Deciding on child care is a very difficult and important decision. Parents need to consider a number of things most importantly what type of child care they want for their child. But how do you decide?

Child care is all about making choices. Parents need to consider whether they want their children cared for in a home environment with a small group of children, in a child care centre, or with family or friends. Parents need to think about the logistics as well – how close is the child care, is it on the way to work? Then there are the questions about the atmosphere and feeling comfortable with the people who will be looking after your child.

It’s a lot to think about and it’s a decision that, with the current situation with child care places being highly sort after, one that you should make sooner that later. Planning when your are still at home with your child is better than rushing at the last minute and possibly not getting what you want. Long day care centres and family day care schemes may have waiting lists so parents should start making enquiries as early as possible.
Below are some points to consider when visiting services or carers:

  • Is the atmosphere relaxed and happy?
  • Are you welcome to visit at any time?
  • Is there an orientation process for new children and parents?
  • Do carers spend time talking to and encouraging the children?
  • Do toileting, nappy changing and rest times meet individual needs?
  • Is there a wide range of toys and activities for the children?
  • Does the service/carer have a planned program of day-to-day activities for the children?
  • Is information readily available about the service's/carer's policies eg. discipline, hygiene procedures?
  • Do you feel welcome to discuss your child and child care policies with carers?
  • Are cultural differences recognised and accepted?
  • Do snacks and meal arrangements meet individual needs?
  • Will your child's individual needs be met?
  • Is the long day care centre participating in the Quality Improvement and Accreditation System? All Commonwealth funded child care services must comply with relevant State or Territory Government licensing regulations. These cover matters such as the number of children the service can care for, safety requirements and the qualifications of carers.
    To be eligible for Commonwealth funding, services must undertake to meet conditions of funding. For long day care centres this includes participating in the Quality Improvement and Accreditation System. From 1 July, 2001 family day care services have been required to participate in the Family Day Care Quality Assurance system. Both systems are administered by the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
    Accreditation assures parents that a service is providing good quality care. Parents are encouraged to visit their child care service and ask how they are progressing through the quality improvement program. For more information on quality child care or the National Childcare Accreditation Council, visit their Internet site at http://www.ncac.gov.au.

It is also important to keep in mind that long day care centres, family day care schemes and outside school hours care services funded by the Commonwealth Government are asked to give priority to parents who are working, studying or training for work, or actively looking for work when allocating places. Remaining vacancies are then offered to parents at home with young children, so you may need to consider private child care services if you do not fit the above categories. Occasional care services and playgroups are funded specifically to assist parents at home.

There are many forms of child care are used in Australia. These include: Aboriginal Playgroups and Enrichment program; Family day care services; In-home care; Long day care centres; Mobile children's services and toy libraries; Multifunctional Aboriginal children's services (MACS); Multifunctional children's services; Occasional care; On-farm care projects; Outside school hours care services; and Vacation care services.

Finally for those parents who need some help choosing a child care service that suits them, the Commonwealth Government has set up the Child Care Access Hotline. This hotline provides information about child care services in your area; types of child care available; quality issues; and whether you might be eligible for government financial assistance.
Various child care options such as long day care, family day care, in-home care, outside school hours care and occasional care will be explained so that you can make an informed choice.

The Child Care Access Hotline can be contacted between 8am to 9pm, Monday to Friday on 1800 670 305 (a free call unless calling from a mobile phone), Eastern Standard Time.
For more information about these services, the Child Care Benefit or other Child care issues, visit the Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services website at www.facs.gov.au.