Questions about child care? We’re here to help you find the right option.
Child care
On-campus or nearby child care means you can make it to every lecture on time – even the early morning ones. Not a student or staff member? Local families are welcome too, though waiting lists may apply.
How to organise child care
From understanding your payment options to getting your child’s name on the list early, here’s everything you need to know to secure a place. Note that each of Deakin's childcare centres (and partnered centres) follow strict guidelines and standards set out by the government and the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority.
Paying for child care
If you’re a staff member at Deakin, we can take your childcare fees out of your pay. That way you’ll reduce your taxable income and never miss a payment. Chat to People and Culture about salary sacrifice if this interests you. Salary sacrifice for child care through payroll is only available for child care at the Burwood Campus. Services Australia can help with the cost of child care too.
Registering your child
The sooner you get in touch with a centre, the better your chances of securing a spot – even if you’re not sure of the exact days and times you’ll need. Where possible, we recommend registering at least 12 months ahead.
Short on time or flexibility? There are always childcare services nearby you can explore.
On-campus and nearby childcare facilities
Explore the childcare facilities available to Deakin students and staff, as well as local families.
Deakin & Community Childcare Co-operative
Building R
7.45am–6pm Monday–Friday
+61 3 9888 0202
Burwood's on-campus childcare service is a not-for-profit, community-based childcare centre, with 60 places. The centre has qualified, experienced staff, a government-funded kindergarten program, nutritious daily meals, engaging social skills activities, a sun smart environment, a dedicated techno corner, four well-equipped playrooms and a spacious outdoor play area.
Goodstart Waurn Ponds
Corner of Baxter Drive and Nicol Drive South
6.30am–6.30pm Monday–Friday
+61 3 5243 9392
Waurn Ponds on-campus childcare service has places for 122 children. The centre features age-appropriate shaded playgrounds, toys, books and reading materials, computers in the Kindergarten Learning Space, and a quiet, tranquil nursery sleeping room. Children benefit from a nutritious menu tailored to daily dietary needs, a funded kindergarten/preschool program, and the care of qualified, dedicated early childhood educators.
Goodstart Geelong East
144 McKillop St Geelong East
6.30am–6.30pm Monday–Friday
+61 3 5222 3656
This centre is 2.5km from campus and offers an age-appropriate shaded playground, engaging toys, books and reading materials, and a quiet, tranquil nursery sleeping room. Children are cared for by qualified and dedicated early childhood carers and educators, and enjoy programs such as Happy Feet Fitness and Active Child. We provide a nutritious menu tailored to daily dietary requirements, convenient Ezidebit and BPAY payment options, reduced rates for multiple days per child per week, and the benefits of a CCB-approved childcare service. On-site parking is also available.
Goodstart Newtown
115 Aberdeen St Newtown
7.00am–7.00pm Monday–Friday
+61 3 5222 3224
This centre is 1.5km from campus and features age-appropriate shaded playgrounds, engaging toys, books and reading materials, and a quiet, tranquil nursery sleeping room. Children benefit from a funded Kindergarten program, the care of qualified and dedicated early childhood carers and educators, and a nutritious menu tailored to daily dietary requirements. We offer reduced rates for multiple days per child per week, computer tablets in all rooms, an Active Child program, and even friendly centre pets. Families also enjoy the convenience of on-site parking and accessible transport options.
Sherwood Park Child Care Centre
Off Lodge Drive
8am–6pm Monday–Friday
+61 3 5559 4595
This government-run childcare centre offers full-time, part-time and occasional care for children of staff, students and local families. Open 49 weeks a year, closing only during the Christmas and New Year period, the centre provides long-day and casual care, freshly made nutritious meals and snacks, and play-based educational curriculums. Services include before- and after-school care for primary school-aged children, a fully funded kindergarten program for four-year-olds, and engaging school holiday programs. Professional, qualified and experienced staff care for children, with nappies and linen supplied for convenience.
There is a childcare space located on the ground floor. It is available for families and carers to access between 9am and 7pm. Email the team for more information.
Bringing your children onto campus
Children are welcome to enjoy our campuses, as long as they’re supervised by you at all times. For safety reasons, please don’t take them into workshops, laboratories, specialised classrooms or building sites unless you have prior permission. If you need a dedicated space for your child while on campus, you’re welcome to use a parent room.
Parent rooms
Every Deakin campus has a dedicated room which meets the standards for the University's accreditation as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace. You can change your baby's nappy, heat up milk or breastfeed. We also have baby change facilities in designated toilets on each campus.
Our parent rooms feature everything you need, including a comfortable chair close to a table and power point for breastfeeding equipment, sink, microwave, fridge and lockable door. You can find our parent rooms in the following locations:
- Melbourne Burwood: Building BC, Room 1.020 (near the lifts); Building P, Room 114
- Geelong Waterfront: Building D, Level 1.203.02 (near DUSA office)
- Geelong Waurn Ponds: Building JB, Room 1.216 (downstairs near DUSA)
- Warrnambool: Building A, Room 2.30.
Contact us
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