Child Care and Kindergarten

Your child should feel safe and happy and experience fulfilling learning and play while under someone else’s care.

As far as child care goes, each family will choose an option that best suits them.

For many families, their children will attend centre-based services such as kindergartens, long day care and occasional care services. The services are managed in a variety of ways by local councils, non-government agencies, parent committees, private businesses, TAFE colleges and universities.

Some child care centres in Victoria also offer a kindergarten program.

These centre-based services require a license to operate and must comply with a strict and comprehensive standard of service and safety requirements outlined in legislation. They are required to employ qualified staff and provide developmentally appropriate programs based on the needs, interests and experiences of each child.

Other children will be cared for by relatives or private nannies looking after them in their own homes; or attend family day care providers, or outside school hours care, which also requires a license to operate.

More information on this topic

For more information, see:

• About Child Care – outlines the types of child care services available
• About Kindergarten – gives information about the Victorian kindergarten program
• Choosing the Best Child Care or Kindergarten for You – outlines things you need to think about and questions you can ask so that you can choose a child care or kindergarten that best meets your needs.
• Enrolling and Starting – outlines the steps required to start your child in child care or enrol your child in kindergarten and things you need to consider before they start
• Fees – outlines the main option available to help you meet the costs of sending your child to child care and kindergarten.

Related information

For related information and websites, see:

• Welcome to Early Childhood Services (PDF - 1.2Mb) - this publication contains information for parents about sending their child to child care and kindergarten
• Children’s Services Register – this contains the name and address of every licensed children’s service in Victoria
• Find an early childhood service or school – allows you to find a Maternal and Child Health Service, kindergarten, primary or secondary school in any suburb or postcode within Victoria
• Find your local council – this website lists all local government authorities in Victoria and their contact details
• If you need to speak to someone about licensed children’s services, contact the licensed children’s services enquiry line on 1300 307 415
• Parent Complaints - Child Care or Children's Services - this contains information to assist parents when addressing concerns or making a complaint that is related to a children's service
• National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) – this website includes information about child care and how to choose an accredited long day care service – or contact them on 1300 136 554.