Organising childcare the easy way

There’s an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Today, however, the village might consist of day care, family day care, nannies or occasional care, along with grandparents, part-time babysitters and neighbours. Each family has different childcare needs that depend on many factors, not limited to how much the parents work outside of home, the kids’ ages and their particular needs.

Long day care is one of the more popular options, as the extended hours make it easier for parents to work set hours. Nannies can be an excellent option, since they can usually work flexible hours, your children can be in their own home and there’s no rush for you at pick-up time. Family day care allows for a home environment as well as social interaction with other children.

For parents needing a break, occasional care – a centre offering childcare on a casual basis, often for just a few hours at a time – can be a lifesaver for doctors’ appointments or even a kid-free supermarket shop.

When deciding the best option for your family, consider all the options. Most centres offer tours – while you’re there, be sure to ask lots of questions related to your individual family needs. There are government rebates and benefits for some childcare options, too, so it’s definitely worthwhile looking into your eligibility.

You can search for different childcare options in your area and find out about the childcare benefit and rebate at the My Child website.