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Dashing Ducks

Dashing Ducks Pre-School Logo
Dashing Ducks Pre-School logo

Childcare & Daycare in Croydon

Looking for child care Croydon families genuinely recommend? Dashing Ducks is a family-owned centre in the Inner West offering long day care and preschool for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, open 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

We spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning in every child. Our child care Croydon programs are play-based, with fresh chef-made meals, nappies included and educators who stay for years.

We are approved for the Child Care Subsidy and rated against the National Quality Framework. You can book a tour or compare our Castle Hill centre any weekday.

Friendly, Experienced Child Care Croydon Team

Educator and children at Dashing Ducks Croydon child care centre

Family-Owned, always

Paula and Des — owners of Dashing Ducks Pre-School Castle Hill

Nutritious Meals daily

Inside the Dashing Ducks child care centre Castle Hill

Our Day Care in Croydon Helps Children Thrive

Nappies Provided

On-site chef

Transition to school

Character Development

on-site parking

learn through play

Friendly educators

heritage-listed

STEM classes

Transition to school

Large outdoor area

Take A Virtual Tour Of Our Service

Families Talk About Dashing Ducks Child Care Croydon

"Dashing Ducks Croydon Child Care is such an amazing centre. We fell in love with it from day one and our view hasn’t changed one bit! It’s very clean and the educators are absolutely wonderful and caring which is what we were looking for. They go above and beyond to ensure each child is feeling safe and comfortable.I couldn’t recommend this centre enough, it really is a home away from home for my child."The love, patience, and genuine care you’ve shown Boris have meant the world to our family."
Childcare quality recognition badge
Chris D. Dad
"My daughter has been at Dashing Ducks Day Care for the past 6 months and we couldn’t be happier. The Centre is so clean and well maintained, the resources and facilities in the centre are fantastic and all of the staff and educators are so friendly, happy and helpful. The communication with parents is amazing we are so impressed with the high quality of love and care that they provide the children. We are so happy to be part of the Dashing Ducks family."
Recognised childcare provider badge
Vanessa C. Mum
"My son is very happy every day he comes home from Dashing Ducks. The educators show so much love and care towards him. They plan lots of fun, interactive experiences suitable for my son who joined Dashing Ducks when he was only 6 months old. From the beginning I have always felt reassured that he is cared for and looked after while I am at work."
Early childhood education award badge
Ryan H. Dad
"My daughter has been going to Dashing Ducks Pre School for the past three and half months and absolutely loves it!The centre is spotlessly clean, the educators are amazing and she is thriving. Being a first time mum, I was really anxious putting her into daycare when I returned to work, but it makes it so much easier when she is so happy to go and loves her time there.It is an amazing centre with such caring staff"
Recognised childcare provider badge
Roanna B. Mum
"Our son has attended Dashing Ducks Croydon for just over 12 months and absolutely loves it. The educators take extremely good care of him and he thrives off the structure & daily activities. The daycare is super clean & the outdoor area is large & well covered allowing for plenty of outside playtime. I would highly recommend Dashing Ducks Pre School."
Early childhood education award badge
Amanda A. Mum
"We've been attending Dashing Ducks Croydon since it opened. This is the second centre my children (ages 4 and 1.5) have attended, and I am so glad we came across. The educators are beautiful--incredibly caring, loving and attentive to the kids. The Director, Roisin, and owners, Paula and Des, are absolutely fantastic. I really trust their heart and their judgment. It's really nice not being part of a big chain (where we came from). This centre has a lovely family vibe. The two way-communication is excellent. And the facilities and resources have not been spared in any way--it's a gorgeous and unique building (3 heritage homes combined together) and a great, massive outdoor space. Highly recommend!"
Recognised childcare provider badge
Angela P. Mum

Our Service is Homely & Modern

Child Care in Croydon
Child Care in Croydon
Preschool Croydon
Day Care Croydon
Best Day Care in Croydon
Day Care in the Inner West

Nappies Provided

On-site chef

Transition to school

Character Development

on-site parking

learn through play

Friendly educators

heritage-listed

STEM classes

Transition to school

Large outdoor area

Inspiring Rooms & Creative Activities

We bring learning to life with engaging activities, real-world connections, and a focus on making every moment exciting.

Babies Room

Children engaged in learning activities at Dashing Ducks Castle Hill

Toddlers Room

castle hill toddlers room

Preschool Room

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Dashing Ducks Child Care Castle Hill

Discover Fun and Engaging Care for Your Child

Our programs offer a dynamic blend of interactive activities, creative exercises, and educational games that make learning at our Croydon child care exciting and enjoyable.

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Happy Families

Preschool Croydon: A Gentle Start in the Inner West

Finding a preschool, daycare or child care in Croydon that feels like a second home takes time. Whether you are after long day care or childcare in Croydon, the right fit makes all the difference. At Dashing Ducks, families across Croydon, Burwood, Strathfield and Ashfield trust us with their youngest children because we get the early years right.Our nursery program accepts children from 6 weeks of age. Every room is designed around the developmental stage of babies and toddlers: calm spaces for sleep, sensory-rich areas for exploration, and warm educators who build genuine bonds with each child. We follow the Early Years Learning Framework and our programs are tailored to where each child actually is, not where they are supposed to be at a given age.Our open-door policy, daily communication and low educator-to-child ratios give you real visibility into your child’s day from drop-off to pick-up, so going back to work does not mean going in the dark.Looking to join our team? Discover our current child care jobs in Croydon.

Child Care Subsidy at Our Croydon Centre

Most families at our Croydon centre pay considerably less than the advertised daily fee once the Child Care Subsidy is applied. Enter your family income and the hours you need below to see your estimated CCS percentage and what you would actually pay per day at Dashing Ducks Croydon.

Estimate your Child Care Subsidy

Based on our average daily fee of $150 at Dashing Ducks Croydon. Exact fees vary by room.

What you'd pay

Government pays You pay
Your CCS rate
Subsidy per day
Est. annual saving
Book A Tour
Estimate only, based on current CCS rates and an 11-hour session. Services Australia sets your actual rate. Every eligible family gets at least 72 subsidised hours a fortnight under the 3 Day Guarantee.

Want the full picture? Our child care fees and subsidy guide covers current CCS rates by income, the hourly rate cap, the 3 Day Guarantee, the 5% withholding on your first bill, and exactly what is included in our daily fee at both Croydon and Castle Hill.

See Our Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our FAQ section for answers to common queries about our service, payment, and more

What makes Dashing Ducks different from other childcare centres?

We are a family-owned centre with over 30 years in the community. That means every decision is made with children and families in mind, not corporate policies. We focus on personalised care, long-term educators and programs designed to inspire curiosity and confidence.

What ages do you cater for?

We welcome children from 6 weeks to school age, with programs tailored to each stage of development.

What is your approach to learning?

We use a play-based learning approach, guided by the Early Years Learning Framework. This helps children learn through exploration, imagination and hands-on experiences while building important social, emotional and problem-solving skills.

Do you provide meals?

Yes. We have an on-site chef who prepares fresh, nutritious meals each day, catering for a range of dietary needs.

How do you keep parents updated on their child’s day?

We use a secure online platform where parents can see updates, photos and learning stories in real time.

Can I visit before enrolling my child?

Absolutely. We encourage families to book a tour so you can meet our educators, see our learning spaces and experience our warm, welcoming environment.

How much are the fees?

Fees vary depending on the centre location, your child’s age and the number of days they attend. We are happy to provide a personalised quote and help you understand any Child Care Subsidy you may be eligible for. Fees start from $150 per day, however subsidies are available for Australian families via the Child Care Subsidy.

Do you currently have vacancies?

We currently have vacancies for ages 0–6 at our Croydon centre, but spots are filling fast. We recommend booking a tour early to secure your preferred days.

What are your opening hours?

Our centres are generally open from early morning (7am) to early evening (6pm), making it easier for working families. Hours can vary slightly by location, so please check with your local centre.

Are nappies and other essentials provided?

Yes. We provide nappies, wipes, sunscreen and other daily essentials so you can have peace of mind knowing your child has everything they need.

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