How to find a childcare centre in Sydney in 2026, including average costs, the childcare subsidy, waiting list tips, and what to look for when touring
Family Desk is a contributing writer covering family and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Childcare in Sydney is provided by a mix of long day care centres, family day care services, and preschools. Long day care centres are centre-based services that operate for long hours, typically from 7am to 6pm on weekdays. Family day care services are home-based services provided by an educator in their own home. Preschools are part-time services that operate during school terms and prepare children for school.
The Australian Government provides the Child Care Subsidy to help families with the cost of childcare. The subsidy is income-tested and activity-tested, meaning the amount you receive depends on your family income and the number of hours of work, study, or volunteer activity you do each fortnight. The subsidy is paid directly to the childcare provider, reducing the amount you pay out of pocket.
The average cost of long day care in Sydney is approximately $140 per day for a full-time place as of 2026. The cost varies depending on the location, the quality of the centre, and the age of the child. Childcare in the inner city and eastern suburbs is generally more expensive than childcare in western Sydney. The average cost of family day care is approximately $10 per hour, which is generally cheaper than long day care but may not include all meals and activities.
The Child Care Subsidy reduces the out-of-pocket cost for most families. The maximum subsidy rate is 85 percent of the hourly fee, which applies to families with an annual income below $80,000. The subsidy rate decreases as family income increases, and it is zero for families with an annual income above $355,000. The subsidy is capped at $10.29 per hour for most families, which means that the out-of-pocket cost is the hourly fee minus the subsidy, up to the cap.
The NSW Government provides a searchable directory of childcare services at the Child Care Finder website. The website allows you to search by location, type of service, and availability. You can also see the centre's quality rating from the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority.
Word of mouth is a good way to find childcare. Ask other parents in your area for recommendations. Local community groups on social media, such as neighbourhood Facebook groups, are a good source of information about local childcare centres.
When you visit a childcare centre, observe the following:
Staff qualifications. The centre should have a qualified early childhood teacher on site and educators with a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. The educator-to-child ratio should comply with the national quality standards: one educator for every four children under two years old, one educator for every five children aged two to three years, and one educator for every 11 children aged three to five years.
Environment and facilities. The centre should have indoor and outdoor play areas that are safe, clean, and well maintained. The outdoor area should have shade, natural surfaces, and a range of play equipment. The indoor area should have natural light, ventilation, and a range of age-appropriate toys and resources.
Program and curriculum. The centre should have a documented program that supports children's learning and development. The program should include a range of activities, including art, music, physical activity, and language development. The centre should provide regular updates to parents about their child's progress.
Food and nutrition. The centre should provide healthy meals and snacks that meet the dietary requirements of children. The centre should have a menu that is visible to parents and should accommodate allergies and dietary requirements.
Sleep and rest. The centre should have a quiet, dark area for children to sleep or rest. The centre should have a policy on sleep and rest that is consistent with best practice.
Childcare places in Sydney are in high demand, particularly in the inner city and eastern suburbs. Many centres have waiting lists of 12 months or more. To secure a place, you need to apply early, usually before your child is born or as soon as you know you will need care. Some centres require a deposit to secure a place on the waiting list.
When you apply, provide as much information as possible about your needs, including your preferred days and hours, your child's routine, and any special requirements. Keep in touch with the centre regularly and let them know if your circumstances change.
If you cannot find a place at a centre near your home or work, consider family day care or a preschool. Family day care is generally easier to access because there are more educators than centre places. Preschools are part-time and may not suit full-time working parents, but they are a good option for children in the year before school.
The Child Care Subsidy is calculated based on your family income, the number of hours of activity you do each fortnight, and the type of childcare you use. The subsidy is paid directly to the provider, reducing the amount you pay out of pocket. The maximum subsidy rate is 85 percent, which applies to families with an annual income below $80,000. The subsidy rate decreases as family income increases.
You can calculate your subsidy using the Child Care Subsidy estimator on the Child Care Finder website. The estimator asks for your family income, your activity level, and the type of childcare you are considering. It then calculates your out-of-pocket cost.
Long day care is a centre-based service that operates for long hours, typically from 7am to 6pm on weekdays. Long day care is suitable for families that need full-time care and want a structured program for their child. Long day care is generally more expensive than family day care, but it provides more hours of care and a wider range of activities.
Family day care is a home-based service provided by an educator in their own home. Family day care is generally cheaper than long day care and provides more individual attention for your child. Family day care is suitable for families that want a more flexible, home-like environment for their child. Family day care educators are required to be qualified and regulated by the same authority as long day care centres.
More information about childcare in Sydney is available at Child Care Finder and ACECQA.
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