The cost of child care can be a significant factor in your family budget, and understanding the fees involved is essential for planning your finances.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the average childcare costs around the Parramatta and North Parramatta area, factors that influence these costs, and ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
How Much Does Child Care Cost in Parramatta?
The cost of childcare in Parramatta can vary depending on the type of child care you choose, and age of your child.
At Kiddie Garden child care centre, our daily rates start from $108 per day, before any government rebates. Here’s how we compare to other long day care services in Parramatta:
| Child Care Provider | Age of Child | Child Care Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Kiddie Garden | 0-2 years | $120 per day |
| 2-3 years | $120 per day | |
| 3-4 years | $112 per day | |
| 4-5 years | $108 per day | |
| Montessori Academy | 0-2 years | $171.50 per day |
| 2-3 years | $167.50 per day | |
| 3-6 years | $163.50 per day | |
| Parramatta Preschool & Long Day Care | 0-2 years | $126 per day |
| 2-3 years | $120 per day | |
| 3-5 years | not published |
Data source: careforkids.com.au
Why Does The Cost of Childcare Differ?
When it comes to childcare, what you can expect to pay depends on the type of childcare.
Long day care, family day care, and after school care may have different fee structures. Other factors influencing the cost per day in Australia include:
- Age of the child: Infant care (0-2 years) is typically more expensive due to higher staffing requirements.
- Centre location: Childcare costs can vary based on the center’s location within Parramatta.
- Hours of operation: Extended hours or flexible care options might come at a premium (at Kiddie Garden, we are open from 7:30am to 6pm).
- Additional services: Some centres may include meals, nappies, or educational programs in their childcare fees (all of which are included at no additional charge at Kiddie Garden).
Reducing Your Childcare Costs
While the initial fees may seem daunting, there are several ways to reduce the costs you pay for childcare:
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
The Australian Government offers the Child Care Subsidy to help families with the cost of approved child care. The amount of subsidy you receive depends on three factors:
a) Combined family income
b) Activity level of parents (work, study, or other recognized activities)
c) Type of child care service
To estimate your potential subsidy, use our CCS calculator. The subsidy is paid directly to your childcare provider to reduce the care fees you pay.
Some families may be eligible for the Additional Child Care Subsidy, which provides extra financial support. This subsidy is available for families experiencing temporary financial hardship, transitioning to work from income support, or in other special circumstances.
Learn more about how childcare subsidies work here.
Compare Childcare Facilities
It’s a good idea to research and compare different childcare centres in Parramatta. Look at factors such as:
Consider Different Types of Care
Explore various childcare options, such as:
Each type of care has its own cost structure and benefits, so consider what works best for your family’s needs and budget. Also consider whether the centre is approved under the National Quality Standards for early childhood education.
Benefits of Childcare
While the cost of childcare is an important consideration, it’s also worth recognising the benefits that quality childcare services can provide:
Choosing the Right Childcare Centre
When selecting a childcare centre in Parramatta, consider the following:
- Visit the centre: Come and visit potential childcare providers to get a feel for the environment and meet the staff. At Kiddie Garden, we encourage you to call in anytime. Here’s how to contact us.
- Check for approvals: Ensure the centre is an approved childcare provider (like Kiddie Garden) to be eligible for government subsidies.
- Ask about ratios: Enquire about the educator-to-child ratios to ensure your child will receive adequate attention.
- Review the curriculum: Look for centres that offer quality early learning programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework. Whilst some centres believe children should be self directed, at Kiddie Garden, we encourage learning through play but also include the structure found in traditional education systems. In turn, our preschool graduates transition easier to conventional schooling environments.
- Consider location: Choose a centre that’s convenient for your daily routine, whether it’s close to home or work.
- Check availability: Some centres may have waiting lists, especially for infant care, so plan ahead. We currently have limited vacancies in our babies and infants room, with more availability in our toddler and preschool rooms. Please reach out to us to check availability or waitlist your child.
Remember, investing in quality childcare is not just about managing costs—it’s about providing your child with a strong foundation for their future learning and development. If you’re a parent in Parramatta looking for childcare, we invite you to visit Kiddie Garden. Meet our caring educators and centre director, and learn more about how we can support your family’s childcare needs.
