Becoming a parent is one of the most precious things one can experience in life. But along with a child comes numerous responsibilities. According to a 2020 report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 21.3 per cent of families with children aged between 0 to 4 years have both parents working full-time in Sydney. And, in case you are a working parent, you probably go through constant worry about the safety of your child when you work. That is why choosing a child care centre becomes unavoidable.
Child care in Sydney might cost you somewhere between AUD 70 and 180 per day if you choose a long daycare centre. Also, the cost may vary according to the type of services provided by them.
Types of Child Care Centres
First, you have to decide how many hours a day you require the services of a child care centre or personnel. Then, based on the number of hours, you will need to select one of the following options.
Home-Based Child Care
This option is the closest to home and is often considered when other child care options are unavailable or if they do not meet your needs. You can ask a friend, close relative or even hire a babysitter or nanny for this purpose. If you need occasional child care, this option is ideal.
If you’re wondering, the most desirable people to look after a child would be their immediate family, like grandparents. For occasional needs, a babysitter might be perfect. But if you opt for this, consider going with a professional nanny who is more qualified and experienced.
Centre-Based Child Care
At present, four public child care centres are operating in Sydney, but there are more options in the private sector. And, if you have a job with no fixed schedule, you might want to consider long day centre-based care.
Depending on your situation, you may also choose occasional care, kindergartens or preschools, with the latter two being suitable for children aged between three and four years. Meanwhile, there are many advantages to this type of child care service. After immediate family, this might be the most reliable option. But, centre-based services also offer structure, routine and more scope of interaction.
Family-Based Child Care
This option is quite similar to home-based child care. Only in this case, you select an approved professional who takes care of your child in their home. It might be a more flexible and cheaper option to go for, but there is a downside to it; If the carer gets sick or faces an emergency, you could end up hurrying back to pick up your child during your busy schedule.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Child Care Centre
Options Available in Your Area
The nearer the child care centre to your home, the more manageable it is. Ask your friends, family and neighbours or google “child care in Sydney” to find out all the child care centres near your home.
And when you have a list of options, select the ones you like the best and inquire about each of them. Also, you should consider the type of service provided and parent reviews before making any decisions.
Qualification
You should enquire about the carers’ qualifications, as a childcarer requires the right attitude and valid qualification in early childhood education. Professional childcarers are also educators who have the experience and skills necessary to enhance a child’s learning process and cognitive skills.
Service Policy
Before you decide to go with a particular child care centre, find out their policies and practices on discipline, feeding, naptime, etc. Also, inquire about the type of activities they have designed for the children.
For example, you might find occasional TV time acceptable. But if the very definition of fun activities revolves around the television, it might not be the best thing for your child.
