Hawthorn Childcare & Kindergarten
Campus Overview
Only About Children Hawthorn is a childcare centre with ample space to create, explore and lead their own play in all of our four dedicated outdoor areas. Our Kinder space has a vast play area with a large sandpit and slides, and our toddler space overlooks the Melbourne City skyline. Our five age-based indoor spaces are specifically designed to encourage children to learn and grow with a focus on safety and natural elements.
Children at our Hawthorn campus enjoy –
- Our expansive, dedicated outdoor play spaces, including a large sandpit and slides and plenty of space for children to explore, create and lead their own play.
- Our age-based indoor spaces that have been specifically created to encourage children in their learning and growth, with a focus on safety and natural elements.
- Our dedicated team of bilingual Educators who are fluent in languages including Mandarin, Korean, Cantonese, Afrikaans and English.
- Getting out into our local community through planned excursions and community activities that build on our educational curriculum and the children’s interests. These include regular visits to the local parks and coffee shops and incursions to learn about indigenous culture and the importance of bees!
- Passionate educators and allied health specialists who are focused on creating a learning space where families and children can learn and grow together.
- A leading nutrition, health and wellbeing offering which includes a Dietitian designed seasonal menu and fresh meals prepared daily in-house by our campus cooks
- All-inclusive offering including our daily app diary updates, nappies, formula, bedding, sunscreen and more.
At Only About Children Hawthorn, we offer More Than Childcare. Our unique approach to early years learning goes beyond education to encompass the health, social development and wellbeing of every child in our care. We call it The OAC Way.
Our innovative play-based Grow Curriculum gives Nursery, Toddler and Kindergarten children the best opportunity to develop their growing minds during their early years. It includes:
- Left Brain Logic – Literacy & Language, Exploration & STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math) and Sustainability
- Right Brain Creativity – Music, Dramatic Play and Art
- Health and Wellbeing – Physical Activity and Nutrition
- Social Development – Trust, Respect & Relationship and Resilience & Mindfulness
Our Grow curriculum is delivered via intentional teaching in dynamic small group learning environments where children’s successes, skills and challenges are monitored on an ongoing basis.
OAC Flexi (occasional care) is available at our Hawthorn Campus. This option is for families wishing to utilise occasional or back up childcare at short notice. OAC Flexi is available in 2 sessions, full day or part day and is available for children aged 12 weeks – 5 years old.
Where to find us
Our beautiful purpose-built three-level Hawthorn Childcare Centre is conveniently located at 140-142 Barkers Road, Hawthorn, just across from Xavier College, with several private schools and public schools within the local Hawthorn area. We are close to public transport. With onsite parking provided, families can enjoy an efficient drop off and pick up every visit.
Interested in learning more? The best place to start is with a tour or call us today on 138 622.
Hawthorn Nursery (6 weeks – 2 years)
At Only About Children Hawthorn, our passionate educators nurture curiosity, confidence and early learning for infants aged 6 weeks to 2 years. Our safe, stimulating environment combines structured routines with nurturing care and play.
Our Hawthorn Nursery Program includes:
- Age-appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments.
- Sleeping rooms with a focus on positive sleep practices.
- Dietitian-designed baby menus with daily meals and snacks.
- All baby essentials provided, including nappies, cots, linen, and sunscreen.
- Balanced structured and unstructured play-based learning through the Grow curriculum
Download the Only About Children Nursery Room Guide to learn more.
Hawthorn Toddlers (2-3 years)
Our Only About Children Hawthorn, our toddler rooms provide a calm ,welcoming space that balances play, exploration, and learning. Passionate educators deliver play-based learning activities that support growth, problem solving, creativity and peer interaction.
Our Hawthorn Toddler program includes:
- Safe age appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments.
- Balanced structured and unstructured play-based learning through the Grow curriculum
- Small group learning activities.
- Dietitian-designed menus with daily meals and snacks.
- Calm sleeping and resting rooms.
Download the Only About Children Toddler Room Guide to learn more.
Hawthorn Kindergarten (3-5 years)
At Only About Children Hawthorn, our kindergarten program is designed to give children aged 3-5 the strongest start to school. Led by qualified early childhood teachers, we focus on building school-ready skills through a balance of structured learning and play. Our Hawthorn kindergarten is part of the Victorian Government Free Kinder program, plus recognised with the Kinder Tick.
What’s Included in Our Hawthorn Kindergarten program:
- A play-based Grow curriculum covering literacy, STEM, sustainability, art, and music
- Individual learning and development plans with regular progress check-ins
- School-ready structure with core learning hours from 9am–3pm
- Long daycare hours for added flexibility and social growth
- Fully aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS).
- Health and Social Development support in preparation for school, including free Vision Screening
Download the Only About Children Kindergarten Room Guide to explore how we support your child’s school transition.
Helpful Info
Childcare Subsidy
For more information, visit our Childcare Subsidy Information (CCS)
Our Learning Spaces
Contact Us
- Open hours: Mon-Fri 7:15am – 6:15pm
- Phone: 138 622
- 140-142 Barkers Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122
Important Information
Under these standards, childcare services are assessed and rated against the seven quality areas, 18 standards, and 58 elements that make up the NQS. Click here to find out more about the NQS quality areas, standards, and elements.
Meet our Campus Director
Mel Theodorakopoulos
Mel Theodorakopoulos is the Campus Director at Hawthorn, bringing 20 years of experience in early childhood education, including 15 years in leadership roles. She holds a Diploma of Children’s Services and a Certificate III in Pre- and Post-Natal Care.
As both a director and a mum, Mel understands firsthand the trust families place in educators. She sees it as a privilege to be part of a child’s early learning journey and is committed to creating a warm, supportive environment for children, families, and educators. With a child-led approach, she believes in empowering children to develop confidence, independence, and a strong sense of self.
Living locally in Richmond, Mel has worked across Yarra and Boroondara for the past seven years, giving her valuable insight into the local community and its unique opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys camping with her family, watching Formula 1, and getting lost in a good book.
Mel Theodorakopoulos is the Campus Director at Hawthorn, bringing 20 years of experience in early childhood education, including 15 years in leadership roles. She holds a Diploma of Children’s Services and a Certificate III in Pre- and Post-Natal Care.
As both a director and a mum, Mel understands firsthand the trust families place in educators. She sees it as a privilege to be part of a child’s early learning journey and is committed to creating a warm, supportive environment for children, families, and educators. With a child-led approach, she believes in empowering children to develop confidence, independence, and a strong sense of self.
Living locally in Richmond, Mel has worked across Yarra and Boroondara for the past seven years, giving her valuable insight into the local community and its unique opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys camping with her family, watching Formula 1, and getting lost in a good book.
Mel Theodorakopoulos
Campus Director
Mel Theodorakopoulos is the Campus Director at Hawthorn, bringing 20 years of experience in early childhood education, including 15 years in leadership roles. She holds a Diploma of Children’s Services and a Certificate III in Pre- and Post-Natal Care.
As both a director and a mum, Mel understands firsthand the trust families place in educators. She sees it as a privilege to be part of a child’s early learning journey and is committed to creating a warm, supportive environment for children, families, and educators. With a child-led approach, she believes in empowering children to develop confidence, independence, and a strong sense of self.
Living locally in Richmond, Mel has worked across Yarra and Boroondara for the past seven years, giving her valuable insight into the local community and its unique opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys camping with her family, watching Formula 1, and getting lost in a good book.
Here’s what our families have to say
Take a look around - view our campus tour
Hawthorn Campus Community
