Table 2. Types of Early Childhood Service

Long day care

Long Day Care (LDC) is a centre-based form of child care service. LDC services provide all day or part-time care for children aged birth to six years who attend the centre on a regular basis. Centres typically operate between 7.30am and 6.00pm on normal working days for 48 weeks per year so that parents can manage both the care of their children and the demands of their employment. LDC centres are required to deliver an appropriate program for children. Centres are run by private companies, local councils, community organisations, individuals, non-profit organisations or by employers for their staff.

Family day care

Family Day Care (FDC) is where a professional carer provides flexible care in their own home for other people’s children. Care is predominantly provided for children aged from birth to six years who are not yet at school, but may also be provided for school-aged children. Carers can provide care for the whole day, part of the day, or for irregular or casual care. In many states and territories, these carers are required to be registered with a FDC scheme1. A FDC scheme supports and administers a network of carers, by monitoring the standard of care provided, and providing professional advice. In some states and territories, family day carers may operate independently of a FDC scheme.

Outside school hours care

Outside school hours care (OSHC) services provide care for primary school-aged children (typically aged five to 12 years) before and after school generally operates, during school holidays (vacation care), and on pupil free days. OSHC services are usually provided from primary school premises such as the school hall and/or playground. Services may also be located in child care centres, community facilities or other OSHC centres located near the primary school. OSHC services are often provided by parent associations, or not-for-profit organisations.

Preschool / Kindergarten

Preschool is a planned sessional educational program, primarily aimed at children in the year before they start full time schooling1. Preschool programs are usually play-based educational programs designed and delivered by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher. All states and territories provide funding for eligible children to access a preschool program in the year prior to school entry. In Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland, the preschool year is known as kindergarten. Preschools are located at government and non-government school sites, LDC centres or local community venues.

Occasional care

Occasional care is a centre-based child care service that provides professional care for children aged from birth to five years who attend the service on an hourly or sessional basis for short periods or at irregular intervals. This type of care is used by parents who do not need professional child care on a regular basis but would like someone to look after their child occasionally; for example, if they have to attend a medical appointment or take care of personal matters. Occasional care is often provided as stand-alone services, within LDC services or preschools, at sport and leisure centres, and community centres. Occasional care is sometimes referred to as crèche.