Last updated: October 20, 2025
Navigating childcare options in Australia can feel overwhelming, but understanding the main types available helps families make informed choices. Childcare, also known as early childhood education and care, is primarily designed for children up to five years old, though it also includes care for school-age children through outside school hours programs.
The four main types of care are home-based care, centre-based care, family day care, and outside school hours care.
Home-Based Care
Home-based care is when a friend, relative, or babysitter looks after your little ones in your own home. Many families use informal arrangements, like grandparents or other relatives, to provide care.
Babysitters can be useful for occasional support, like appointments or social events. Home-based care can be ideal when other childcare options aren’t available or don’t meet your specific needs.
Centre-Based Care
Centre-based care includes long day care, occasional care, preschools, and kindergartens. Long day care suits families who work regular weekdays, while occasional care is ideal for those with irregular hours or occasional commitments.
Centre-based care offers reliability, qualified early childhood educators, structured learning programs, and opportunities for children to play and socialise with others.
Family Day Care
Family day care is when your children are looked after by an approved educator in the educator’s home. Like centre-based care, it provides structured learning and socialisation opportunities, but often in a quieter, more flexible setting.
However, it may be less predictable than centre-based care, and families may need backup arrangements if the educator is sick or unavailable.
Outside School Hours Care
Outside school hours care supports primary school-age children before and after school, on student-free days, and during school holidays. This centre-based care is designed to help families manage school schedules while making sure children are engaged in safe and structured activities.
Childcare subsidies
The Australian Government offers financial support to make childcare more affordable. Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can cover a significant portion of childcare fees depending on your family income, your child’s age, and the number of hours you work, study, or volunteer.
For some families facing specific circumstances, additional programs and supplements may also be available. If you’re curious about the different subsidies or government programs that might be available to you, chat with your friendly Employment Plus mentor. We’re here to make sure you have the right information and support as you explore your childcare options
Finding the right fit
When exploring childcare options, think about what matters most for your family—whether it’s flexible hours, location, educational programs, cultural alignment, or simply a warm and nurturing environment.
Visiting services, meeting educators, and seeking recommendations can help you feel confident in your choice. Remember, what works best for one family might not be right for another - and that’s okay.
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