This section is dedicated to options available for childcare for children 0-2 years old. Mostly these will be the same options as for children up to 5 years old, but clearly while your baby is so dependent you will want to ensure adequate supervision, care & attention for your baby.

The options are fairly simple ranging from Family Day Care, Long Day Care centres, private home-based childcare (such as private nannies, au pairs, babysitters or a private childminding arrangement with family, friends or shared care with other Mums) and occasional care.

Commercial childcare services can be accredited by the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) - which ensures the locations of childcare are checked for things such as health and safety and the quality of their childcare. Further details of which can be sourced in the NCAC section below or on the NCAC website.

The Dept of Community Services (DoCS) website shows full details and requirements for each type of child care service available.

The Family Assistance Office website answers questions on eligibility for child care benefit and offers a free Child Care Access Hotline on 1800 670 305. See the section below on child care benefit for more information.

Use these links to review the different options below:-

• Family Daycare
• Long Day Care centres
• Private home based childcare
• Occasional childcare
• National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc (NCAC)
• Child Care Benefit

Long Day Care (LDC) Centres

Long Day Care centres are open long hours - usually 10 to 12 per day from Monday to Friday which allows flexibility to drop off and pick up children later - often from 7am up to 6.30pm.

Children are grouped in areas according to age with a maximun 5:1 ratio for Babies in 0-2 years old category.

Costs are higher than family day care, often being around $65-$70 per day in this area for the 0-2 age group. Government subsidies may be available depending on your circumstances. Check your eligibility with the Family Assistance Office or read the section below on childcare benefit.

Carers may be varied with staff turnover and shifts being worked and so several staff members will be caring for your child. These factors are variable and you may want to discuss this with the LDC centre if consistency of care is important to you and your baby.

All centres have to be licensed by DoCS At least one staff member must be appropriately trained to care for under 2's. LDC centres may apply for accreditation by NCAC - check on the website or with the centre themselves if they are accredited.

Local Long Day Care Centres can be found in the Yellow Pages or if they are Council-run on the following websites, or use the NCAC website search facilities:

• Hills Shire Council Ph: 9843 0193
• Blacktown Council Ph: 9839 6000
• Parramatta Council Ph: 9806 5050
• NCAC Childcare Services - search
• Care For Kids - search

This section covers relatives and friends caring for your children (eg grandparents), plus private nannies, au pairs, home-helps and private maternity services.

Maternity services can be very useful if you are struggling as a new Mum to breastfeed or settle your baby, or you simply need some respite care to get out or sleep.

Nannies, Au Pairs, Babysitters & Mothers Help

There are a number of privately run agencies providing nannies, au pairs, babysitters and other maternity services. Professional agencies usually run extensive reference checks on staff and it can be useful to keep a few numbers to hand.

Suggested options to find suitable carers include placing an advert in your local newspaper; using a professional agency such as Dial an Angel, Modern Family Focus, Find A Babysitter or Puddleducks (0407 440 817, includes maternity services); using the childcare section in our My Local Guide Business Directory or looking in the classified section of your local newspaper, of Sydney's Child, the local phone directory, or the search facility on the Kidspot website. Costs vary and you may pay a fee to register with an agency or the fee for the carer may include the agency fee.

Family/Friends as Childminders

If your family or friends register with your council as registered childminders, you may be eligible to claim a rebate towards the cost of childcare - however, this is the minimum amount, which is approx. $5 per day as in 2007.

Registration requires the childminder to register and have a tax file number.

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Occasional Childcare

Occasional childcare is available for when you need irregular or casual childminding. Booking is usually required and centres may vary in whether they book children in for a specified number of hours, half a day or a full day. Centres are licensed by DoCS but are not accredited.
Search the NCAC website for options available in the areaor call the Child Care Access Hotline on 1800 670 305.

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National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC)

Tel:1300 136 554

Accreditation of childcare services is carried out by the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) - which ensures childcare services are checked for quality including aspects such as health and safety.

The NCAC can give you advice on what to look for in a quality childcare environment and provide you with the names and contact details of registered and accredited child care services in your area.

The NCAC website offers a search of childcare options by suburb or postcode including Long Day Care centres and Family Day Care. You can also check to see if your preferred childcare centre is accredited and apply for a free Family Information pack by contacting the NCAC using the website, or by calling on 1300 136 554 or (02) 8260 1900 between Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm. Email:qualitycare@ncac.gov.au

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Childcare Benefit

The Family Assistance Office is able to advise you as to whether you qualify for childcare benefit. Generally all approved care is eligible as are registered carers, but the amount of child care benefit varies. Use the Family Assistance Office website or call 13 61 50 for further information.

The Childcare access hotline can give you contact details for approved childcare in the area. Generally, approved care is all family day care and long day care childcare centres, whereas registered care is generally nannies, grandparents, relatives & friends who are registered as carers with the Family Assistance Office.

Refer to the Children's section Government funding for links to more information.

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