Child care - exploring the options
At some stage most parents will find themselves in a situation where they need to use a child care facility, whether as a one-off solution or a longer term arrangement due to work or other commitments.
There is a child care option for virtually every situation, including centres that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year – it’s just a matter of deciding which one suits the needs of you and your child.
The main types of child care include:
- Long day care centres;
- Family day care;
- Occasional, mobile and limited hours care centres;
- Private nanny/babysitter;
- Out of School Hours (OOSH) & vacation care.
Long day care centres usually operate from 7am-6pm, Monday - Friday for at least 48 weeks of the year. Some centres operate on a full-time basis opening for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all year round. Centres offer a wide range of activities, usually with a number of children of different ages. It has been reported that this type of child care has a positive effect on a child’s social development, exposing them to interactions with a variety of personalities and ages.
Long day care centres accept bookings ranging from full-time care, Monday-Friday, to care on just two or three days a week, or ‘sessional’ care (e.g. afternoons only).
These centres can be very busy and tend to book up quite quickly. Parents may need to be flexible with the days that they require from a centre - particularly if care is only needed on a couple of days a week. If you know that you need particular days, it is essential to get your name down on a waiting list early, and if necessary, at more than one centre.
Places often become available at the end of the school year (or at the start of each school term in some cases) when older children leave care to attend kindergarten or pre-school. To improve the chances of being considered for the following year, parents should ensure that they have registered their interest with their preferred centre(s) the year before.
Family day care is provided for small groups of children by licensed carers in their own family homes. Each carer is approved to look after a certain number of children, with the maximum group size being seven (with additional limits on the number of children under school age).
Many parents view the smaller group sizes as a benefit, with the theory that more personal attention can be given to individual children and a more familiar, family-like environment provided.
Family day care can also have the added benefit of being able to provide flexible hours to suit a variety of situations, including shift workers’ hours, regular part-time care and occasional care, and even overnight care.
Each carer is monitored by an area co-ordinator who will have details of the groups and any vacant places in your area that match your needs.
Occasional, mobile and limited hours care centres often operate for shorter hours than long-day care centres and offer care for regular bookings or casual, one-off bookings to give parents a break, allowing them to go shopping or attend a doctors' appointment.
Booking regulations can vary, from acceptance of regular bookings to bookings only a week in advance.
It is worth noting some facilities labelled as 'long day care' centres offer occasional and casual bookings too.
Nannies or babysitters are the most expensive childcare option, but for some parents the advantages outweigh the cost. The qualifications of nannies can vary dramatically, so parents are advised to do thorough research. Hiring a nanny through a specialist agency is often the best way to go, this means you don’t need to worry about holiday and sick pay or superannuation.
Many parents like the consistent, one-on-one care and the fact that care takes place in the child’s own home/familiar environment.
There is also a greater flexibility with hours and some nannies or babysitters will also perform household tasks like cooking or cleaning.
Out of School Hours (OOSH) care is supervised care and recreation for school-age children:
- Before and after school
- On pupil-free days
- During school holidays (vacation care).
OOSH care is usually associated with schools and caters to primary school children. There are a number of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta that have on-site OOSH facilities, including St Monica’s Primary at North Parramatta. Principal, Michael Hopley says the OOSH is a valuable service to be able to offer the local community.
‘At a time when both parents are working to make ends meet, the OOSH provides a secure environment for child care and allows parents to have some flexibility within their working day. The OOSH provides breakfast and a healthy afternoon snack. There are active and passive play areas and a quiet place to complete homework. Being onsite means that the children don't have to travel to an unfamiliar location and they can socialise with their friends,’ Mr Hopley says.
Typical hours for OOSH services are:
- Before school commencing from 6:30am till 9.00 am
- After school 3.00 pm till 6.00 pm
- Vacation from 7.00 am till 6.00 pm each week day
OOSH care emphasises play, social interaction and recreation. Activities are organised in small and large groups, or children may choose quiet time by themselves (e.g. to read and do homework).
Some typical activities include: art and craft, cooking, drama, dance, excursions, games, music, reading and sport.
What should parents consider when choosing child care?
- Location - How will I get my child to and from the facility, is it close to home or work?
- Cost - What are the fees charged, and what do they include?
- Availability - How far ahead do I need to book? Are places available when I need them?
- Staff - What qualifications do the staff have?
- Are the children made to feel welcome by the staff and other children?
- Can I talk to staff about my child's needs and activities offered?
- Do the activities suit my child's interests? If my child doesn't want to join in organised activities, is there supervised free play?
- Is the environment suitable and interesting?
- Are any meals provided? Do they cater to special dietary needs (e.g. allergies)
- Other considerations. Do they administer medication?
All child care centres and family day care facilities are licensed by the National Childcare Accreditation Authority and a full list of facilities available for each region is available on their website to help you locate a suitable service for your needs:www.ncac.gov.au
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