How to enrol in family day care

From your first enquiry to your child's first day, here's exactly what happens, what you'll need, and how we help your child settle in.

Start with an enquiry 0467 588 621
An educator reading a picture book to three children sitting on cushions

The enrolment process

Making an enquiry is free, and there's no obligation until you sign an enrolment form.

  1. Enquire

    Tell us your suburb, your child's age, the days and hours you need, and when you'd like to start.

  2. Get matched

    We suggest an educator near you with a place that fits, and share their hours and fees.

  3. Visit

    Meet the educator at their home, see the space and ask questions. Bring your child if you like.

  4. Enrol

    Complete the enrolment form and provide your documents. We check everything with you.

  5. Settle in

    Short settling visits help your child get to know their educator before full days begin.

What you'll need

Have these ready to make enrolment quick:

  • Your child's birth certificate or passport
  • Your child's Immunisation History Statement (from the Australian Immunisation Register through Medicare or myGov)
  • Your child's Medicare card
  • Your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and your child's CRN, for the Child Care Subsidy
  • Emergency contacts and people authorised to collect your child
  • Any medical action plans, for example for allergies, anaphylaxis or asthma, and medication details
  • Any court orders or parenting plans relevant to your child's care

Settling in

Starting care is a big step for children and parents. In family day care, your child has one main educator, which usually makes settling easier, especially for babies and toddlers.

  • Start with one or two short visits where you stay with your child
  • Share your child's routines: sleep, feeding, comfort items and words they use
  • Keep goodbyes short and warm, and always say goodbye
  • Expect a few weeks of adjustment; your educator will keep you updated
A reading corner with a forward-facing book display and a small armchair

Fees and the Child Care Subsidy

Each educator sets their own hourly fee, and you pay only for the hours you book. Your educator's fee schedule is shared with you before you enrol.

Our Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approval is in progress. Once it's approved, eligible families will have the subsidy applied directly to their fees. To be ready:

  1. Sign in to myGov and link it to Centrelink.
  2. Go to Payments and claims, then Make a claim, and claim Child Care Subsidy.
  3. Once your claim is assessed, you'll confirm your enrolment with us in myGov when we send it through.

See what you're likely to pay with our Child Care Subsidy calculator.

Enrolment questions

How far ahead should I enquire?
As early as you can, ideally two to three months before you need care, especially for babies or specific days. If you need care sooner, still ask: places do come up.
Can I enrol for just one or two days a week?
Yes. Many families use family day care part-time, and you can add days later if a place is available.
Do I need to provide food and nappies?
It depends on the educator. Some provide meals and some ask families to send food. Your educator will explain what's included when you visit.
What happens if my child is sick?
Children who are unwell need to stay home so other children stay healthy. Your educator will explain their illness and exclusion policy, which follows Victorian health guidelines.

Talk to us about care for your child

Tell us your suburb, your child's age and the days you need. We'll tell you honestly what's available near you, usually within one business day.

Make an enquiry 0467 588 621
Call us Enquire