Australian Government - MyChild.gov.auIn this section
What do I do next?
Are you thinking about child care? What next?
If you’ve decided that you would like to use child care but don’t know where to start, here are some helpful hints.
1. Choosing the child care option that is right for you.
There are many different types of child care so it is important to find one that best fits your family’s situation. Talk to family and friends about what has worked for them.
We have provided some information on the different types of child learning and care options available. Once you have decided on the type of care you would like, you can search for an approved child care service through the Find a Local Child Care Service feature on this site.
The Child Care Access Hotline can also help you find the right care for your situation and can let you know about vacancies in your area.
Call 1800 670 305 for more information.
When choosing the right child care for you, some questions to consider are:
- is the atmosphere warm, friendly and welcoming?
- how do the carers and staff interact with the children?
- can I visit my child at any time?
- is there a planned program of activities?
- are the equipment and play spaces safe for children?
- are meals provided?
- are nappies provided?
- is there an educational program?
- does the centre have qualified staff?
The National Childcare Accreditation Council can also provide information that may be helpful on what to look for when choosing a child care service. The National Childcare Accreditation Council is responsible for administering the Child Care Quality Assurance system for relevant child care services throughout Australia. To find out what the Quality Assurance system is and how the accreditation process works, please visit our quality information. You can also visit the National Childcare Accreditation Council website or call 1300 136 554 for more information.
What is the Child Care Access Hotline?
The Australian Government has established the Child Care Access Hotline—a telephone service that provides you with information to help you choose a child care service that meets your needs.
When you call the hotline on 1800 670 305, a professionally trained operator will provide you with information about:
- child care services and possible vacancies in your area
- types of child care available
- quality issues
- government financial assistance with the cost of child care.
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.
For further information call the Child Care Access Hotline between 8am to 9pm, Monday to Friday on 1800 670 305 (a free call unless calling from a mobile phone), Eastern Standard Time.
A Translator Information Service is also available.
A TTY Service is available on 1800 639 327 for people with a hearing and/or speech impairment.
2. Contact a child care service
Once you have decided on which child care service you would like to use, you should call the service for enrolment and fee details.
3. Apply for Child Care Benefit
Once you have found a child care place for your child, you can apply for Child Care Benefit with the Family Assistance Office. Child Care Benefit is assistance provided by the Australian Government to help with the cost of child care. While you may not actually receive Child Care Benefit payments due to your income, you may still be eligible for the Child Care Rebate. Talk to the Family Assistance Office and find out how to access these payments.
Visit the Family Assistance Office website or call 13 61 50.
4. Need Help Finding Work?
Have you decided to return to work but don’t know where to start?
Visit Australian Job Search for information and assistance.