Childcare is a necessity for many living in Australia. Cost-of-living pressures often mean both parents must work to provide for the family. Access to childcare is also limited in some parts of the country, and childcare centers often have lengthy waitlists. Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world for childcare; however, the government's childcare subsidy aims to ease the burden on families. Read on to learn about the different types of childcare available in Australia, as well as the eligibility criteria for the childcare subsidy.
Types of childcare in Australia
There are :
- Daycare centers;
- Family daycare;
- Home-based care or Nannies;
- Business-related creches;
- Outside school hours care.
Daycare centers
Daycare centers in Australia operate throughout the week, providing part-time or full-day care for children from infancy to school age. Sometimes referred to as 'long daycare,' the service is aimed at 0-6-year-olds. This type of childcare is widely available throughout the country and can be operated by private businesses, nonprofit organizations, community centers, and local councils.
Daycare centers cover a variety of activities and duties, such as bottle feeding, sleep time, nappy changing and toileting for the youngest in care, and parents are kept updated on their child's routine. Activities for children at childcare can include arts and crafts, rhymes and songs, and cooking activities, all of which contribute to the development of participants' educational and social skills.
Centers are regulated and licensed by the government, ensuring they meet specific standards of safety, quality, and educational programming. Childcare centers provide structured routines, age-appropriate activities, and qualified educators to support children's learning and social development. They tend to cater to much larger groups of children than you would find in family daycare.
Childcare centers in Australia prioritize the well-being and development of children, providing opportunities for social interaction, cognitive growth, and emotional support. They often follow the , a national curriculum framework that guides educational programs for young children. To ensure the highest quality of care, all childcare services in Australia must meet regulatory standards and undergo regular assessments.
In Australia, early learning and childcare are considered the foundation for children to develop both educationally and socially and play-based learning plays a key part in a child's development. Ìý(´¡°ä·¡°ä²Ï´¡) is an independent national authority that works with the government and service providers to improve quality outcomes for children in Australia.
Family daycare
Family daycare in Australia involves care provided in a registered educator's home. It offers a smaller, home-like setting with a more flexible schedule. Family daycare providers are approved and monitored by government authorities, ensuring compliance with regulations and offering a supportive learning environment for children. Websites like  can help you find daycare options in your local area.
Nannies and au pairs
Nannies and au pairs are relatively popular childcare options in Australia, although more families opt for childcare centres. If you can afford a nanny, they can be a great option, providing flexible and personalized care for your children. Nannies are often preferred by families seeking professional caregivers who can offer dedicated care within the home, while au pairs are live-in employees. The popularity of nannies and au pairs varies among different regions and communities within Australia, and there are a number of agencies that can help connect you with a suitable nanny in your area, such as the Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý. Word of mouth is also a popular way to secure a nanny or au pair, with mothers' groups and friends with children often able to offer personal recommendations.
Business-related creches
Some businesses, such as gyms or shopping centers, offer childcare for brief periods of time. For instance, if you want to attend the gym, you can leave your child in the on-site creche with a qualified carer while they play and socialize with other children, allowing you to attend a fitness class or work out with a trainer. Some shopping centers also offer on-site childcare services. This is a more informal type of childcare, but it's a good option to be aware of if you have appointments and errands to run but have no one to rely on for babysitting.
Outside school hours care
If you are in full-time work and your child is now in school, you will still face the dilemma of childcare. The school day varies across the country, but the hours are usually significantly shorter than the standard Australian workday. If you don't have family nearby or an extended support network to help you with school pick-ups, drop-offs and after-school care, things can become quite stressful. Most schools provide services for children whose parents work. Outside school hours care usually takes place on school grounds, with independent companies providing qualified educators to supervise children during games and activities. Parents juggling work and home life can also take advantage of school holiday care programs.
How to secure a childcare place in Australia
Childcare can be highly competitive, so it's essential to start your research early. Waitlists are common, and some people even begin the process while they are pregnant! So putting your child's name down for a place up to a year in advance isn't uncommon in some areas.
The first step is to research services in your local area through a Google search or by word of mouth. Then, if you are already living in Australia, visiting each location is a must. That way, you can get a sense of the facilities and their condition, meet the staff members, and learn about the program and activities. When exploring locations, flexibility will also help you secure a spot. For instance, if you need to commute to work, consider looking for a childcare center near your office as well as one close to home. And put your child's name down on multiple waitlists to increase your chances — don't limit yourself to just one. Places usually become available at the start of each year when children transition to school or other childcare services, so be sure to complete the enrolment process as instructed on the childcare centre's website. Double-check that you have provided all the requested information and documentation, so they don't have a reason to stall or refuse your application.
To register for a place, you will usually need:
- To complete the online form on the center's website;
- Birth certificate;
- Proof of address;
- Medical and allergy information;
- Bank information for payments;
- (for some services — see below).
The Australian Government's ‘No jab, No Pay,' policy was introduced to ensure children are fully immunized by . There is also ‘No jab, No Play,' legislation, which is state-level policy that requires children to be fully immunized to be able to enrol in childcare. However, . If you will be moving to a state or territory that requires your child to be vaccinated, get advice from your family doctor in Australia, who will also be able to help you add any overseas immunizations to the .
Funding for daycare in Australia
In Australia, the government provides assistance for childcare through the  (CCS) program. This program is designed to support families who use approved childcare centers, family daycare, and outside-school-hours care. While government funding is , some families may be eligible for the Ìý±è°ù´Ç²µ°ù²¹³¾, which provides subsidized care for families with complex needs or where other types of childcare are not suitable.
Although vary significantly across the country, typical childcare fees before government assistance range from:
- Childcare center: AUD 70 (USD 46) to AUD 185 (USD 121) per day;
- Family day care: AUD 6 (USD 4) to AUD 17 (USD 11) per hour;
- Nanny: AUD 15 (USD 10) to AUD 35 (USD 23) per hour;
- Live-in Au pair: AUD 170 (USD 111) to AUD 250 (USD 163) per week.
Non-Australian citizens can access the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) program, provided they meet specific . The CCS program is available to families who are Australian citizens, hold a permanent visa, have applied for a permanent visa, or have been granted a visa under a specified category. This means that non-citizens residing in Australia, such as those on temporary visas or with pending permanent visa applications, may also be eligible for the CCS program.
Preschools and kindergartens in Australia
So, what is the difference between preschools, kindergartens, and daycare? Children in Australia typically start school when they turn five or six years old. In the two years before primary school, they attend preschool or kindergarten, which usually offer shorter days than the services provided by childcare centers. Some preschool and kindergarten programs are also offered at daycare centers, and some are fully government-funded, too.
To complicate matters further, different states and territories across Australia use the term' preschool,' while others use 'kindergarten' or 'kindy.' In some instances, the terms are interchangeable. So, if you have small children and are considering the available options, it is advisable to seek out the relevant authority in your area for clarification.
For instance:
- In preschool and kindergarten are the same thing.
- Preschool is for 3-to 5-year-olds in , and the first year of primary school is called kindergarten.
- The terms are interchangeable in , but in 2025, the state is changing four-year-old kindergarten to 'pre-prep'.
- In , children attend kindergarten the year before primary school.
- The term kindergarten is used in and refers to the year before school starts.
- In the , preschool is the year before compulsory schooling, and the first year of primary school is called kindergarten.
- The terms are also interchangeable in the and refer to the year before your child starts school.
- uses the term kindergarten for the year before primary school.
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