A range of care and play-based learning options is available for babies and children up to six years old. Some child care providers also offer before and after school care to school aged children.
On this page:
Types of child careWaiting listsTypes of child care
Child care services may be offered by private providers, community groups, government agencies, individuals, babysitters or nannies.
The different types of child care are described on the page
Types of early childhood services.
The page also has a
quick reference comparison chart to help you work out what type of child care best suits your needs.
If you need help to decide which service is best for you, call the MyChild Hotline on 13 36 84.
To find services in your local area:
Waiting lists
Some child care services use waiting lists to help them manage high demand. To avoid situations where there is no vacancy at the service you wish to use, put your name on their waiting list.
Places are allocated to families with the greatest need for child care. Some centres are required to use
Australian Government guidelines on allocating places in child care services to ensure that the system is fair.
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More information
On this siteTypes of early childhood servicesEarly childhood, education and care Other websites
Find a preschool - SA education department website
Tips, advice and family fact sheets - National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc
Information on choosing and using quality child care - National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc
Information on choosing and using quality child care - Parenting SA
Contact
MyChild Hotline 13 36 84