Childcare

If you've decided to move to South Australia from overseas, organising the move may appear to be a daunting task.

There are lots of immigration details to sort through, items to pack and decisions on what to leave behind and what to take. Advising people and/organisations of your move and managing the paperwork will take an organised approach.

We've included some general information below as well as in the links to the left. However, for the most up-to-date information it is suggested that you use the site Services SA at which contains a ton of information to help you make the move.

South Australia offers a range of child care options including:

• Child Care Centres
• Family Day Care
• Early Learning Programs
• Occasional Play Centres
• Out of school Care Programs/Vacation Care

Some centres provide special services for children from non-English speaking backgrounds or from Aboriginal backgrounds. Centres are either non-profit and run by the community, or private and run as a business.

There are currently over 234 licensed child care centres in South Australia. The average cost of full-time day care is approximately AU$160-200 per child per week. Child care benefit is available from the Government depending on the parents' income level (permanent residents only).

Home Based Care (Family Day Care) is a service which provides child care in the homes of approved care providers. It can be full or part time, out of school hours, outside normal working hours, overnight or weekends. Government assistance is available depending on family income (for permanent residents only).

Occasional care is available for children under school age; in centres, pre-schools and family day care homes. It is available to non-working parents for a limited number of hours per week. Respite or emergency care is also available.

Out of School Hours Care services are available specifically for primary school aged children and can be used on a casual, part time, regular or emergency basis. They are associated with a particular school and are usually located on the school grounds.

All licensed child care centres must meet a minimum standard with regard to safety and the welfare of children. Parents are invited to visit centres and assess the suitability for their child.

To find out more, contact:

Schools and Children’s Services

31 Flinders Street
ADELAIDE SA 5000
Telephone: +61 8 8226 0044
Facsimile: +61 8 8226 0099