Which Type Of Child Care Centre Do You Prefer?

Based on statistics within the 2014-15 Portfolio Budget Statements, it was revealed that about 1.57 million Australian kids attend childcare centres. If you haven't yet registered your child in preschool and you're considering the most suitable child care centre for your child, you can start off your search by evaluating the different types of centres that exist.

1. In Home Child Care

Such child care is provided by nannies or au pairs. If this is your preferred choice, make sure that you select a nanny from a reputable specialist agency. You would also have to check on the references provided for the nanny, beforehand.

2. Family Day Care

Having your child taken care of in your own home is an alternative you can consider; rather than going for a nanny. In this case, your child's carer must have obtained the necessary care qualification, which includes a Certificate III level early childhood education. Furthermore, the working with Children Check is mandatory for this carer, apart from having trained in first aid.

Only four children, maximum, can be cared for within this setup, based on the Family Day Care Quality Assurance system. This quality assurance system offers accreditation for national child care. You would also need to seek State licensing and observe the National Standards of family day care.

Based on the additional requirements for your child's carer in family day care, you are definitely assured of deriving much greater benefits from this type of care, unlike having a nanny.

3. Private And Community-Based Care

If you seek child care services that offer the most qualified personnel, the best options would be either private or community-based centres. Such facilities are carefully regulated by the relevant authorities and must always have proper licensing.

Some aspects that are strictly regulated in these centres are the learning systems, quality of care, food provided, maintenance of the centre and the number of children. Specific staffing requirements must be adhered to, as well as strict qualification requirements of the teachers.

Since such facilities offer high quality service, it's not surprising to find that many people seek enrolment of their children in these centres. This means that you need to register quite early, especially in the highly reputable centres, otherwise you might miss out.

How Much Does It Cost?

Obviously, it would cost more to have your child enrolled in a private care facility, as compared to having a nanny. However, you need to evaluate the actual benefit you get from each option. You are much more likely to derive greater benefits from private, professionally run setups, as compared to the less regulated in-home child care.

Fortunately, you can get assistance from the government, through Child Care Benefit, to help cater for the costs you incur. Centrelink provides detailed information on how you can qualify for such a benefit and how much you can get from it.

The Family Assistance Office also details further financial assistance you can get in catering for child care costs. This is an additional benefit, apart from Child Care Benefit, that helps to cater for as much as 50 percent of your childcare costs.

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