Types of Child Care Services in Australia
Pre-School Age Children (Aged 0-5 years)
Long day care is provided in a child care centre. The centres are usually open for 10 or more hours per day, five days per week and usually take children aged from about 6 weeks to school age. The centre may have 30-50 children in attendance each day.
Family Day Care is a child care service where care is provided for small groups of children (usually four to five) in the home of an approved carer. Click here for more information about Family Day Care services
Occasional Care is a service that provides intermittent care for children aged 0–5 years. Unlike Long Day Care or Family Day Care, where children must be enrolled for particular days each week, this service provides flexible care for one-off or short term needs. Click here for more information about Occasional Care services.
Preschools specifically target children 3-5 years of age in preparation for school. Hours of operation vary but most are open for less than 8 hours per day (shorter than long day care centres). They are operated by community organizations, local councils or private operators. There are some Government run preschools (often attached to local schools) but these usually target children with special needs (eg disabilities). For information about preschools in your area contact the Child and Family Information Referral Service on Phone 1800 803 820.
School Age Children – Out Of School Hours Care (Aged 5 years and above)
Some schools or groups in the local community provide before-school and after- school care for children who attend school. This is often called out of school hours care. Programs may also be held during the school holidays.
You should check with your child’s school for local services.
Various organizations, including government departments, run school holiday activities. Check School Holiday Programs on this website by clicking here. You should also check with your child’s school for local activities which may be available.
More Information
For a more detailed description of the types of child care available in Australia check the Depart of Community Services website
|