Updated: June 2025.
Choosing child care is a big decision, especially when your baby is involved. Whether you’re preparing to return to work or looking to give your child a strong start in life, understanding the costs involved can help you plan with confidence.
In this guide, we break down:
- What child care costs across Australia
- How the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) works
- What’s included in your daily fees at Affinity Education centres
- How to budget smartly for your family
- What to expect when you enrol
Our goal? To help you feel informed, supported, and empowered as you take this important step in your child’s journey.
What Are the Average Child Care Costs in Australia?
Child care costs can vary depending on where you live, the type of care you choose, and how often your child attends. On average, centre-based care in Australia costs between $120 and $205 per day before subsidies.
At Affinity Education centres, our fees reflect the exceptional quality and value we provide, not only in care, but in education, safety, and support for every child and family.
Here’s what’s included in our daily rate:
- Access to our exclusive Lifelong Learning Curriculum, thoughtfully aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and designed to nurture your child’s development from their very first day
- All meals and snacks, from breakfast through to a late snack, prepared to meet children’s nutritional needs (most centres provide meals)
- Nappies, sunscreen and wipes, supporting busy families with the everyday essentials (most centres provide nappies)
- Enrichment activities including sport, yoga, music, wildlife incursions and more, encouraging active bodies and curious minds
- Learning opportunities in STEM, language and literacy, sustainability, First Nations perspectives, and digital literacy
- A dedicated national Compliance and Quality team, supporting our centres to deliver safe, high-quality early childhood education and care
- Caring, qualified educators who create warm, responsive environments, and who are supported to grow their careers through the Affinity Learning Academy, earning further qualifications while they work
When comparing child care fees, remember to look beyond the number. Consider the quality of care, the depth of the curriculum, and the everyday experiences your child will have, because early learning should be so much more than supervision.
How the Child Care Subsidy Can Help You Save
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is designed to make early learning more accessible and affordable for Australian families. It’s available for approved services like ours, and most families are eligible.
How It Works
The CCS is calculated using three main factors:
- Your family’s income - Lower income = higher subsidy percentage
- Your activity level - The number of hours you and your partner work, study or volunteer affects how many subsidised hours you receive
- Type of care - CCS applies to approved providers like long day care, family day care, and outside school hours care
How Much Can You Save?
If your household earns less than $80,000 per year, you may be eligible for up to 85% of your child care fees covered. Subsidy rates taper off as income rises, and families earning over $530,000 are not eligible.
To estimate your savings, use the Child Care Subsidy Calculator, or speak with your chosen centre for a personalised breakdown.
Budgeting for Child Care: Tips for Families
Planning for child care costs doesn’t need to feel daunting. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
- Use the CCS calculator to estimate your weekly out-of-pocket cost after the subsidy
- Ask about inclusions when comparing centres - meals, nappies, dentist visits and other extras can add up fast
- Consider part-time care to ease your transition or align with your work schedule
- Talk to your Centre Manager - our teams are happy to walk you through fee estimates, subsidy options and enrolment steps
Child care is an investment, not only in your child’s education and development, but in your family’s overall wellbeing.
Other Financial Support for Families
In addition to the CCS, you may also be eligible for other forms of assistance:
- Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) - For families experiencing hardship, or for foster carers, grandparents, or parents returning to work
- State-based funding - Some states provide extra support, especially for preschool-aged children or those in regional areas
Check with your local government or your centre to learn what’s available in your area.
Your Child’s Safety Is Our Highest Priority
At Affinity Education, every decision we make starts with one question: Is this safe for children?
We are deeply committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, supervision and care. Our teams follow strict safety protocols and undergo regular training, audits and reviews to ensure your child is safe, secure and thriving, every day.
How to Enrol and Apply for the Child Care Subsidy
When you’re ready to enrol, here’s how to get started:
- Explore our centres. We’re proud to offer high-quality early education at centres across Australia. Learn more about Affinity Education here.
- Apply for the Child Care Subsidy. Log into your MyGov account and complete the application before your child’s first day.
- Book a tour. Come and meet the team, explore the learning spaces, and ask any questions. Book a tour today - we’d love to welcome you.
FAQs
Between $120 and $205 per day, depending on your location and inclusions. Your CCS rate will reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
Your household income, the number of activity hours (work, study, etc.), and the type of care you use.
At Affinity Education centres, yes, meals, nappies, sunscreen, and enrichment programs are included in your daily fee.
A Final Word for Parents
Enrolling your baby in child care is a personal and often emotional milestone, and it should feel right for your family. At Affinity Education, we’re here to help you navigate this journey with care, transparency, and support.
From our safe, nurturing environments to our nationally recognised Lifelong Learning Curriculum, everything we do is designed to give your child the best start in life.
Book a tour at your local centre and discover what makes Affinity Education a trusted choice for thousands of Australian families.