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Childcare Sydney 2026: Find Places, Costs & Options
Complete Sydney childcare guide: long day care, family day care, kindergarten options, 2026 costs, Child Care Subsidy info, and what to look for when choosing.
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Childcare and Kindergarten in Sydney 2026
Sydney has a large but competitive childcare market, securing a place for a child under 2 in many Sydney suburbs can require joining a waitlist 12-24 months in advance. Long day care, family day care, preschool and kindergarten are all available across the metropolitan area. education.gov.au/early-childhood
Types of Childcare in Sydney
- Long day care: Centre-based care, typically 6am-6pm, for children 0-5 years. Most common form of childcare in Sydney
- Family day care: A registered carer looks after a small group of children in their home, often more affordable and with more flexible hours than centre care
- Preschool/Kindergarten: NSW preschool is for children in the year or two before school. Kindergarten in NSW refers to the first year of primary school (aged 5-6)
- Before and after school care (BASC): For primary school children, usually operated at or near the school
What Does Childcare Cost in Sydney 2026?
- Long day care daily fee: $120-$220/day in Sydney, among the most expensive childcare in Australia
- Family day care: $80-$130/day
- Preschool: $50-$120/day depending on sessions
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
The Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy helps eligible families with childcare costs. The CCS is means-tested and activity-tested, the amount families receive depends on their combined family income and the number of hours each parent works, studies or is otherwise active. Apply for the CCS through myGov/Centrelink before your child's first day. Most Sydney families with incomes under $500,000 combined are eligible for some level of CCS. servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy
How to Find Childcare in Sydney
Use the federal government's Starting Blocks website (startingblocks.gov.au) to search for approved childcare services near you. Join waitlists at multiple centres, for popular inner Sydney suburbs (Newtown, Marrickville, Surry Hills, Glebe, Balmain, Crows Nest, Mosman) you may need to be on waitlists at 3-5 centres to secure a placement.