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What are my early childhood education options?

Many child care services offer an early education program as well as child care. If your child is not in formal care then preschools or playgroups can help their early learning and development.

Preschool programs

• Preschools are often also referred to as kindergartens. These services offer early learning programs for children in the year before they start formal school education.
• Preschool programs are usually play-based educational programs designed and delivered by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher.
• Preschools are located at school sites, private preschool centres, long day care centres or local community venues.
• Child Care Benefit may be available for preschool depending on how the centre is regulated. Some long day care centres offer a preschool program in addition to long day care. If your day care centre offers this then you may claim Child Care benefit. Please check with your preschool provider about eligibility for financial assistance.

Information about the location of government preschools is available through state and territory government education departments. You can also contact your local council or community organisation about a local preschool.

Playgroups

• Playgroups give children under school age the chance to socialise and interact with other children and adults. Parents are usually involved in the children’s activities.
• Playgroups are different from child care because parents stay with their children rather than leave them in someone else’s care.
• Playgroups also provide a good opportunity for parents to talk and share common experiences. They can be held at family homes, community centres or community halls.
• While Child Care Benefit is not available to playgroups, government funding is available to help establish playgroup associations and support them to produce newsletters and develop ideas for suitable activities.

For information about the availability of playgroups in your local area visit Playgroup Australia’s website or call 1800 171 882.

For further information about the different types of playgroups available, please see the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to view playgroup information.