After School Care

Outside School Hours Care

You may need care for your child before or after school, or during school holidays.

Many schools have arrangements with local education and care services for outside school hours care, and there are an increasing number of services on school sites. These services generally cater for children aged 5 to 12 years, although Kindergarten children are sometimes included.

Some family day carers also offer out of school hours care – this can be arranged through your local Family Day Care service.

Services need to be approved under the Education and Care Services National Law 2011, and be assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard. Approval enables eligible parents to access Australian Government child care subsidies.

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

• the Australian Government’s Child Care Access Hotline, phone 1800 670 305 – a Translator Information Service is available.
• the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority website (ACECQA)
• the Department of Education, Education and Care Unit website or phone (03) 616 55 425 or 1800 816 057.

Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate

The Australian Government’s Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate may be available to help you with the cost of care. For information on the benefit, rebate and the eligibility criteria, phone the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50 or visit the following websites:

• Dept. of Human Services – Child Care Benefit
• Dept. of Human Services – Child Care Rebate.