Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
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Child care: getting started

By Raising Children Network
 
 

The key with making child care work is to do what suits you and your child best.

Signing up early for child care

Thinking well ahead is a must if you want your child to go to the child care service of your choice. For example, you might have limited choice in your area, or be unaware of what kinds of waiting lists exist.

To find available child care places in your area, phone 1800 670 305, a national hotline funded by the Australian Government to help parents find child care vacancies.

Reasons for organising child care early include:

  • the high demand for places
  • most formal child care services have waiting lists
  • regional and rural areas often have limited child care facilities.

It’s a good idea to register your child with services even if you are only considering a return to work or other change. Taking the time to register will mean you have the option.

Occasional care centres and play groups, which are funded by the government to offer support and respite for at-home parents, can also fill fast.

Starting child care: what age?

There is no best time to start child care; it depends on what suits your family and child. Two in five mothers return to work before their child’s first birthday.

Research shows that any child care must be good quility child care. There are some advantages to having your children, especially a newborn, at home longer, including:

  • easier breastfeeding
  • a chance for you and your child to bond
  • time to get to know your child
  • one-to-one nuturing contact with your child.

The first time you leave your child in care, no matter what his age, is likely to be a challenging time. Some children will cry the first few times you leave them, but things usually get easier after this. Having a good relationship with your child care worker is a good start. Having a chat with staff will let you know if your child is having trouble settling in.

Choosing care for your child

The different types of child care all offer slightly different things to you and your child.

You might want to have your child cared for in a home environment, or you might prefer the structure and formality of a child care centre. You might try several different types of child care before you find what works best for your family.

To get a better idea of what’s on offer you could visit local child care services or carers to see what you think of them. Trust your own reaction as well as doing back-up research on the options available: if it feels right, chances are it will be right.

If you plan to use a child care centre or family day care, it's a good idea to ask yourself a few different questions.

The program at care

  • Are structured activities, naps and meal times planned? Is this plan well displayed for parents?
  • Is there a chance for quiet time, or rest, during the day?
  • Will staff report back fully on your child’s day?
  • Is there easy-to-access information about the centre’s policies, level of staff training, hygiene and discipline procedures?

The setting

  • Is the environment stimulating and safe?
  • Does the centre/home have a relaxed and happy atmosphere?
  • Do the staff spend time talking to and encouraging the children?

Relationship with parents

  • Do you feel welcome to discuss any issues with staff?
  • Can you and your child do an orientation program?
  • Can you drop in at any time to visit and observe your child in the environment?
  • Will other family members be encouraged to be involved in activities?

Facilities at care

  • Does the centre/home seem bright and interesting, with plenty of light and lots of toys and activities?
  • Will your child have the chance to explore and create?
  • Do toileting, nappy changing and rest times meet individual needs?
  • Is a healthy selection of snacks and drinks offered?
  • Do snacks and meal arrangements meet individual needs? 
  • Check the ratio – for example, is there at least one carer for every four babies?
  • Is there plenty of room and outdoor equipment for your child to enjoy? 

You may also want to know more general information, such as:

  • What happens when my child is sick?
  • Will I pay for days we don’t attend?
  • What happens if I’m late for pick-up?
  • Who else can pick up my child?
  • What do I pack for my child?
  • How can I help my child adjust to child care?
 
 
 
  • Last reviewed08-05-2006