Long Day Care Costs in Melbourne: A Parent's Guide
Quick summary
The weekly cost of long day care in Melbourne varies, from around $100 to over $200 per day before any government help. Your actual out-of-pocket expense depends on your family's income and work hours. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can cover a large part of the fee, making it much more affordable.
Key takeaways
- Expect daily fees to range from about $100 to over $200 before subsidies.
- Calculate your personal subsidy using the Services Australia online calculator.
- The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is paid directly to your centre, reducing your bill.
- Confirm what's included in the fee, such as meals, nappies, and kinder.
- Look beyond the price to consider centre quality, educators, and environment.
How Much Does Long Day Care Cost in Melbourne?
Working out the cost of long day care is a big step for Melbourne families. You're trying to budget and plan, but it's hard to find a simple answer. That's because the final price you pay per week isn't just about the centre's daily fee. It's a personal figure that changes based on your family's circumstances.
This guide will help you understand the true cost. We'll break down all the parts that make up your weekly childcare bill. From the standard daily fee to the government help available, you'll get a clear picture of how to budget for this important part of your child's life.
Understanding the Daily Fee Before Subsidies
The first number you'll see from any childcare centre is the full daily fee. Think of this as the 'sticker price' before any help is applied. In Melbourne, this fee can vary a lot, generally falling somewhere between $100 and $200+ per day. The price often reflects the centre's location, facilities, and what's included.
At Meraki Early Learning Centres, our daily fee is designed to be all-inclusive. This means you don't have to worry about packing meals or paying extra for educational programmes. It covers everything your child needs for a day of learning and fun, from nutritious lunches prepared by our on-site chef to nappies and sunscreen. This simple approach helps families budget without surprise costs.
How the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Reduces Your Cost
The most important factor in your weekly childcare cost is the Child Care Subsidy, or CCS. This is not a payment you receive yourself. Instead, the government pays it directly to your childcare centre. The centre then subtracts this amount from your total fees, and you only pay the remaining amount, often called the 'gap' fee.
The amount of CCS you get depends on a few key things:
- Your combined family income.
- The number of hours you and your partner work, study, or volunteer (your 'activity level').
- The type of care you're using (long day care is an approved type).
Because it's so specific to each family, it's impossible for any centre to tell you exactly what you'll pay without knowing your personal details. The best first step is to visit the Services Australia website. Their online estimators can give you a reliable idea of what your subsidy will be.
Key Factors that Influence Your 'Gap' Fee
Let's look more closely at what determines your CCS rate and your final out-of-pocket cost. The government uses a sliding scale. Families with a lower combined income receive a higher percentage of their fees subsidised. As income increases, the subsidy percentage decreases.
Your activity level determines the number of subsidised hours you can claim per fortnight. For example, a family where both parents work full-time will be eligible for more subsidised hours than a family where one parent works part-time. It's important to report all recognised activities, including work, study, training, and even volunteering, to maximise your eligible hours.
Finally, the government sets an hourly rate cap. This is the maximum hourly fee they will subsidise. If your centre's hourly fee is higher than the cap, you'll need to pay the difference, in addition to your regular gap fee. Most centres, including our Bayswater childcare centre, structure their fees to work with this cap.
What's Included in an All-Inclusive Fee?
When comparing centres, it's vital to know what the daily fee includes. A lower headline price might not be cheaper if you have to pay extra for essentials. At Meraki, we believe in making life simpler for busy families. We provide everything your child needs during their day with us.
Our all-inclusive fee covers:
- Nutritious Meals: Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack. All are prepared fresh by our on-site centre chef.
- Daily Essentials: We provide all nappies, wipes, and child-friendly sunscreen.
- Educational Programmes: Our play-based curriculum is included, with special activities and learning resources.
- Kindergarten Programmes: The fee also covers our government-approved Three-Year-Old Kindergarten programme and our funded Four-Year-Old Kinder, led by qualified teachers.
Choosing a centre with an all-inclusive fee means your weekly bill is predictable. It also saves you the time and stress of packing lunches and remembering to replenish supplies.
Comparing Centre Costs: What to Look For
While cost is a major factor, it shouldn't be the only one. The quality of care and education your child receives is an investment in their future. When you're visiting centres, look beyond the price tag. Ask about the qualifications and experience of the educators. Notice the relationships between the staff and children. Is the environment warm, safe, and engaging?
A centre tour is the best way to get a feel for the place. It allows you to see the facilities, watch the programmes in action, and speak directly with the team. We welcome families to book a tour at our childcare centre in Mooroolbark. It’s a chance to ask questions and see if our community feels like the right fit for your family. A centre that feels right often provides the best value in the long run.
Planning Your Family's Childcare Budget
Once you understand the daily fee and have an estimate for your Child Care Subsidy, you can create a realistic weekly budget. Set aside your estimated 'gap' fee as a regular weekly expense. Remember that most centres charge for public holidays if your child is normally booked in on that day, as they still have to cover staff and operating costs.
When you enrol, ask about any other one-off costs, such as a security bond or an enrolment fee. A good centre will be transparent about all costs involved. The team at Meraki is always happy to walk you through our fee structure and help you understand the enrolment process.
Starting your child in long day care is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be a confusing one. By understanding how the fees and subsidies work together, you can plan your budget with confidence. We encourage you to get in touch with us to discuss your family's needs and learn more about our centres in Mooroolbark and Bayswater.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
You can apply for the CCS through your MyGov account, which needs to be linked to Centrelink. You'll need to provide details about your family's income, your and your partner's activity levels, and the type of care you'll be using. It's best to apply before your child starts care, as the subsidy can't be backdated more than 28 days.
Do I still pay for childcare on public holidays or if my child is sick?
Yes, most long day care centres, including Meraki, charge for booked days regardless of attendance. This is because we must still pay our educators and cover operational costs for that day. The Child Care Subsidy still applies for up to 42 absence days per child, per financial year, without the need for evidence, which includes sick days and public holidays.
Is kindergarten cheaper than long day care?
Our funded Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programmes are integrated into our long day care service. This means you get the benefit of a full day of care and a structured kinder programme all under one roof, and it's all covered by the daily fee and your CCS. This is often more convenient and affordable for working families than a standalone sessional kinder.
How often do childcare fees increase?
Childcare centres typically review their fees once a year to keep up with rising operational costs like wages, utilities, and resources. Centres are required to give families written notice before any fee change. We always aim to keep our fees fair and transparent, balancing affordability with our commitment to high-quality care and education.
What is the hourly rate cap for the Child Care Subsidy?
The government sets a maximum hourly fee that it will subsidise. For the 2023-2024 financial year, the cap for centre-based day care is $13.73 per hour. If your centre's hourly rate is above this, you pay the difference. For the most current rate cap, you should always check the official Services Australia website as these figures are updated regularly.
Can I get a quote for my weekly 'gap' fee from Meraki?
We can tell you our full daily fee, but we can't provide an exact 'gap' fee because it depends on your personal CCS assessment from Services Australia. The most accurate way to find out your personal cost is to use the Centrelink Payment and Service Finder online. Once you have your CCS percentage and eligible hours, we can help you estimate your out-of-pocket cost.
Book a tour of Meraki ELC
Want to see how we'd answer this for your family? Book a tour at our Mooroolbark or Bayswater centre — or use the contact form and we'll come back to you within one business day.