You may need care for your child before or after school. Many schools have arrangements with local child care centres for outside school hours care, and there are an increasing number of services on school sites. Services need to be licensed and, where parents wish to receive Child Care Benefit, the service must be accredited under the Australian Government’s Child Care Quality Assurance system. Licensing and accreditation mean that services meet standards for providing quality child care in safe and secure surroundings. Some family day carers also offer out of school hours care - this can be arranged through your local Family Day Care Scheme.

 Information about child care services available in your local community can be obtained from:

• Child care services in Tasmania
  List of services licensed to operate in Tasmania.
• Child care for children with special needs
  The Australian Government funds two complementary programs (the Supplementary Services Program and The Special Needs Subsidy Scheme) to help the families of children with additional needs gain access to childcare services. These programs are available in services approved for Child Care Benefits (CCB).
• Concerns
  For assistance if you have any concerns about the care your child is receiving.
• Australian Government’s Child Care Access Hotline
  Ph: 1800 670 305 
  A Translator Information Service is also available
• Department of Education, Child Care Unit
  Ph: (03) 6233 5676 or (03) 6233 8812 or 1300 135 513
   

Child Care Benefit and Family Assistance

The Australian Government’s Child Care Benefit may be available to help you with the cost of child care.
For information on the benefit and the eligibility criteria contact:

• Centrelink
  Ph: 13 61 50
  Web: www.centrelink.gov.au
• Financial assistance through Child Care Benefits (CCB)
  This webpage explains how the Child Care Benefits program helps with the cost of childcare, who is eligible for it and how to apply.
• Family Assistance Offices in Tasmania
  Contact information for the Family Assistance Office in Tasmania near you. Family Assistance is paid by the Australian Government to help with the costs of parenting.