Enrolling your baby in child care is an important decision, and understanding the associated costs is essential for effective budgeting. Child care fees in Australia can vary depending on your location, the type of care, and the number of days your child attends. The good news is that government support, like the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs of child care in Australia, explain the Child Care Subsidy, and offer tips on how to budget before enrolling your baby.
What Are the Average Child Care Costs in Australia?
Child care costs can vary significantly depending on your location and the type of service you choose. On average, full-time child care in Australia ranges from $120 to $190 per day before subsidies. At Affinity Education centres, these fees provide exceptional value, including access to Australia’s most advanced early learning program, the Lifelong Learning Curriculum. All nutritionally balanced meals - breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch, and a late snack - are included, along with the care of highly qualified, experienced educators.
Here are a few factors that can influence child care costs:
- Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to have higher fees than regional or rural areas.
- Type of care: Centre-based long day care generally costs more than family day care or outside school hours care.
- Inclusions: At Affinity Education centres, we provide a comprehensive range of inclusions, such as nappies, all meals, as well as enriching activities like sport, yoga, and music incursions, all of which add value and impact the overall cost.
How the Child Care Subsidy Can Help You Save
One of the biggest ways to reduce child care costs is through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which is available to most Australian families using approved child care services, such as Affinity Education centres.
How Does the Child Care Subsidy Work?
The Child Care Subsidy is calculated based on three main factors:
- Your family’s income: Lower household incomes receive a higher percentage of the subsidy.
- Activity level: The number of hours you and your partner work, study, or volunteer determines how many hours of subsidised care you can access.
- Type of care: The CCS applies to approved services like long day care, family day care, and outside school hours care.
How Much Can You Save with the Child Care Subsidy?
The Child Care Subsidy covers up to 85% of child care fees for families earning less than $80,000 annually. For families with a combined income over $530,000, no subsidy is available. Subsidy percentages gradually decrease for higher income brackets. To see exactly how much you can save, you can use the Child Care Subsidy Calculator provided by the Australian Government.
By applying for the CCS, you can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, making child care more affordable.
Budgeting for Child Care Costs: Tips for Australian Parents
Planning for child care costs can feel overwhelming, but with these simple tips, you can budget effectively:
- Calculate your out-of-pocket costs: Once your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is applied, you can estimate your weekly expenses. Use the government’s CCS calculator or speak to your child care provider for a detailed breakdown of costs, including any additional fees.
- Consider part-time care: If full-time care doesn’t fit within your budget, part-time care could be a more affordable option. Your child will still benefit from the proven academic and social advantages of early learning programs, which have been shown to improve school readiness and future academic outcomes.
- Look for inclusions: Some centres, like Affinity Education centres, offer comprehensive services that add value and save you money in the long run. These may include meals, nappies, sunscreen, and enriching programs such as sport, yoga, and music. When comparing fees, be sure to factor in what’s included to get the best overall value.
Other Financial Assistance for Australian Families
In addition to the Child Care Subsidy, there are other forms of support available for families:
- Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS): Provides extra financial help for families experiencing hardship or for grandparents, foster carers, and parents transitioning back to work.
- State-specific subsidies: Certain states may offer additional assistance or rebates, particularly for families with multiple children or those in rural areas.
Check with your state’s government or your local child care provider to see if you qualify for any additional assistance.
How to Enrol and Apply for the Child Care Subsidy
When you’re ready to enrol your baby in child care, follow these steps to ensure you maximise your CCS benefits:
- Research child care providers: Compare the fees, inclusions, and services offered by centres in your area. Affinity Education’s centres, including Milestones, Papilio, Kids Academy and Aussie Kindies, provide high-quality care and are eligible for CCS.
- Apply for the Child Care Subsidy: Before your child begins care, make sure you apply for CCS through your MyGov account. This will ensure that your subsidy is processed and applied from the start.
- Schedule a tour: Most child care centres, including Affinity Education’s brands, offer tours where you can meet the educators, see the facilities, and ask about fees and inclusions. Find your nearest centre and book a tour today to learn more.
FAQs: Child Care Costs and the Child Care Subsidy
Child care costs in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically range between $120 and $190 per day, depending on the centre and inclusions.
The CCS is based on your family’s income, activity level, and the type of care your child attends. You can estimate your subsidy using the government’s CCS calculator.
In addition to daily fees, some centres may charge for enrolment, late pickup, or special activities like excursions. Always ask about additional fees upfront when enrolling.
Planning for Your Baby’s Child Care Costs
Child care is an investment in your baby’s development, providing a safe, enriching environment where they can grow and thrive. With the Child Care Subsidy and careful planning, you can manage the costs effectively and find the right care for your family. Ready to take the next step? Book a tour at an Affinity Education centre today and discover how we can support your child’s early learning journey.