to financial unsustainability, only for the centre to secure a reprieve until the end of the year following community advocacy. This case underscores the pressures faced by childcare providers, including rising operational costs and long waitlists for families seeking care. Bayside Early Learning Centre, however, appears to have navigated these challenges effectively, maintaining steady operations since its inception.

Social media discussions on platforms like X have also highlighted broader concerns about childcare safety and quality in Victoria. Posts from 2025 reflect parental frustrations with systemic issues, including allegations of profit prioritisation over child welfare. While these sentiments do not directly implicate Bayside Early Learning Centre, they highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in the sector—qualities that Bayside upholds through its adherence to national standards and community-focused approach.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Bayside

As Bayside Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten continues to grow, its commitment to excellence remains unwavering. The centre’s modern facilities, dedicated staff, and focus on child-centric education position it as a leader in Mentone’s childcare landscape. Recent upgrades to kindergarten facilities in the area, such as the addition of 38 new places at another local provider, reflect the Victorian government’s investment in early education, creating a supportive environment for centres like Bayside to thrive.

For Mentone families, Bayside Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten offers more than just childcare—it provides a foundation for lifelong learning. By blending a nurturing environment with high-quality educational programmes, the centre ensures that every child is given the opportunity to flourish. As the demand for exceptional childcare continues to rise, Bayside stands poised to remain a trusted partner for families, shaping the next generation of curious, confident, and capable learners.

For more information or to enquire about enrolments, families can visit the centre’s website at www.baysideearlylearning.com.au or contact them directly at 132 Collins Street, Mentone, VIC 3194.