Cost of childcare

[FrankieB]

We are probably going to be looking for childcare for our 3 and 4 year old, full-time until December and then possibly before/after school care and 1/2 days a week for the younger one from February 2014. I've been looking at playgroups but wondered what the going rate is for a childminder? Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Basically, I need to weigh up which is the best option and how much it would cost us per week.

 

Thanks x

[ailey]

Hi I haven't used a childminder myself though lots advertise on gumtree which might give you an idea of costs.

[lozzachino]

Hi, having looked a childminders and nursery, childminders seem to be around $75/$80 per day. Most will do an hourly rate or a half day rate if either of those options suit you. Hourly rate is normally $10, half day is half their full day charge.

 

the cheapeast care option i have been quoted was $76 per day, for an outstanding rated nursery. The highest was $102 per day, for a chain of nurseries that i was told doesnt have a great reputation.

 

we have found a nice day care close to where we now live for $82 per day. Most day cares only do full days i am finding out.

 

if you are on a pr visa you may be entitled to child care benefit and if both you and your partner are working you may be entitled to the child care rebate as well. The rebate is up to 50 percent of your costs, and the benefit is income dependent and dependent on how many days you are using care, so could be anything from 0 to 100 percent. You need to submit a claim for these online, the centrelink office will just send you away and tell you to do it online.

[Rossmoyne]

Have you considered employing and Au Pair? Some posters have gone this route as it was more reliable and turned out cheaper in the long term.