Childcare in Canberra
Childcare in Canberra – Compare Services, Fees & Quality
Finding the best childcare in Canberra – across districts like Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Woden Valley and Weston Creek – can feel overwhelming. There are different service types, fee structures, wait-lists and quality ratings to navigate, all in a fast-growing city of around 455,000 people with a median age of 35 and many young families.
This guide to childcare in Canberra puts the essentials in one place so you can quickly compare local options, understand costs and subsidies, and feel confident about choosing a service that fits your family.
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Canberra Childcare
Childcare in Canberra – What childcare options are available?
Long Day Care (LDC):
Full-day education and care for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. LDC is the most common option for working families in Canberra who need reliable, extended hours across the week.
Preschool:
A school-readiness program typically offered 2–3 days per week during ACT school terms. Many preschools operate through local public schools, while others run through community organisations or early learning centres.
Family Day Care (FDC):
Smaller, home-based care with one educator and a small group of children. FDC is popular across Canberra suburbs for its flexible hours and home-like environment, especially for infants and younger children.
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC):
Programs for school-aged children, offering before-school care, after-school care and school-holiday programs. Most Canberra public and independent schools partner with OSHC providers, though spaces can book out quickly.
Tip: If you need long hours now but want a dedicated school-readiness program later, many Canberra families combine Long Day Care for extended hours with a Preschool program in the year before school.
Childcare in Canberra – Fees, Costs and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Most families in Canberra will be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which reduces your out-of-pocket childcare fees based on your household income, approved activity hours (work, study, training) and the type of service you use.
Out-of-pocket cost formula:
Your fee = service’s hourly rate – (your CCS% × government hourly cap)
Your final cost will depend on:
- the service’s hourly fee
- your CCS percentage
- how many hours you’re booked in for each week
In Canberra, hourly rates can vary significantly between Long Day Care centres, preschools and Family Day Care educators. Some services charge above the government’s hourly cap, so be aware that you’ll pay the difference out-of-pocket.
Helpful links:
Childcare in Canberra – Quality & Learning: What to Look For
All approved early childhood services in Canberra operate under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and are assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard (NQS). Each service is evaluated across seven key quality areas:
- Educational program & practice
- Children’s health & safety
- Physical environment
- Staffing arrangements
- Relationships with children
- Collaborative partnerships with families & communities
- Governance & leadership
These ratings help families compare quality across different service types, from Long Day Care and Preschool to Family Day Care and OSHC.
Most Canberra services follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which underpins play-based, inclusive learning. Programs are designed to support each child’s sense of belonging, being and becoming, with a focus on communication, wellbeing, identity, confidence and active learning.
When researching childcare in Canberra, it’s helpful to review both the NQS rating and how each service applies the EYLF in daily practice.
Helpful links:
Canberra – Demographic Snapshot
- Population: Approximately 453,000 people, with strong year-on-year growth.
- Median age: Around 35 years, younger than the national average.
- Children aged 0–4: A significant and steady share of the population, reflecting strong demand for early childhood education and care.
- Median weekly household income: Around $2,400, among the highest in Australia.
- Languages (after English): Commonly spoken languages include Mandarin, Nepali, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Arabic, reflecting a diverse and multicultural community.
Additional demographic insights:
- The ACT has a large proportion of young working-age adults (particularly those aged 20–39), which is a key driver of childcare demand.
- Growth is strongest in Gungahlin, Molonglo Valley, and expanding northern suburbs, creating ongoing pressure for new childcare places.
- Developmental data shows a higher-than-average share of children requiring additional learning support, highlighting the importance of strong early-learning programs.
- Canberra residents tend to have short commuting distances, meaning proximity to home or workplace is a major influencer when choosing childcare.
What this means:
Higher demand for Long Day Care and OSHC:
With many young families and high workforce participation, full-day programs and school-age care are consistently in demand.
Strong competition for places in growth areas:
Rapidly expanding suburbs often experience waitlists, especially for infant and toddler rooms.
Multicultural community needs:
Services offering bilingual educators, cultural inclusion, or language-rich programs are particularly valued.
Educational quality matters:
Given Canberra’s younger age profile and higher household incomes, families often prioritise centres with strong learning programs, developmental support and extended inclusions.
How to use this information:
- Compare services in both established and growth suburbs — demand can vary sharply.
- Consider whether proximity to work or home offers better convenience based on your routine.
- Check availability for younger age groups early, as these rooms commonly fill first.
- Look at each service’s inclusions, NQS rating and program approach, then assess your true out-of-pocket cost using your CCS percentage.
Childcare in Canberra – How to Choose: A Quick Checklist for Centre Visits
Before you go
- Short-list 3–5 services near your home, workplace, or daily travel route — Canberra’s short commute distances make both options practical.
- Check each service’s NQS rating, opening hours, fees, inclusions and wait-list process (some Canberra centres, especially in newer suburbs, may have longer lists for infant rooms).
- Confirm whether you need to book a formal tour or if they offer drop-in visits.
During the tour
- Ask how the curriculum follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and how educators build learning experiences around children’s interests.
- Look for warm, responsive interactions, positive behaviour guidance, and a calm, well-organised environment.
- Confirm staff-to-child ratios, educator qualifications, and how the centre manages allergies, first aid, and outdoor safety — important given Canberra’s climate variations.
- Observe how children move between indoor and outdoor spaces, and whether the environment feels safe, engaging and inclusive.
After the visit
- Compare each centre’s daily rhythm (meals, naps, routines), communication apps and how they partner with families.
- Review their school-readiness program, especially if your child will attend Preschool soon.
- Re-check fees against your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) estimate and ask about bond, deposit, or enrolment fee terms.
- Reflect on how each service aligns with your child’s personality, interests and your family’s schedule.
Childcare in Canberra – FAQs
TL;DR – Find Childcare in Canberra
- Compare Long Day Care, Preschool, Family Day Care and OSHC options across Canberra’s districts — including Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Woden Valley and Weston Creek.
- Use the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to reduce your fees and estimate your out-of-pocket costs before enrolling.
- Check each service’s NQS rating and how they deliver EYLF-aligned learning programs.
- Canberra’s demographics show a strong cohort of young children and working families — demand can be high, so join wait-lists early, especially in fast-growing suburbs.
