Canberra

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Childcare and Family Services

Services and support available for families, including childcare facilities and family benefits.

Sections

1. Childcare Services in Canberra

Childcare services in Canberra are diverse and cater to various needs, including long daycare, family daycare, occasional care, and preschool programs. These services are regulated to ensure high standards of care and education.

Types of Childcare Services

  • Long Daycare (LDC):

    • Full-day care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
    • Operates year-round, typically from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
    • Includes structured learning programs based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

  • Family Daycare (FDC):

    • Home-based care provided by registered educators.
    • Smaller group sizes (usually 4-5 children).
    • Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

  • Occasional Care:

    • Short-term or casual care for parents who need temporary childcare.
    • Ideal for appointments, errands, or part-time work.

  • Preschool (Kindergarten):

    • Free or low-cost early education for children aged 4-5 years.
    • Focuses on preparing children for primary school.

  • Out-of-School Hours Care (OSHC):

    • Before and after-school care for school-aged children.
    • Vacation care programs are also available during school holidays.

2. Costs of Childcare

Childcare costs in Canberra vary depending on the type of service, location, and hours of care. On average:

  • Long Daycare: $120โ€“$150 per day.
  • Family Daycare: $8โ€“$12 per hour.
  • Occasional Care: $15โ€“$20 per hour.
  • Preschool: Free for 15 hours per week (government-funded).

Factors Affecting Costs:

  • The age of the child (infant care is typically more expensive).
  • The number of days/hours required.
  • Additional services (e.g., meals, extracurricular activities).

3. Subsidies and Financial Assistance

The Australian Government provides several subsidies to make childcare more affordable for families. These include:

Child Care Subsidy (CCS):

  • Eligibility: Available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and certain visa holders. Families must meet activity and income tests.
  • Subsidy Amount: Covers 20%โ€“85% of childcare fees, depending on household income and hours of activity (e.g., work, study, volunteering).
  • How to Apply:
    1. Create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink.
    2. Submit a Child Care Subsidy claim through Centrelink.
    3. Provide details about your income, activity, and childcare provider.

Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS):

  • Provides extra financial support for families in special circumstances, such as low-income families, those experiencing hardship, or families with children at risk of abuse or neglect.

ACT Government Preschool Subsidy:

  • The ACT Government funds 15 hours of free preschool education per week for children in the year before they start school.

4. Procedures for Accessing Childcare

To access childcare services in Canberra, follow these steps:

Step 1: Research and Choose a Provider

  • Use the Australian Governmentโ€™s Child Care Finder tool to search for childcare services in your area: Child Care Finder.
  • Visit the facilities, meet the staff, and review their programs and policies.

Step 2: Enroll Your Child

  • Contact the chosen provider to check availability and complete the enrollment process.
  • Provide necessary documents, such as proof of identity, immunization records, and emergency contact details.

Step 3: Apply for Subsidies

  • Submit a claim for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) through your myGov account.
  • Notify your childcare provider of your CCS approval to adjust your fees.

Step 4: Stay Updated

  • Keep your Centrelink details up to date, including changes in income, activity, or family circumstances.

5. Family Services in Canberra

Canberra offers a range of family support services to assist with parenting, health, and well-being.

Parenting Support Programs

  • Child and Family Centres:

    • Located in Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, and West Belconnen.
    • Provide parenting workshops, playgroups, and support for families with children aged 0-8 years.
    • Services include speech therapy, counseling, and early intervention programs.

  • Parentline ACT:

    • A free telephone counseling service for parents and caregivers.
    • Phone: 02 6287 3833.

Health Services for Families

  • Maternal and Child Health Services:

    • Free health checks and immunizations for children aged 0-5 years.
    • Support for breastfeeding, nutrition, and postnatal care.

  • Canberra Hospital and Health Services:

    • Comprehensive pediatric and maternity care.

Family Tax Benefits

  • Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A and Part B:
    • Financial assistance for low- to middle-income families.
    • Paid fortnightly or as a lump sum at the end of the financial year.
    • Apply through Centrelink.

6. Local Considerations

  • Waitlists: Childcare services in Canberra can have long waitlists, especially for infants. Itโ€™s advisable to apply as early as possible.
  • Immunization Requirements: Children must be up-to-date with their immunizations to enroll in childcare or preschool. Provide an Immunization History Statement from Medicare.
  • Cultural Diversity: Many childcare centers in Canberra celebrate cultural diversity and offer programs that reflect the multicultural community.
  • Transport: Canberra is well-connected by public transport, making it easier to access childcare centers. Some centers also offer parking for drop-offs and pick-ups.

7. Key Sites and Resources

8. Tips for Immigrants

  • Visa Requirements: Check if your visa allows access to government subsidies (e.g., CCS). Temporary visa holders may have limited access.
  • Language Support: Many services offer translation and interpretation for non-English-speaking families.
  • Community Groups: Join local parenting groups or multicultural associations to build a support network.

By leveraging these childcare and family services, families in Canberra can ensure their children receive quality care and education while benefiting from financial support and community resources.