Frequently Asked Questions

Our Bayswater centre supports families in Bayswater, Bayswater North, Boronia, Wantirna, Wantirna South, Heathmont, The Basin and Kilsyth. Our Mooroolbark centre supports Mooroolbark, Lilydale, Croydon, Croydon Hills, Kilsyth, Montrose and surrounding suburbs in Melbourne's outer east.

We care for children from 6 weeks through to school age (5–6 years). Both centres run nursery, toddler, three-year-old kindergarten and four-year-old kindergarten programs.

Yes. Both our 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are funded under the Victorian Government's Free Kinder initiative, so eligible families pay no kinder fees for those sessions.

Both centres are open Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm, year-round (excluding public holidays).

Yes. We have an in-house chef at each centre preparing a fresh, nutritious breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late snack daily. All meals are included and we cater for allergies, cultural needs and dietary requirements.

Daily fees vary by room and centre — please see our Fees page or contact us for the latest rates. Most families are eligible for the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly. We help families through the CCS process at enrolment.

You can book a tour online via our Book a Tour page, or call the centre directly. Tours run during operating hours and take about 30 minutes — you'll meet our team, see the rooms and outdoor spaces, and learn about our play-based program.

Meraki means doing something with heart, soul and creativity — and that's how we approach early learning. We follow a play-based, child-led approach inspired by Reggio Emilia, with a strong focus on nature, community, the arts and emotional wellbeing.

Yes. Every room is led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher or Diploma-qualified educator, supported by Certificate III-trained team members. All staff hold current Working with Children Checks and First Aid certification.

Yes. Both Meraki Early Learning Centres are independently rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS) by ACECQA — the highest tier rating awarded under the national framework.

Under Victoria's No Jab, No Play legislation, all children attending must be up to date with their immunisations (or have an approved exemption). We collect and verify immunisation history at enrolment.

Yes — Molly is our gentle therapy dog at the Mooroolbark centre. She visits the children regularly to support social-emotional development, calm anxious little ones and bring lots of joy.

Availability varies by room and centre. We recommend booking a tour and submitting an enrolment enquiry early — particularly for nursery and kindergarten places, which fill quickly.