Finding Childcare in Australia as a New Migrant

Childcare Types in Australia

Long day care: Full-time care (typically 7 am–6 pm). Best for working parents. Centres care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Most expensive option but government subsidy reduces costs significantly. Average cost: AUD 100–150 per day before subsidy.

Family day care: A carer looks after children (usually 6 weeks to 12 years) in their home. More flexible, smaller groups, often cheaper than centre care. Cost: AUD 80–120 per day before subsidy.

Preschool (kindergarten): Part-time education (2–15 hours per week). For children aged 3–5 years. Focuses on learning and socialisation. Usually AUD 15–50 per session.

Out-of-School Hours Care (OSHC): Before and after school, plus school holidays. For school-aged children. Cost: AUD 20–40 per session.

Nanny or informal care: Private arrangement with a carer. Most flexible but no government support. Cost varies widely (AUD 25–40 per hour typically).

Child Care Subsidy Explained

The Australian government funds the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to help families afford care. The subsidy is means-tested—how much you get depends on your income.

Who qualifies:
- Permanent residents
- Skilled Independent (189) visa holders
- Sponsored visa holders (190, 482)
- Partner visas (300, 801, 802)
- Some temporary visa holders (ask the Department of Social Services)

How much:
- Family income below AUD 70k: up to 90% subsidy
- Income AUD 70k–160k: subsidy reduces gradually (90% to 20%)
- Income AUD 160k–185k: minimum 20% subsidy
- Income above AUD 185k: no subsidy

Activity test: You must meet work or study requirements. Typically 8+ hours per week of work, study, or approved voluntary work.

How to apply:
1. Set up your myGov account (see setting up myGov)
2. Link to the Department of Social Services
3. Use the Starting Early app to find services and apply
4. Upload proof of income and activity
5. Receive approval (usually within 2–3 weeks)

The subsidy is paid directly to the childcare provider, reducing your out-of-pocket cost.

Finding Childcare

Step 1: Register on Starting Early

Visit startingearly.gov.au and sign in with your myGov account. Search by location, type of care, and ages your children need. You can see available services, waitlist status, and cost estimates.

Step 2: Contact Providers Directly

Call or visit centres to ask about waitlist positions, orientation, and enrolment fees. Don't assume online information is current—staffing and capacity change.

Step 3: Visit in Person

See the facility, meet staff, observe interactions with children. Ask about:
- Staff-to-child ratios
- Curriculum and learning approach
- Sick child policy
- Dietary requirements handling
- Emergency procedures
- Communication methods (daily reports, apps)

Step 4: Compare Costs

Ask about:
- Out-of-pocket cost after subsidy
- Additional fees (registration, excursions, late pickup)
- Billing cycle (weekly, fortnightly, monthly)
- Payment methods accepted
- Fee waiver policies if your child is sick

Step 5: Enrol (Once a Spot Opens)

Get onto waitlists immediately—some services have waiting periods of 6–12 months. Pay any enrolment fee and sign the terms and conditions.

Step 6: Prepare Your Child

If your child hasn't been in care before, allow a settling-in period (usually 2–4 weeks). Start with short sessions and gradually increase. Consistency helps.

Cost Breakdown

Long day care (AUD 120/day example):
- Full cost: AUD 120/day × 5 days = AUD 600/week
- CCS at 85% subsidy: AUD 510 subsidy
- Your cost: AUD 90/week or AUD 360/month

Family day care (AUD 100/day example):
- Full cost: AUD 100/day × 5 days = AUD 500/week
- CCS at 85% subsidy: AUD 425 subsidy
- Your cost: AUD 75/week or AUD 300/month

Preschool (AUD 40/session example, 3 sessions/week):
- Full cost: AUD 40 × 3 = AUD 120/week
- CCS covers up to 36 hours/week for ages 3–5; preschool may be fully covered
- Your cost: Often AUD 0–30/week (state-dependent)

Budget AUD 300–500/month per child in long day care after subsidy. This varies by location and provider.

Common Pitfalls

Waiting until you arrive to register: Waitlists are 3–12 months. Register on Starting Early before you move.

Missing the activity test requirement: You must work or study to claim the subsidy. Sole carers on visa restrictions may not qualify.

Not checking visa eligibility early: Some temporary visas don't qualify. Verify before committing to care.

Underestimating fees: Many providers charge additional fees (enrolment, excursions, meals). Ask for a full fee schedule upfront.

Changing providers without planning: Notice periods are usually 2–4 weeks. Switching suddenly leaves gaps and costs.

Assuming all providers accept the subsidy: Most do, but confirm before enrolling. Some private providers don't.

Not updating myGov after income changes: If your income changes, report it. Incorrect reporting can lead to debts.

Childcare Options by City

Sydney (NSW): High demand, waitlists often 6–12 months. Long day care costs AUD 120–160/day. Family day care more available.

Melbourne (VIC): Similar high demand. Slightly cheaper on average (AUD 110–150/day). Preschool is well-established.

Brisbane (QLD): Growing demand, waitlists 3–6 months. Costs AUD 100–130/day. More outdoor play focus.

Perth (WA): Lower demand, shorter waitlists (1–3 months). Costs AUD 90–120/day. Family day care popular.

Adelaide (SA): Good availability, reasonable waitlists (2–4 months). Costs AUD 80–110/day.

Key Contacts

- Starting Early: startingearly.gov.au or call 1300 135 708
- myGov setup: mygov.au
- Department of Social Services: dss.gov.au or 1300 653 227
- Childcare Quality Standards: acecqa.gov.au

Quality Standards

All childcare in Australia must meet the National Quality Standards set by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Services are rated on:
- Educational programs
- Children's health and safety
- Relationships with children
- Leadership and service management

Check a provider's rating on acecqa.gov.au before enrolling. Ratings are Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, or Needs Improvement.

Practical Next Steps

1. This week: Set up your myGov account. Register on Starting Early and search for services.
2. Next 2–3 days: Contact top 5 providers and ask about waitlists. Get on them immediately.
3. Next 1–2 weeks: Visit facilities in person. Ask about activity test requirements and subsidy eligibility.
4. Apply for subsidy: Once you have an Australian address and identity proof. Processing takes 2–3 weeks.
5. Before care starts: Update your information if income or circumstances change.