At the official launch last week, Premier John Brumby said the $2.1million centre would provide childcare places for more than 100 children.

Bulldogs players Shane Thorn and Robert Murphy are among the parents who have already enrolled their children.

"The number of births in the Maribyrnong local government area has increased by more than 30per cent in the last 10 years, with more than 1300 babies born in the area each year," Mr Brumby said. "That's 300 more babies than in 2000.

"The centre currently provides kindergarten, occasional and long-day care and will soon offer maternal and child health services, allied health and early intervention services, all in one convenient location for families."

The centre was built with a $500,000 grant from the State Government, $1million from the Federal Government and $600,000 from the club and philanthropic donations. Maribyrnong Council provided the land at a peppercorn rental.

Federal Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand said research showed the first three years of life set the foundations for a child's social, emotional and cognitive development.

Clare Court Child Care Centre in Yarraville will soon undergo a million-dollar redevelopment.