Frequently Asked Questions

registration
How do I register as a parent?

Simple - just go to the home page https://www.careforkids.com.au and click on 'Parent Registration or Join Now'.

When you enter the registration area, you will be prompted to answer a series of questions.

When each question is answered, you will be registered as a parent on CareforKids.com.au.

Click here to register now.

How do I change my email address once I am registered?

You can change your email address details at anytime. Log in and click on the Edit Profile option selecting Change Login Email.

Type in the new email address in the field provided. Now click on the Change Login Email button to complete the request.

Can I modify my profile once I have registered?

Yes it's easy to change anything in your profile just follow these few easy steps: Log in to your account Select the Edit Profile option Edit or modify any field that you need to change Click the Update Details button at the bottom of the page to save any changes you have made

Can I register as a parent more than once?

No. Once you register as a Parent, your username and email address are stored within our system. If you have forgotten your username and/or password, you can request to have them re-sent to you.

Click here to request your password

Are my registered details secure?

CareforKids.com.au highly values your privacy. Our security & privacy policies are of the highest standard to prevent loss, misuse and alteration of your information.

CareforKids.com.au uses 128-bit SSL encryption to help ensure the security and confidentiality of your information. We do not store your credit card details at all and credit card information is encrypted using highly secure cryptographic algorithms.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) scrambles your data, so that it is unreadable by third parties. It does this by:

1. Server authentication. The web server sends a digital certificate to your computer so that you can be sure of its identity.

2. Client authentication. Your computer in turn authenticates itself to the server by showing its digital signature.

3. Encryption connection. During the Internet connection, data is encrypted (i.e. scrambled) so that only your computer and the web server can understand the contents. This prevents other Internet users from intercepting the information sent between you and the web server.

If you require any further information please refer to our Privacy Policy.

searching
Can I search for services with vacancies?

Yes you can using our unique Vacancy Super Search feature. Vacancy Super Search is a super fast way to find child care. Just one click finds all the options by vacancies, days, age and type of care. Click here and select Vacancy Super search to get started.

Can I search without registering?

Yes, you can search without registering. However, your search will be limited and you will not be able to view carer profiles or use CareforKids.com.au to its full potential.

Click here to register now.

How do I search for a Babysitter?

Simply select the Babysitter option from either the CareforKids.com.au home page or by using the navigation bar to the left of the screen.

Choose the date, and specific times, on which you require a babysitter then enter your postocde now click the search button.

If you would like to conduct a more targeted search, use the Advanced Search button. You will then be asked to fill in your search criteria and your search will retrieve carer profiles that meet your selected criteria.

How do I search for a Nanny and/or Au Pair?

Simply select the Nanny or Au Pair option from the CareforKids.com.au home page or by using the navigation bar to the left of the screen.

You will then be asked to fill in your search criteria and your search will retrieve carer profiles that meet your selected criteria.

How do I search for a child care centre?

Simply click Child Care Centre option from the CareforKids.com.au home page or by using the navigation bar.

Choose the location and/or region or put in your postcode details in the field provided. Alternatively, if you know the name of the child care centre that you are looking for simply enter these details in the field provided and click the search button.

Your search results will then retrieve child care centre that meet your selected criteria.

How do I search for carers / babysitters who have experience with special needs children?

We do make provision for children with special needs. Simply click on Advanced Search scroll down to the qualifications / certifications area and make sure that the Special Needs Care box is ticked.

Select any other specific criteria you need and click on the Search button. The results displayed will list carers with special needs care experience.

You may also wish to view our article on Choosing Child Care for Special Needs Children.

For further information on child care for special needs review our article choosing child care for special needs children

What is an advanced search?

An advanced search is a targeted search. You would use an advanced search when you are searching for specific skills and experience such as language skills, special needs care or simply because your preference is for a carer who is able to perform specific activities with your child.

How do I search for an agency?

Simply click on Agencies option from the menu bar on the CareforKids.com.au home page.

Choose the location and/or region or put in your postcode details in the field provided. Alternatively, if you know the name of the agency that you are looking for simply enter these details in the field provided and click the search button.

Your search results will be displayed.

What if I know the child care service name can I do a search this way?

Yes, just type in the name in the Provider Name field and click search. Your search results will be displayed.

If no results are displayed check for a typo as the name needs to be exact or broaden your search to return search results

Why would I use the location search option?

The location search is a more targeted search that allows you to select carers by state, region and postcode.

There are many uses for a Location Search. It is particularly useful for scheduling carers / babysitters for your holidays or for business travel when your children are travelling with you or it may just be that you prefer to have a carer who lives in your local area.

security
What about background checks & references for carers?

CareforKids.com.au strongly recommends that you check that the carer you are considering has been reference and background checked by the agency representing them. This includes the working with children check.

Please see our article Working with children checks which outlines the various legal requirements and resources available to you in each state and territory.

The decision and responsibility of hiring any carer rests with you. Be sure you have the facts regarding previous employment, criminal records, driving records, immigration and visa status so that you can make the most informed decision possible.

To check that the agency has completed the background checks simply make sure that when you are viewing the search results and carer profiles on-line that the screening and background check boxes have been ticked.

You can also ring the agency to discuss their process for interviewing, vetting of carers and for the reference check details.

If you are undertaking these checks yourself then some providers are PoliceCheck.com.au and Precise Background Services

How can I be confident that the carers are experienced and trustworthy?

The decision and responsibility of hiring any carer rests with you. Be sure you have the facts regarding previous employment, criminal records, driving records, immigration and visa status so that you can make the most informed decision possible.

Check the carer's profile to make sure that all of the reference checks and working with children checks have been completed by the agency representing that carer. Check also for testimonials made by other parents who have used this carer.

Ring the agency to discuss their process for interviewing, vetting of carers and the reference check details.

Can I meet the carer / babysitter beforehand?

For the first babysitting assignment we recommend that you arrange for the carer to arrive 30 minutes prior to you leaving.

This allows time to introduce the carer to the children and gives you time to quickly assess whether the carer bonds naturally with your children and that they feel at ease.

Get the children to interact with the carer by reading a book or getting involved in the children's activities. This is a great way for everyone to get to know each other and for your children to feel comfortable with the carer.

If you are still unsure about leaving your children for the first time we suggest that you make a booking and go somewhere close by so you can be home in a moment's notice.

Call home throughout that time for additional reassurance and arrive home early.

If for any reason you don’t feel comfortable with the carer we suggest you make alternative arrangements.

What things should I be considering when choosing a child care service?

The National Childcare Accreditation Council was established to monitor the quality of long-day child care providers and also covers family day care and outside school hours care.

On the Accreditation Council website all child care centres are listed as accredited, not accredited, registered and awaiting accreditation or suspended and not operating. A centre is marked as a new registration on the website if it is under review.

For further information we recommend you visit the National Childcare Accreditation Council website - click here.

Each State and Territory also has licensing and guidelines covering staff ratios, range of equipment, staff training, inside and outside floor space.

Use our child care centre checklist to help you assess and compare different child care centres.

Is it safe to use my credit card details over the Internet?

We partner with Verisign, a NASDAQ listed company. VeriSign is the world leader in secure transactions services for the Internet.

CareforKids.com.au uses 128-bit SSL encryption to help ensure the security and confidentiality of your information. We do not store your credit card details at all and credit card information is encrypted using highly secure cryptographic algorithms.

For further information on secure transactions and using your credit card on the Internet visit the:

Verisign website

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission - Internet Shopping

General
What do I do if I have forgotten my password?

If you have forgotten your password just click on the Forgot Password? link. Fill in your email address and click on Send

This will send your password to your email account.

Click here to request your password

How do I change my password?

You can change your password details at anytime. Log in and click on the Edit Profile option selecting Change Password.

Type in your Current Password followed by your New Password and then type in your new password details again in the Confirm Password field.

Now click on the Change Password button to complete the change password request.

How do I get help if I need it?

Finding help is easy, simply by clicking on the FAQ button which is located at the bottom of every page, your problem may be answered.

If your still not sure then send us an email by clicking on the Contact Us button at the bottom of the page.

We will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

I'm having problems logging in

If you have registered with CareforKids.com.au and received your password via email, then there are only a few things that you may need to check.

Either your email address or password was not entered correctly.

If your email address is invalid then you will receive an error message when you are trying to get your password sent to you.

Click here and in the member login area click on the Forgot Password link to request your password

When you receive your password again via email, try copying your password directly from the email, making sure not to copy any spaces on either side of your email or password.

If you are unable to access CareforKids.com.au from work, this may be because your business has a secure internal network called a "firewall". A firewall keeps your company's network secure but it can also prevent you from accessing your account while you are in the office.

If you find you cannot establish a connection to your account, your company network probably does not allow for secure web sessions. Contact your company's network administrator for more information about getting set up for secure site access.

How do I add a photo to my profile?

It is a great idea to add a photo to your profile and we recommend that you include as much information about your family as you can.

To upload a photo log in to CareforKids.com.au and select Edit Profile. Scroll down through your profile and select Change Photo

p>Click the "Browse…" button to locate and select the image from your PC.

Once you have uploaded the file click on the Update Details button.

Be sure to view your profile to make sure you are happy with the photo image and the information displayed.

I'm having problems uploading my photo what should I do?

If you are experiencing any difficulties with uploading your photo check to see that the file is the correct file format. The file format accepted by CareforKids.com.au is JPEG (.jpg) or GIF (.gif) and must not exceed 50k in size.

If you find that you are unable to convert your images into JPEG or GIF formats CareforKids.com.au can assist you with this by converting your images for you.

Simply email your images to support@careforkids.com.au and we will convert the files and return them to you via email.

Child Care Definitions
What are the types of care available?

The number of different types of child care available to parents can be overwhelming and confusing particularly for first time parents.

To assist you in understanding the types of child care available we have listed below some of the more commonly used child care options and a brief description.

We hope you find this useful when trying to determine the type of care that would best suit you and your children.

Nanny - employed by the family on either a live-in or live-out basis to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Duties are generally restricted to child care and the domestic tasks related to child care. May or may not have had any formal training though often has a good deal of actual experience. A nanny's working week ranges from forty to sixty hours per week.

Au Pair - foreign national in Australia for up to a year for cultural exchange purposes and to experience Australian life. Lives as part of the host family and receives a small allowance / salary in exchange for child care and household duties. May or may not have previous child care experience.

Mother's Help A mother's help has little or no previous experience of caring for children. They generally have career aspirations in the field of child care and this is one way of gaining experience whilst undertaking formal study. A mother's help will assist the parent(s) with childcare and housekeeping duties. These duties should be carried out under the supervision of the parent.

Babysitter - provides supervisory, custodial care of children on an irregular full time or part-time basis.

Long Day Care Centres - Long day care centres usually care for children under school age. Private operators, local councils, community organisations, employers and non-profit organisations may run long day care centres.

They provide all-day or part-time care for working families offering developmental programs within their care programs. Meals are generally provided with some long day care centres providing care for limited numbers of primary school children before and after school, and during school holidays.

Family Day Care Family day care service is a network of experienced carers who provide care and developmental activities in their own homes for other people's children.

Family day care is primarily for children who have not yet started school. It can also provide care for school children up to 12 years old. Care is flexible and can be tailored to suit each family's needs, including care outside normal working hours.

Occasional Care Services - Occasional Care Services provide short periods of care for children under school age. Families can access occasional care on either a regular or irregular basis. Parents use occasional child care for a variety of reasons, including casual, shift-work or part-time work; respite care; crisis and emergency care, shopping or attending appointments.

Occasional care allows people the flexibility to leave their children in an early childhood learning environment to socialise and interact with other children. Community organisations, non-profit organisations and local councils may run occasional care centres.

In Home Care - In-home care is a flexible form of child care where care is provided in the child's home by an approved carer. In-home care may be available for families who do not use a standard child care service, or where their child care needs cannot be met by an existing service. Families that may be eligible for in-home care include: families where the parent/s or child has an illness/disability families in rural or remote areas parent/s working shiftwork or non-standard hours parents who have had a multiple birth (more than two) and/or have more than two children under school age breastfeeding mothers working from home

Nanny Sharing – employed by two families in the same capacity as a Nanny undertaking tasks related to the care of children. If you are interested in having a nanny care for your child but are reluctant due to the expense, nanny sharing with another family maybe the solution.

What is Long Day Care?

Long day care centres usually care for children under school age. Private operators, local councils, community organisations, employers and non-profit organisations may run long day care centres.

They provide all-day or part-time care for working families offering developmental programs within their care programs. Meals are generally provided with some long day care centres providing care for limited numbers of primary school children before and after school, and during school holidays.

What is Family Day Care?

Family day care service is a network of experienced carers who provide care and developmental activities in their own homes for other people's children.

Family day care is primarily for children who have not yet started school. It can also provide care for school children up to 12 years old. Care is flexible and can be tailored to suit each family's needs, including care outside normal working hours.

What is Occasional Care?

Occasional care allows people the flexibility to leave their children in an early childhood learning environment (Day Care Centre) to socialise and interact with other children.

Occasional Care Services provide short periods of care for children under school age. Families can access occasional care on either a regular or irregular basis. Parents use occasional child care for a variety of reasons, including casual, shift-work or part-time work; respite care; crisis and emergency care, shopping or attending appointments.

Long Day Care Centres, Community organisations, Non-profit organisations and Local Councils may run occasional care centres.

What are the differences between a Nanny & Au Pair?

An Au Pair is a foreign national in Australia for up to a year for cultural exchange purposes and to experience Australian life. An Au Pair lives as part of the host family and receives a small allowance / salary in exchange for child care and household duties. An Au Pair may or may not have previous child care experience and is typically between the ages of 18-26

A Nanny is employed by the family on either a live-in or live-out basis to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Duties are generally restricted to child care and the domestic tasks related to child care. They may or may not have had any formal training though often they have a good deal of actual experience. A nanny's working week ranges from forty to sixty hours per week.

Nannies may be older and more mature than some Au Pairs, with several years of live-in child care experience. Nannies are generally seeking a long-term career-building experience in child care.

Bookings
Is it safe to use my credit card details over the Internet?

We partner with Verisign, a NASDAQ listed company. VeriSign is the world leader in secure transactions services for the Internet.

CareforKids.com.au uses 128-bit SSL encryption to help ensure the security and confidentiality of your information. We do not store your credit card details at all and credit card information is encrypted using highly secure cryptographic algorithms.

For further information on secure transactions and using your credit card on the Internet visit the:

Verisign website

Australian Federal Government's Consumer Affairs website - On-Line Shopping Checklist

Internet Shopping Facts Sheet

Can I make a booking for a carer / babysitter on the same day?

Yes. We will always try to meet those last minute requirements and CareforKids.com.au is designed so that you are able to make bookings for carers up until 2pm on the same day.

We recommend however that you make your booking well in advance this way you are more likely to secure the carer of your choice.

Can I have the same carer / babysitter each time I book?

Yes if they are available. This may not always be possible so we recommend that you work with two or three carers that you know and trust who are suited to you and your children's needs.

What if I need to cancel a booking?

We suggest that you contact the agency representing the carer to cancel the booking directly. The contact details can be found by referring to your booking details on the site. Log on using your email address and password and select bookings then current bookings.

You will find a link to the agency profile and the agency contact details will be listed here.

How much does it cost to book a babysitter?

Each time you book a babysitter the agency that represents the carer/babysitter charges a nominal booking fee against your preferred credit card.

At the end of the babysitting assignment you pay the carer for the hours they have worked.

Agency booking fees and hourly rates vary so check the carers profile for these details.

There are no additional charges for travelling costs but usually all bookings are made for a minimum of 3 or 4 hours.

Will I lose my booking fee if I cancel?

The refund policy is set by each of the agencies who represent the carers. In most cases the fee is not refundable but always check with the agency first to see what their refund policy is.

Can I change a booking once it is made if I give enough notice?

No, CareforKids.com.au is not designed for this purpose. If you need to change your booking we suggest that you contact the agency representing the carer directly as they maybe able to accommodate this request.

The contact details can be found by referring to your booking details on the site. Log on using your email address and password and select bookings then current bookings you will find a link to the agency profile and the agency contact details will be listed here.

What is the minimum booking time?

All agencies have a minimum booking time. A standard minimum booking time is generally 3 to 4 hours so factor this in to your costs when you are making your booking.

Wait Listing
What is wait listing?

A wait list is a list of children waiting for a place to become available with a child care centre.

Waitlisting is usually required for most child care centres. It is recommended that you explore as many options for care as possible as many child care centre waitlists are long and in some cases you may be waiting for a place in the centre for 12 to 18 months.

Many centres charge a fee for waitlisting so check each of the child care centre profiles to see what fees and conditions apply.

Research the centres, use our Child care centre checklist as a guide and waitlist with those centres you feel will provide the best care for your child.

An additional option is our Child Care Vacancy Alert service click here to find out more about this service.

Is there a wait listing priority or any guidelines set?

The Priority of Access Guidelines are primarily referred to when a service has a large waiting list and a number of parents competing for a limited number of vacant places.

All parents should be made aware of the guidelines at the time of enrolling their child or children in a child care service.

For more information on the Priority of Access guidelines please refer to the Family & Community Services website Priority for allocating places in child care services.

How do I get my child wait listed for a specific child care centre?

Simply conduct a child care search for the child care centre you would like to waitlist your child with. A search can be conducted by location, postcode, region or by the child care centre name.

Once you have the child care centre listed select the waitlist application option and then complete the wait list form on-line. Once you have completed the form the child care centre will be notified of your waitlist application by email.

CareforKids.com.au will confirm your application and provide a reference number and password. This allows you to access your waitlist application details at anytime to update them should any of your details change.

CareforKids.com.au also has a secure on-line payment system to allow for you to pay the wait list fee by credit card. This saves you the unnecessary hassle of forwarding a cheque to the the child care centre via the post.

Your wait list application is now completed and paid for on-line.

Once my child is wait listed can I update the wait list information on-line?

Yes you can. Both registered and un-registered parents can update their wait list details.

For Registered ParentsSelect Child Care Search and or simply log in and select the Waitlist Application option.

Select Waitlist Applications make the changes you require and then click on update details

For Unregistered ParentsIf you are not a registered parent on CareforKids.com.au you can still edit your waitlist application

Click on Child Care Search and and select the option Waitlist Application.

Type in your Waitlist Reference number and your password and click on retrieve application

Make the changes you require and then click on update details.

If you have not secured the waitlist application by paying the wait list fee you may wish to use CareforKids.com.au secure on-line payment system.

How will the centre notify me when a place becomes available?

The child care centre will notify you directly by phone or email when a place becomes available at the centre.

So it is important to keep your waitlist application contact details up-to-date.

Will the fee be reimbursed if my child is not successfully placed in the centre?

This policy is set by each of the child care centres. Please check with the child care centre you are waitlisting with so you are aware of their policy.

Is it safe to use my credit card details over the Internet?

We partner with Verisign, a NASDAQ listed company. VeriSign is the world leader in secure transactions services for the Internet.

CareforKids.com.au uses 128-bit SSL encryption to help ensure the security and confidentiality of your information. We do not store your credit card details at all and credit card information is encrypted using highly secure cryptographic algorithms.

For further information on secure transactions and using your credit card on the Internet visit the:

Verisign website

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission - Internet Shopping

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission- On-Line Shopping Checklist

On the day of the babysitting assignment
What if the carer I booked is sick on the day? Will a substitute be offered?

The agency representing the carer will make every effort to find a substitute carer and will ring you to discuss your options directly.

What if the carer doesn't show up on time or at all?

This is a concern and one you will need to take up with the agency representing the carer.

To contact the agency refer to your booking details on the site. Simply login and click on bookings and select current bookings. The agency name and link is listed in the booking details. Click on the link and the agency profile with the agency contact details will be listed.

What if I decide the carer is unsuitable for our child?

This is entirely your decision and one that will be respected by the carer and the agency representing the carer.

Contact the agency and discuss this with them. The contact details can be found by referring to your booking details on the site. Simply login and click on bookings and select current bookings. The agency name and link is listed in the booking details, click on the link and the agency profile with the agency contact details will be listed.

What if we are not happy with the carer or the service provided by the agency?

We recommend that you discuss this with the agency representing the carer directly. Most agencies want feedback on the carers and their own service so please contact them to discuss any issues you do have.

What if I am extremely happy with the carer / sitter and want to make her our preferred choice. How do I do this?

There are a couple of things you can do for carers you would like to book again. Simply log into CareforKids.com.au and under bookings select booking history. At the bottom of the booking details for this carer you will find two options Post Testimonial and Repeat Booking.

To repeat a booking with this carer simply select this option and follow the prompts. We also recommend that you post a testimonial about the carer as it is always helpful for other parents when they are searching for suitable care to know about your experiences.

Do I get a refund for unsatisfactory service?

Each agency has their own refund policy so it is important that you discuss this with them should you consider the service to be unsatisfactory.