How to choose childcare
A first-time parent checklist that sticks to published ACECQA data for quality and approval, then points you to centres and Services Australia for fees and places.
1. Map your options
Start with near me, a city hub, or a suburb page. Note travel time, hours and whether you need long day care, preschool or outside school hours care.
2. Compare quality signals
Add two to four services to compare. Look at overall NQS rating, QA1–QA7 when published, approved places and operating status. Read the NQS guide if ratings are unfamiliar.
3. Ask about fees and vacancies
Registers do not publish daily fees or live spots. Use the fees & CCS guide and waitlists guide, then call each centre.
4. Confirm and enrol
Double-check approval on the official register, tour if you can, and complete CCS enrolment steps with Services Australia once a place is offered.
Frequently asked questions
- What should first-time parents compare first?
- Start with location and service type (long day care, preschool or OSHC), then NQS ratings and approved places. Ask centres directly about fees and waitlists.
- How many services should I shortlist?
- Two to four is enough for a side-by-side compare on ChildcareScout. Visit or call your top choices before deciding.
- Where do I confirm a service is still approved?
- Always check the official ACECQA national registers. ChildcareScout imports register extracts periodically and may lag the live source.