Childcare

Childcare is available in Victoria for young children aged up to 5 years old. The main types of childcare in Victoria are:

• Private childcare centres
• Community childcare centres (not-for-profit centres)
• Family day care - up to four pre-school children are cared for by a carer in the carer's home
• In home care - where children are cared for in their own home by a carer such as a nanny or au pair.

In addition to Childcare, Playgroups are also available - for parents who want to stay with their child while they socialise with other children.

Private and community centre-based care

Private and community based centres are run by qualified staff and are usually open Monday to Friday from 7am - 8am and close 6pm - 7pm. All centres must be licensed and are carefully regulated in Victoria, with strict rules on:

• running and maintaining centres
• the quality of care and food provided
• the number of children in attendance.

You will need to arrange enrolment directly with the childcare centre. Waiting lists are common due to high demand, so it is important to register as soon as possible. For a listing of Victorian childcare centres, visit the Child Care Centres Association of Victoria website.

Family day care

In family day care, individuals care for children aged between six weeks and 5 years old in their own home. The carers do not have to be qualified in childcare and are not licensed like childcare centres, but they must be trained in first aid and have undergone the Working with Children Check. A maximum of four pre-school age children can be cared for at one time. This service is coordinated by local councils or private organisations, who monitor the quality of care provided.

In home care

There is no specific government regulation of nannies or au pairs in Victoria. Nannies are usually supplied by specialist agencies listed in the Yellow Pages. The agency should provide you with references for the nanny they are recommending, and you should check these.

Costs

Centre-based childcare usually costs between A$50 and A$80 dollars per day. Family day care costs between A$4.50 and A$7.50 an hour. Nannies cost between A$10 and A$25 per hour (when they live in your home), and A$15 to A$35 per hour when they live elsewhere. Au pairs live in your home, and receive between A$80 and A$120 per week.

The Australian Government pays part of the cost of some childcare through the Child Care Benefit, provided by Centrelink, the government agency that issues social security payments in Australia. For more information about the Child Care Benefit, visit the Centrelink website.

From July 1 2008, families also receive a rebate of up to 50 percent of their out-of-pocket childcare costs (that is, the cost they pay after the Child Care Benefit has been taken out) from the Australian Government. For more information, download a factsheet about the Child Care Rebate.

How to find local childcare

Most local governments (check their websites) keep a list of the childcare options available in the local area, and may also be able to help with information about costs, vacancies and operating hours.

Playgroups

Playgroup is a regular group where parents and caregivers bring their babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children to socialise. These groups are different to childcare as parents or carers are responsible for the care of their children. Playgroups are a great way to meet other parents in your community. They also provide good opportunities for children to meet other children, and learn social skills.

Playgroups are generally free, or incur a small fee (A$5 to A$10 per session) to cover costs. Some playgroups are supported by a paid worker, who organises the group and activities. Others are run by the parents, or by local councils, pre-schools or community organisations.

Many local councils can provide information about playgroups running in their areas. You should also check with your religious or cultural association, to see if they run a regular group.

For more information and to find a list of local playgroups, visit the Playgroup Victoria website.