Child Care Centre or Long Day Care

Group based early childhood education and care services for children under school age. Eligible for the child care subsidy and subject to government quality standards and accreditation. Meals are usually provided.

Family Day Care

A network of experienced educators who provide care and developmental activities in their own home for other people's children. Care is flexible and may include extended hours, weekend and overnight care. Eligible for the child care subsidy and subject to government quality standards.

Pre-school / Kindergarten / Prep

Early childhood education and care for children in the years before they start school (usually ages three-five). Generally runs from 9am - 3pm and may be closed during school holidays. Not eligible for child care subsidy but subject to government quality standards.

Occasional, Casual or Flexible Care

Casual care for children under school age which can be accessed on a regular or irregular basis. May be operated by community/non-profit organisations and councils. Approved services are eligible for child care subsidy and subject to quality standards.

Before / After School Care or Out of School Hours (OOSH) care

Supervised care and recreation for primary school-age children, often associated with schools and typically run before and after school and during school holidays. OOSH programs are offered by community and/or private organisations and most are eligible for the child care subsidy and subject to quality standards.

Vacation Care

Provides care to primary school aged children during the school holiday periods. Children enjoy centre based activities including arts, crafts, sports, games and excursions.

Vacation Care services usually operate between 7.00am till 6.00 pm each week day during school holiday periods.

In Home Care

Flexible form of care provided in your own home by an approved carer. Only available to families whose needs cannot be met by existing child care services such as regional or remote families or those where the child or parent has an illness/disability. Eligible for child care subsidy and subject to quality standards.

Nanny

May be employed on a live-in or live-out basis to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. May not be qualified but often have plenty of experience. Not eligible for child care subsidy and not subject to quality standards.

Babysitter

Provides supervisory or custodial care of children on a casual basis. Usually not qualified and may come via personal contacts or through an agency. Not eligible for child care subsidy or subject to quality standards.

Au Pair

Child care provided by foreign nationals working in Australia for cultural exchange purposes and to experience Australian life. Live as part of the family and receive a small allowance in exchange for child care and light housework duties. Not eligible for child care subsidy or subject to quality standards.

Agencies

Child care agencies are businesses which operate to help families find babysitters, nannies and au pairs to look after their children.

Agencies charge fees and offer a range of services which can make it easier for families to find a carer which suits their particular requirements. These se.rvices include advertising for and screening candidates along with reference checking