← Back to AC878 Guides
Complete Childcare Types Guide
Find the perfect care for your family in Australia
Quick Comparison
Long Day Care: Birth-5, full-time, $80-150/day
Family Day Care: Birth-12, home-based, $70-120/day
Preschool: 3-5 years, educational focus, $50-120/day
OSHC: 5-12 years, before/after school, $30-60/day
Understanding Australian Childcare
Australia offers various childcare options to support working families. The government provides Child Care Subsidy to help with costs, covering 0-90% of fees depending on your family income.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Overview
Subsidy Rates 2025:
- • $80,000 income: 90% subsidy
- • $100,000 income: 78% subsidy
- • $200,000 income: 30% subsidy
- • $530,000+ income: 0% subsidy
Activity Requirements:
- • Both parents work/study 8+ hours/fortnight
- • Up to 100 hours subsidy per fortnight
- • Higher hours for study/volunteer work
- • Special consideration for single parents
Long Day Care Centres
Long day care centres are the most common childcare option, typically operating 12 hours per day, 50 weeks per year.
What is Long Day Care?
- Age Range: Birth to 5-6 years (until school age)
- Operating Hours: Usually 6:30am - 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Group Size: Regulated ratios - 1:4 for babies, 1:15 for 4-5 year olds
- Educational Program: Structured learning activities and free play
- Meals: Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea provided
Costs and Fees
| Location | Daily Fee Range | With 90% Subsidy | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney CBD | $120-180 | $12-18/day | Nappies, sunscreen, excursions |
| Melbourne Inner | $110-160 | $11-16/day | Uniform, special programs |
| Brisbane Suburbs | $90-130 | $9-13/day | Meals (sometimes), equipment |
| Regional Areas | $70-110 | $7-11/day | Transport, special events |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- • Regulated standards and qualified staff
- • Educational programs and school readiness
- • Social interaction with children
- • Long operating hours for working parents
- • Subsidised by government
- • Consistent care and routines
Disadvantages
- • Higher costs than family day care
- • Less flexibility in hours
- • Higher chance of illness spread
- • Less individual attention
- • Waiting lists in popular areas
- • More formal environment
Family Day Care
Family day care provides childcare in a home-based environment by registered educators.
How Family Day Care Works
- Location: Educators own home or approved venue
- Age Range: Birth to 12 years (before and after school care)
- Group Size: Maximum 7 children, including educators own children
- Hours: More flexible, often 6am-7pm, some weekends
- Coordination: Managed by Family Day Care service providers
Benefits for Chinese Australian Families
- Cultural Understanding: Many Chinese-speaking educators available
- Familiar Food: Home-cooked meals, dietary requirements understood
- Language Development: Bilingual environment possible
- Extended Family Feel: Mixed age groups, like having siblings
- Flexible Hours: Better for shift work or irregular schedules
Finding Family Day Care
1
Use Government Portal
Visit mychild.gov.au to search by location, languages spoken, and special requirements.
2
Contact Coordination Unit
Family Day Care services match you with suitable educators based on your needs and preferences.
3
Meet Potential Educators
Visit their home, discuss routines, ask about experience, and see if its a good fit for your family.
Preschool and Kindergarten
Preschool focuses on preparing children for school through structured educational activities.
Preschool vs Kindergarten by State
| State/Territory | Term Used | Age | Hours per Week | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Preschool | 3-5 years | 15 hours (subsidised) | $50-120/day |
| VIC | Kindergarten | 3-5 years | 15 hours (subsidised) | Free-$50/day |
| QLD | Kindy | 4-5 years | 15 hours (funded) | Free in state schools |
| SA | Preschool | 4-5 years | 15 hours (funded) | Free in government |
Types of Preschool Settings
Community Preschools
- • Non-profit organisations
- • Parent committee involvement
- • Lower fees
- • Strong community focus
Long Day Care Preschool
- • Preschool within childcare centre
- • Longer hours available
- • Convenient for working parents
- • Higher fees but more flexible
Mobile Preschools
- • Visits rural/remote areas
- • Qualified teachers travel
- • Free or low cost
- • Part-time programs
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
OSHC provides care for school-aged children before school, after school, and during school holidays.
Types of OSHC Programs
- Before School Care: 6:30am-8:30am, breakfast and activities
- After School Care: 3:00pm-6:30pm, homework help and play
- Vacation Care: School holidays, full-day programs with excursions
- Pupil Free Days: Care when school is closed for staff training
OSHC Costs and Subsidy
| Service Type | Daily Fee | With 90% Subsidy | What Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before School Care | $25-40 | $2.50-4.00 | Breakfast, activities, school drop-off |
| After School Care | $35-60 | $3.50-6.00 | Afternoon tea, homework, activities |
| Vacation Care | $60-120 | $6.00-12.00 | Full day, meals, excursions |
| Pupil Free Days | $50-100 | $5.00-10.00 | Full day program, lunch |
Nannies and Au Pairs
Private childcare in your home offers maximum flexibility but doesnt qualify for government subsidy.
Types of In-Home Care
Professional Nanny
- Cost: $25-40+ per hour
- Qualifications: Childcare cert, first aid, police check
- Employment: You are the employer
- Duties: Child-focused care only
- Benefits: One-on-one attention, flexible schedule
Au Pair
- Cost: $200-300 pocket money + room/board
- Visa: Working Holiday or student visa
- Cultural exchange: Learn English, experience Australia
- Duties: Light housework + childcare
- Hours: Usually 25-30 hours per week
Legal Requirements for Nannies
Employer Obligations
- Superannuation: Pay super if earning $450+ per month
- WorkCover: Workers compensation insurance required
- Tax: Withhold PAYG tax if required
- Pay slip: Provide record of hours and pay
- Fair Work: Follow minimum wage and leave entitlements
Choosing the Right Childcare
Decision Matrix
| Factor | Long Day Care | Family Day Care | Preschool | Nanny |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (with subsidy) | Medium | Low-Medium | Low | High |
| Flexibility | Low | High | Low | Highest |
| Social Development | High | Medium | High | Low |
| Individual Attention | Low | High | Medium | Highest |
| Educational Focus | Medium | Low-Medium | High | Variable |
| Regulation | High | Medium | High | Low |
Questions to Ask Providers
Quality and Safety
- • What is your National Quality Standard rating?
- • How do you handle emergencies and incidents?
- • What are your policies on nutrition and allergies?
- • How do you communicate with parents daily?
- • What is your staff turnover rate?
Practical Matters
- • What are the exact fees and payment terms?
- • How much notice for vacation/sick leave?
- • Do you provide meals and what type?
- • What is the policy on late pickups?
- • Are there any additional costs?
Application and Waiting Lists
When to Start Looking
- Popular areas (inner city): Apply 12-18 months before needed
- Most suburbs: Apply 6-12 months ahead
- Regional areas: Apply 3-6 months ahead
- Emergency care: Contact multiple services, consider temporary options
Application Process
1
Research and Visit
Use mychild.gov.au to find services. Visit in person during operating hours to observe programs.
2
Submit Applications
Apply to multiple services. Most require application fee ($25-100). Submit birth certificate and immunisation records.
3
Wait for Offer
Priority often given to working parents, existing families, and local residents. Stay in regular contact.
4
Accept and Enrol
Pay bond (usually 2 weeks fees). Complete enrolment forms and arrange settling-in visits.
Special Considerations for Chinese Families
Language and Culture
Bilingual Development
- • Choose services that value cultural diversity
- • Ask about Mandarin/Cantonese speaking staff
- • Discuss continuing Chinese at home
- • Consider Saturday Chinese schools
- • Maintain cultural celebrations
Dietary Requirements
- • Discuss Chinese food preferences
- • Ask about accommodating dietary restrictions
- • Check if rice/noodles are regular options
- • Ensure understanding of food allergies
- • Consider bringing lunch from home
Finding Chinese-Speaking Services
- Community networks: Ask other Chinese parents for recommendations
- WeChat groups: Local parent groups share experiences and advice
- Chinese community centres: Often have lists of culturally sensitive services
- Early childhood organisations: Some specialize in multicultural families
- Government resources: Filter search by languages spoken on mychild.gov.au
Financial Planning for Childcare
Annual Childcare Costs (After Subsidy)
| Family Income | Subsidy Rate | Annual Out-of-Pocket (1 child) | Weekly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | 90% | $2,600-5,200 | $50-100 |
| $100,000 | 78% | $5,720-11,440 | $110-220 |
| $150,000 | 54% | $11,960-23,920 | $230-460 |
| $200,000 | 30% | $18,200-36,400 | $350-700 |
Budgeting Tips
Reduce Costs
- • Maximize government subsidies by working minimum hours
- • Consider family day care over long day care
- • Use grandparents or informal care when possible
- • Compare fees across multiple providers
- • Ask about sibling discounts
Plan Ahead
- • Budget 15-30% of household income for childcare
- • Set up automatic savings for childcare costs
- • Consider salary sacrificing options
- • Plan for school holiday care costs
- • Factor in additional costs (excursions, supplies)
Quality and Safety Standards
National Quality Standard
All approved childcare services are assessed against the National Quality Standard and rated:
Rating System
- Excellent: Exceeds National Quality Standard
- Good: Meets National Quality Standard
- Working Towards: Some areas need improvement
- Significant Improvement: Major issues identified
Check Ratings
- • Visit acecqa.gov.au for ratings
- • Ask providers about their rating
- • Read assessment reports
- • Consider ratings alongside visits
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Start looking early - waiting lists can be 12-18 months in popular areas
- ✓ Government subsidy available - 0-90% depending on family income
- ✓ Multiple options exist - long day care, family day care, preschool, OSHC
- ✓ Visit services in person - observe programs and ask questions
- ✓ Consider cultural needs - language, food, and cultural sensitivity
- ✓ Budget 15-30% of income - even with subsidy, childcare is significant cost
- ✓ Check quality ratings - use National Quality Standard ratings as guide