I would like to share some feedback about what happened today at Cranbourne Casey Fields Park. A child with autism and disabilities waited in the line for one and a half hours. The staff did not speak kindly to him, and they did not even offer to put a little paint on his face. Because of this, the boy became very upset and went home crying. This was very hard for him and for his mother. As a community, we should hire people who know how to speak gently and behave kindly with children, especially children with additional needs. Just because the child is not known to them or not part of their community, it does not mean he should be pushed aside or made to wait for so long. A small act of kindness—like giving him a quick face painting—could have made him happy. Instead, he was treated poorly. Please make sure staff are trained to support all children, including those with autism, with respect and understanding. Thank you.

I’m extremely happy with this early childhood education centre. My child has settled in beautifully, and she comes home excited to share stories about her day and her teachers. We were at the shops recently and she saw a toy phone—she immediately pretended to call her teacher, which really showed me how strong and meaningful their connection is. It’s clear that she feels safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. The educators are all incredibly friendly, patient, and professional. They always greet us with a smile and take the time to update us on her day. I really appreciate how flexible they are with our unpredictable routine; it makes such a difference knowing we’re understood and accommodated. The learning environment is warm, engaging, and full of opportunities for play-based learning. My child is growing in confidence, independence, and social skills, and I can see how much she enjoys being part of this centre. I couldn’t be happier with the care and education she’s receiving!

This centre claimed it was feeding my child. In the notes on storypark. We were having trouble sometimes at home so it would have been understandable if they also had trouble. When my child first enrolled there, they would come home ravenously hungry, eat so much food, then sleep 2-3 hours earlier than usual. At first I thought, considering the notes, "ate all lunch" "Ate all snack", that my child must just be tired from playing and running around. Later I would find out they were struggling to feed my child everyday and were giving them milk at meal times. None of this was discussed or mentioned to me or my child's mother until I attended family care meeting which included a member from DFFH and Family Reconciliation Program. In this meeting it was brought up for the very first time that they were having trouble feeding my child. I pointed out the discrepancy and they said they would be more detailed in the notes. The details in the notes never changed. It is bad enough that I am engaged in a family breakdown and forced by DFFH to send my child there when I am fully capable of looking after them alone, without interference. These organisations who are supposed to assist parents to get back on their feet during a family breakdown have no understanding in protecting children. This matter regarding lying about my child's food intake broke my trust completely. Goodstart Cranbourne East is not to be trusted with your child. They lie in their notes to cover themselves from parent's scrutiny, but behind the scenes keep REAL notes in times they need to make it seem like the parent is the problem! If I could give negative STARS I would. This place needs to be investigated.

My 4 year old attended this centre and learnt so much. The staff are very friendly. He was never unhappy and never wanted to stay home as had so much fun in the centre. I would highly recommend this centre.

In 2021, I enrolled my 3-year-old son at this centre. While he started off happily, within a few months he began crying, throwing tantrums, and begging not to go. I initially brushed it off as normal toddler behaviour or boredom. The following year, I enrolled him in public kindergarten two days a week, while he continued attending this centre the other two days. I also enrolled my younger son, who was nearly two at the time. For kindergarten, I had to pack his lunchbox, so he always knew which centre he was going to. Whenever he realised he was headed to this daycare, he would cry again and the same happened with his younger brother. There were already red flags. I personally witnessed educators mishandling children and brought this to the centre’s attention. But I never imagined my own children might have been directly impacted. Sadly, we now believe they were. After leaving the centre in 2023, my younger son still reacted with fear at the mention of going back crying and screaming even when we simply drove past. I asked questions, but my kids were too young to articulate what had happened. Now in 2025, something finally came to light. Just this week, my older son told his younger brother that “Ponam the scary lady” (the assistant manager at the time) no longer worked there. When I asked why she was scary, he said she used to scare us and hit children. He also described educators who twisted the ears of “naughty boys” and dragged them into time-out. Hearing this as a parent was sickening. My younger son doesn’t recall the details, but his fear said enough. Both of my children were emotionally affected by their time at this centre, and it’s something we’re still unpacking years later. Since moving towns and enrolling in a new daycare, both boys have completely different attitudes , they love their teachers, feel safe, and genuinely enjoy their time. I am writing this review because no child should be scared of the people meant to care for them. And no parent should be left with years of regret and unanswered questions.

I have been a parent at the centre for 4years. I have 2 past kinder graduates & 2 currently at the centre. The staff are wonderful& caring ! Centre & Assistant Manager are experienced, funny & kind. Both have 10+ years in the industry & extensive knowledge about supportive child care practices. Not forgetting the amazing Educators who do an exceptional job caring and nurturing the children. My children have started in the Nursery room and moved up through the toddler & kinder rooms. Staff are very supportive of families and do their best to help in any way possible. I used to live within walking distance but moved about a 10mins drive away. I had an orientation at a centre close by and didn’t feel like the centre was anything like what we are used to. We are used the the spark and friendly, smiling faces ! Goodstart Cranbourne East provides a great environment where your child with learn, grow and build healthy, relationships. I give them 5stars for the outstanding service they provide in our community.

My son has been going here for 2 years now and he couldn’t be happier iv never experienced such an involved director, Belinda and Michelle are the reasons why I chose this centre at the start every single one of the educators are so welcoming and we feel confident that we can go to work and know that he is safe and happy.

Honestly the best daycare in the area my little one started attending this daycare after being mistreated by a previous daycare and the obvious change in behavior was amazing. Two weeks in and she would be waking asking To go to daycare in such excitement. Communication from the educators are amazing, Belinda and Jordan are great, easy going and very understanding of any issues that occur. I'm glad I found somewhere that myself and my husband 100% trust.

My son had been going to Goodstart for last couple of years. We have had the best experience with them especially Belinda. She has been great support throughout. Everytime, I bring concern to her, she would address it personally and make sure its resolved.

As part of the Goodstart Cranbourne East family for 3½ years and counting. We are truly greatfull for the supported they have offered us over the years. We owe so much to all of the educators our boys have/had and know that they have made a massive mark on their education. We highly recommend them.