Childcare

Families have different childcare needs based on factors such as the hours of care required and the environment that best suits the individual child.

All childcare options are taught by qualified early childhood educators. Most long day care (at childcare centres) also offer kindergarten programs taught by early childhood teachers that children can attend as part of their time at care.

Find out more about kindergarten or Find a kindergarten.

You may choose to access your kindergarten program at a sessional kindergarten in addition to hours at a long day care centre. You should discuss options with your childcare provider.

The following childcare options are available in the City of Boroondara:

• long day care (at a childcare centre)
• family day care
• occasional care.

Choosing childcare

The different types of childcare are explained below to help you decide which childcare option is best for your family. You can also find out more about different types of childcare on the Victorian Government website.

Once you have decided which type of childcare is right for your family, you might like to use this checklist to help decide on the individual childcare provider you choose for your family.

Long day care

Long day care offered at childcare centres commonly suits families who work/study on regular days of the week. One of the benefits of long day care is that it offers structure and routine within an early education program so children are learning as they are being cared for. Long day care offers full-time or part-time education and care for children.

Age: 6 weeks to 6 years

Hours of care: Usually 7:30am to 6pm but this varies so check with the individual service provider

Find a long day care centre

Family day care

Family day care is when a child is looked after by a qualified educator in their own home. It is a unique, home-based environment providing quality care and education for children and is a great choice for parents who work irregular hours as it offers a variety of care options.

Family day care cares for smaller groups of children – no more than 7 children at a time. The age of children can be spread across 4 preschool and 3 school age children at any given time to ensure children are well supervised. 

Age: 6 weeks to 12 years 

Hours of operation: Usually 8am to 6pm but this varies so check with the individual service provider.

Find family day care

Occasional care

Occasional Care is provided in a range of settings and is a great option if you need to attend an appointment, study, do casual work, exercise or have a break from full-time parenting as their sessions usually only run for a few hours. Occasional care is offered in a family grouping environment

Age: 6 weeks to 6 years

Hours of operation: Varies

Find occasional care

Childcare subsidy

Child Care Subsidy is available to help you with the cost of child care. The subsidy is paid directly to the child care provider to reduce the fees you pay.

In some circumstances, you may also be eligible for Additional Child Care Subsidy.

Find more information about Child Care Subsidy and Additional Child Care Subsidy online or call 13 61 50.

Immunisation

Under the Victorian Government's 'No Jab, No play’ legislation, children must present an up-to-date Immunisation History Statement (IHS) when they enrol in kindergarten, childcare or school. Learn how to access your child's Immunisation History Statements.

Use our immunisation calculator to see when your child is due for their vaccinations and add those dates to your calendar.

Quality and safety

Kindergartens and childcare services are regulated and assessed under the National Quality Framework to ensure they meet quality and safety standards, and work to improve outcomes for children.

Visit the Department of Education and Training's early childhood regulation page to find out more about the regulation and quality assessment of childcare in Victoria.

Contact us

For further information contact us on (03) 9278 4014 or email [email protected].