We understand that parents and carers raising children with disability are constantly balancing a range of commitments and competing schedules, all while trying to meet the unique needs of their child and family.
There are times when, amidst work, appointments, and daily life, you need a safe and supportive place for your child to be cared for. Family or friends can’t always step in, so childcare may become an option to explore.
Finding the right childcare can feel overwhelming. You want a place that’s inclusive, welcoming, and understands your child’s individual needs, where you can feel that your child is safe and well cared for.
Whether you’re just starting to look into childcare, Kiind is here to help you through it, with this step-by-step guide.
What is childcare in Australia?
Childcare is the care and supervision of children, usually while their parents or carers are at work, studying, or managing other responsibilities. It’s often provided by trained educators in centres, homes, or schools.
In Australia, childcare services are part of the broader Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system, which focuses on both education and care for children from birth to school age.
All children in Australia have the right to access inclusive childcare. Childcare services are legally required to support children of all abilities under the National Quality Framework and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
Financial support for childcare
To help offset the costs of ECEC, the Australian government provides financial support to families through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). You may be eligible to receive this subsidy if you or your partner meet the eligibility requirements and residency rules.
If you have been approved to receive the CCS, the government will pay the subsidy directly to your childcare provider. You can find out what your family might pay for childcare by using the Child Care Subsidy Calculator.
What childcare options are available in WA?
There are four childcare services that can administer the subsidy in WA. They include:
Centre-Based Day Care
Centre-Based Day Care (CBDC) is typically provided in centres approved by regulators. It can also be known as long day care. Centre-based care operates on weekdays and provides care to children from birth to school age.
Family Day Care
Family Day Care (FDC) is usually provided to small groups of children in a registered educator’s home or an agreed venue.
Outside School Hours Care
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) provides care in centres primarily for school or preschool children outside normal hours. OSHC also provides care during the day when schools or preschools are not operating, such as pupil-free days and school holidays.
In Home Care
In Home Care (IHC) is a form of childcare where an educator provides care in the child’s home. It is restricted to families who can’t access other forms of early childhood education due to:
- Non-standard or variable work hours
- Geographic isolation from other types of care
- Complex or challenging needs
Inclusion support in childcare
The Inclusion Support Program helps childcare services address barriers to inclusion. It helps children with disability to participate in childcare through tailored support and funding. The program also helps educators learn how to support children with disability and may provide extra staff or specialist advice.
You do not need to apply for inclusion support yourself. Your chosen childcare provider can apply through an Inclusion Agency. Inclusion agencies work with ECEC services to identify and address barriers to inclusion.
The WA Inclusion Agency (WAiA) delivers the Inclusion Support Program in Western Australia. WAiA is a collaboration of three partner agencies, including Communicare, One Tree, and Wanslea.
Finding inclusive childcare
When choosing childcare options that are right for your child, consider what your child needs. Every child is different. Take the time to consider what kinds of supports you believe your child might need while attending childcare and communicate these to the service.
Here are a few tips when looking for childcare:
- Check out the free government website, Starting Blocks, to find childcare services near you, compare services by quality ratings, costs, and availability to begin building a shortlist
- Ask for advice from other parents and carers raising children with disability in the Kiind Families Facebook Network
- Visit a service that aligns with your circumstances and observe how your child interacts with the environment
- Ask the childcare provider about their experience supporting children with disability and if they’ve used inclusion support before
- Speak openly about what your child needs
We understand that choosing the right childcare service for your child can be challenging but support and guidance are available.
If you need additional help with choosing the right childcare service for your child, you’re welcome to book a free Pathway Planning session with our Peer Navigators.
Kiind’s Peer Navigators have lived experience raising children with disability and are here to help you simplify the caring journey. Whether you require support with childcare, education, or NDIS, our team can help.
Book a Pathway Planning session with us today.
If you need support to understand your options or just someone to talk to, please get in touch with us. We’re here for families like yours.
