FROEBEL Carlton Early Learning Centre
Centre Highlights
Meals Provided
Nappies & Wipes Supplied
Local Community Excursions
Outdoor Playground
STEM/STEAM Program
About FROEBEL Carlton Early Learning Centre
FROEBEL Carlton is a not-for-profit early learning centre with an integrated funded Kindergarten program, located in the heart of Melbourne Connect. Our centre caters for up to 92 children aged 6 months to 5 years of age and stretches over 3 levels which have been architecturally designed, with a stunning rooftop playground for all children to enjoy. Each level also features semi-open wintergardens for protected year-round play. We have our own in-house chef preparing all meals freshly and daily on site in our kitchen theatre which is adjacent to the children’s dining hall.
Our philosophy is rooted in progressive ideas developed by Friedrich Froebel, the renowned educator who shaped the kindergarten concept almost 200 years ago. His holistic approach to early learning inspires us even today: child-centred, play-based, in unity with nature.
Our educational program focusses on inquiry-based learning with our Little Scientists program igniting children’s natural curiosity and encouraging them to explore the world surrounding them, thereby fostering their independence and self-esteem. Part of our STEM learning program is implemented during excursions for all our age-groups to the local surrounds and beyond – we are so lucky to have beautiful parks nearby.
A number of our educators are Spanish speakers and implement our immersive language learning program with Spanish as a second community language. They speak with the children in Spanish throughout the day, alongside their English-speaking colleagues, allowing children to pick up the new language very naturally. Supported is our immersive language learning program by Spanish books, songs, games, routines and we also celebrate traditions from Spanish-speaking countries, alongside Australian events and traditions from our diverse team of educators.
We also focus on sustainability at our service, implemented through practices such as providing wet bags and eco-friendly nappies. Education for Sustainable Development is a part of our teaching, with projects such as our Recycling Tree or participating in Clean-up Day.
Availability & Fees
Availability
Fees for FROEBEL Carlton Early Learning Centre may vary based childcare subsidy eligibility. You may be eligible to a rebate of up to 85% of your childcare fees.
Calculate your subsidyAvailability
Fees for FROEBEL Carlton Early Learning Centre may vary based childcare subsidy eligibility. You may be eligible to a rebate of up to 85% of your childcare fees.
Calculate your subsidyAvailability
Fees for FROEBEL Carlton Early Learning Centre may vary based childcare subsidy eligibility. You may be eligible to a rebate of up to 85% of your childcare fees.
Calculate your subsidyReviews for FROEBEL Carlton Early Learning Centre
- Aramabout 1 month ago
We also had a negative experience in this day care. My wife is Spanish and we are raising our child trilingual, so we thought that Froebel would be a good pick. We dropped our child for the first week and our daughter was crying a lot, which I assume is very normal. We asked the the teachers to inform us if our daughter needed any assistance. The staff told us that they would inform us if anything was wrong. A week later my wife dropped by just to check if everything was okay. She found our daughter in a corner crying and having soiled herself. My wife asked why did you not inform me? To which the staff responded that they were the verge of doing that. Which seems unlikely because EOD was approaching. Please avoid this place. Probably they will respond to this message legitimatizing all the criticism. I would just say there are way better learning centre’s
- Jessie Frenchabout 2 months ago
Our experience with Froebel Carlton began with optimism and delight, as reflected in earlier reviews. We were impressed by the learning approaches, exposure to Spanish, and the care provided by an excellent team. However, in recent months, this initial impression has given way to disillusionment as changes in the centre’s operations became apparent. Froebel’s promise of bilingual language development and high-quality care has, regrettably, remained unfulfilled for some time. What we encountered was a pattern of instability and rigidity. Staff turnover was alarmingly high, with many exceptional educators leaving under circumstances that seemed systemic. Periods of understaffing compounded this issue, creating a strained environment where children were shuffled between rooms and often confined indoors for entire days. Our daughter now struggles to name any of the educators currently caring for her. Decisions appeared driven less by the needs of the children and more by rigid adherence to policies that often fell short of the service’s stated standards. Compliance became a hollow formality, used to excuse poor experiences, eclipsing the meaningful engagement and care that should define early learning environments. Attempts to address our concerns with management were met with inconsistent, dismissive, and at times contradictory responses. Written assurances of flexibility regarding our planned departure—essential for managing a major transition—were abruptly rescinded without explanation. This left us in an untenable position as we approach the festive season, compounding stress amidst end of year deadlines and preparations. Rather than collaborating to resolve the issue, management rigidly enforced notice periods under the guise of policy, further eroding our trust. The impact Froebel Carlton and their heartless management decisions have had on our child have been deeply distressing. A once-happy and outgoing toddler now dreads attending daycare, a clear sign her needs are not being met. Educators have reported behaviors she typically exhibits when feeling ignored and understimulated, and her learning progression has noticeably stalled. Ultimately, we were forced to seek alternative care. What should have been a process marked by compassion and dialogue instead left us feeling unheard, unsupported, and disheartened. This is not merely a failure of policy but a deeper failure of priorities. Management’s reliance on excuses and rigid policies, at the expense of care and community, is at odds with the expectations of a quality childcare service. While individual educators continue to show dedication, their efforts are undermined by poor management decisions creating unnecessary tension within the community, high staff turnover and the resulting instability for children. As it stands, Froebel Carlton cannot be recommended to families seeking a nurturing and supportive environment. This decision has not been made lightly but reflects systemic issues that require substantial change. For Froebel to fulfill its potential, it must align its practices with its promises and rebuild trust within its community of families and children. Until such changes are realised, I feel compelled to withhold my recommendation and offer a clear caution to prospective families. Don't be fooled by the nice building.
Response from the ownerabout 2 months agoDear Jessie, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are glad to know that your initial experience with Froebel Carlton reflected the learning approaches and care we strive to provide. However, we regret that your impressions have changed and that aspects of your recent experience did not meet your expectations. We understand how important a stable and enriching environment is for children and families. Like many early learning services, we have faced staffing challenges in recent months, and we continue to prioritise the recruitment and retention of dedicated educators to ensure the best possible experience for the children in our care. We are sorry that your interactions with our management team did not meet your expectations, and we will reflect on your feedback as part of our ongoing efforts to refine our processes. We value the trust placed in us by our families and remain committed to delivering a high-quality early learning experience. We are saddened to hear of your decision to leave but wish you and your family all the best as you transition to a new setting.
Location of FROEBEL Carlton Early Learning Centre
Carlton suburb information
Carlton is a suburb located in Victoria. There are approximately 22 child care centres in Carlton.
How much is child care in Carlton? On average, the cost of child care in Carlton is $147 per day. This breaks down to $147 per day for babies, $160 per day for toddlers and $152 per day for kindergarten.
Carlton sits just above the national NQS Rating & the average rating of centres is «Meeting NQS».
Number of centres
Child care centres in Carlton
22
Average cost per day
Baby
0-12 Months
$147
Toddler
13-24 Months
$160
Kindergarten
2-3 Years