Childcare Sydney 2026: Find Places, Costs & Options

Childcare and Kindergarten in Sydney 2026

Sydney has a large but competitive childcare market — securing a place for a child under 2 in many Sydney suburbs can require joining a waitlist 12-24 months in advance. Long day care, family day care, preschool and kindergarten are all available across the metropolitan area. education.gov.au/early-childhood

Types of Childcare in Sydney

• Long day care: Centre-based care, typically 6am-6pm, for children 0-5 years. Most common form of childcare in Sydney
• Family day care: A registered carer looks after a small group of children in their home — often more affordable and with more flexible hours than centre care
• Preschool/Kindergarten: NSW preschool is for children in the year or two before school. Kindergarten in NSW refers to the first year of primary school (aged 5-6)
• Before and after school care (BASC): For primary school children, usually operated at or near the school

What Does Childcare Cost in Sydney 2026?

• Long day care daily fee: $120-$220/day in Sydney — among the most expensive childcare in Australia
• Family day care: $80-$130/day
• Preschool: $50-$120/day depending on sessions

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

The Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy helps eligible families with childcare costs. The CCS is means-tested and activity-tested — the amount families receive depends on their combined family income and the number of hours each parent works, studies or is otherwise active. Apply for the CCS through myGov/Centrelink before your child's first day. Most Sydney families with incomes under $500,000 combined are eligible for some level of CCS. servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy

How to Find Childcare in Sydney

Use the federal government's Starting Blocks website (startingblocks.gov.au) to search for approved childcare services near you. Join waitlists at multiple centres — for popular inner Sydney suburbs (Newtown, Marrickville, Surry Hills, Glebe, Balmain, Crows Nest, Mosman) you may need to be on waitlists at 3-5 centres to secure a placement.

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