Childcare in Wollongong

Looking for childcare in Wollongong? This directory brings together local services including childcare centres, preschools, family day care, and outside school hours care (OSHC). Whether you need full-day care for your baby, a preschool program for your 4-year-old, or after-school supervision, you can explore approved Wollongong providers all in one place.

Search the Childcare in Wollongong Directory

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Explore Childcare in Wollongong – A Complete Guide for Families

Finding the right childcare in Wollongong is one of the biggest decisions a parent will make. The early years are a period of rapid social, emotional, and cognitive growth, and the environment you choose has a major influence on your child’s development and confidence.

Whether you’re a new parent returning to work, moving to the Illawarra, or simply comparing early education options in your area, this guide will help you navigate the process with clarity. Below, you’ll find an overview of the main childcare choices available in Wollongong — including long day care centres, family day care, preschools, and outside school hours care (OSHC). We’ve also included practical tips, cost insights, and answers to common questions families ask when selecting the right service.

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Wollongong Childcare Centres – Structured Learning and Reliable Care

Childcare centres are a popular choice for families who need dependable, full-day care throughout the week. These purpose-built facilities cater for children from infancy through to preschool age, generally operating from early morning until late afternoon, Monday to Friday.

Childcare centres in Wollongong are designed to support busy households, offering extended opening hours that align with typical working patterns. They provide structured routines, qualified educators, healthy meals, and play-based learning programs that nurture children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

Daily programs may include group story time, outdoor play, music and movement, creative art experiences, early literacy and numeracy activities, and periods of free exploration. This balance of guided learning and child-led play helps build independence, confidence, problem-solving skills, and curiosity — all while children enjoy engaging, meaningful experiences.

The Local Picture – Child Care in Wollongong

Wollongong and the wider Illawarra region offer a broad mix of long day care and early learning services, from small community-focused centres to larger providers with combined childcare and preschool programs. Because demand can be strong in certain suburbs — including Figtree, Dapto, Corrimal, and Fairy Meadow — it’s a good idea to enquire early and join waitlists where needed.

Fees for childcare centres in Wollongong vary depending on inclusions, location, and service type, and generally align with NSW averages. Most families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses based on household income, activity hours, and number of children in care.

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Wollongong Family Day Care – Personalised Care in a Home Setting

Family day care is a flexible, affordable, and highly personalised childcare option in Wollongong. Care is provided in a registered educator’s home, creating a warm, secure, and nurturing environment that often feels like an extension of the family. Group sizes are small — usually no more than four or five children — allowing educators to give individual attention and tailor experiences to each child’s interests and developmental needs.

Many families choose family day care because it provides a consistent caregiver, a calm home-like atmosphere, and a gentler pace compared to larger centre-based environments. With smaller group numbers, educators can blend free play, outdoor exploration, and age-appropriate learning activities in a way that closely follows each child’s rhythm and personality.

Flexibility and Affordability

In the Illawarra region, family day care educators are supported and monitored by approved coordination schemes, which help maintain safety, quality, and compliance with the National Quality Framework. Many Wollongong educators can offer flexible hours — including early starts, late finishes, and in some cases weekend or overnight care — making it a valuable option for families who work shifts or have changing schedules.

Hourly fees generally sit within a similar range to other parts of NSW, and family day care is eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), significantly reducing the out-of-pocket cost for most families. This makes it one of the more cost-effective and adaptable childcare choices in Wollongong.

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Wollongong Preschools – Preparing for School Success

Preschools in Wollongong focus on early education for children aged three to five, offering structured programs that build strong foundations for school. Sessions typically run during NSW school terms and follow hours similar to primary schools, rather than full-day childcare schedules.

Preschool programs in the Illawarra are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and are designed to support key areas of development needed for a smooth transition to Kindergarten. These include early literacy and language skills, numeracy concepts, creative expression, social confidence, emotional resilience, and problem-solving abilities.

A Strong Start with Community Connections

Many Wollongong preschools are community-based or not-for-profit and maintain close ties with local schools. This gives children valuable opportunities to become familiar with school environments, routines, and expectations well before they begin Kindergarten.

Most preschools in the region participate in the NSW Government’s Start Strong initiative, which helps reduce fees and improve access to early education. As places can fill quickly — especially in high-demand suburbs such as Figtree, Corrimal, Dapto, and Fairy Meadow — families are encouraged to enquire early and secure their position ahead of time.

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Wollongong OSHC – Support for School-Age Children

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services play a crucial role in supporting families with school-aged children in Wollongong. These programs provide supervision before and after school, as well as during school holidays, ensuring children have a safe, engaging place to be when parents are working. OSHC services are commonly located on or near school grounds, making drop-off and pick-up simple and convenient for busy families.

OSHC programs offer a balance of structured activities and relaxed play, giving children the chance to unwind, have fun, and build social skills outside of classroom time. Depending on the service, activities may include sports, art and craft, cooking, gardening, STEM challenges, outdoor games, and homework support.

Fees are charged per session and are generally lower than full-day childcare costs. Most OSHC services in Wollongong are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), reducing out-of-pocket fees for eligible families. Vacation care programs are particularly popular, so booking early — especially for school holiday periods — is highly recommended.

Read more about each of the childcare in Wollongong options:

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Why Choose Childcare in Wollongong?

There are many reasons why families choose childcare in Wollongong and the broader Illawarra region. Local services offer:

• High-quality care delivered under the National Quality Framework (NQF).
• Flexible options to suit a range of schedules, including extended hours, part-time care, and OSHC for school-aged children.
• Local convenience, with providers located across Wollongong and surrounding suburbs.
• Community-focused environments, where educators and families build strong, supportive relationships.
• Learning-rich programs that develop school readiness, confidence, and a love of learning.

With its coastal lifestyle, family-friendly communities, and a strong network of early education services, Wollongong is an ideal place for children to learn, grow, and thrive.

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How to Choose the Best Childcare in Wollongong

With a wide range of providers across Wollongong, finding the right fit comes down to your child’s needs and your family’s routine. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing quality childcare in the Illawarra:

1. Understand Your Child’s Needs

Think about your child’s age, temperament, and learning style. Some children thrive in a busy, structured centre environment, while others may feel more comfortable in the smaller, home-like setting of family day care.

2. Visit Multiple Services

Booking tours is one of the most effective ways to make an informed choice. Look for clean and welcoming environments, observe how educators interact with children, and ask about daily routines, communication methods, and learning programs.

3. Check Quality Ratings

All approved childcare services in Wollongong are assessed against the National Quality Standard (NQS). Reviewing a service’s rating can help you compare the quality of educational programs, safety practices, relationships with children, and overall leadership.

4. Consider Practical Factors

Location, operating hours, and cost all play an important role. Proximity to home, school, or work can make daily logistics much easier. Be sure to check your eligibility for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can significantly reduce fees for most families.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Childcare in Wollongong

Q: What types of childcare services are available in Wollongong?
A: Families can choose from long day care centres, home-based family day care, preschool programs, and OSHC services for school-aged children.

Q: How much does childcare in Wollongong cost?
A: Fees vary depending on the service, inclusions, and location. Centre-based care generally aligns with NSW averages, while family day care is usually charged at an hourly rate. Most families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can significantly reduce the cost.

Q: Are childcare providers in Wollongong accredited?
A: Yes. All approved providers must meet the requirements of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and are regularly assessed to ensure quality and safety.

Q: How early should I apply for childcare in Wollongong?
A: It’s recommended to enquire 6–12 months in advance, especially for younger age groups or services in high-demand suburbs, as vacancies can fill quickly.

Q: Can I switch childcare providers if my needs change?
A: Yes. Families often move between different types of care as their child grows — for example, starting with family day care and later transitioning to preschool or OSHC.

Q: Do Wollongong childcare services provide meals and nappies?
A: Many long day care centres include meals and nappies in their daily fee. Always check with the provider to confirm what is included, as offerings can differ between services.

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