Wollongong Childcare Options

Wollongong offers a diverse range of childcare options to suit the needs of families across the Illawarra. From long day care centres and family day care to preschools and outside school hours care (OSHC), parents can choose from a variety of approved services that provide quality education and care for children of all ages.

This guide explains the main types of childcare in Wollongong, how they differ, and how to decide which option best fits your child’s needs, your work schedule and your family lifestyle.

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Understanding Childcare Options in Wollongong

Every family is unique — and so is every childcare service. Wollongong childcare options include:

• Childcare Centres (Long Day Care) – Full-day care for children from birth to school age.
• Family Day Care – Small-group, home-based care in a family-style setting.
• Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) – Care before and after school and during holidays.
• Preschools – Structured, teacher-led early learning programs for children in the years before school.

Each type of service operates under the National Quality Framework and is designed to provide safe, nurturing and play-based learning environments.

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Wollongong Childcare Centres

Childcare centres in Wollongong — often called long day care services — provide full-day care with qualified educators and comprehensive early learning programs guided by the Early Years Learning Framework.

These centres suit families who need reliable, all-day care and want their children to learn in a social, structured setting. Most include meals, rest areas and outdoor play spaces that support wellbeing, exploration and confidence.

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Wollongong Family Day Care

Family Day Care (FDC) provides care in the home of an approved educator, usually for up to four children under school age at a time. Families choose FDC for its smaller groups, home-like environment and flexible hours.

Children enjoy close relationships, mixed-age play and programs that adapt to their interests and daily rhythms — ideal for those who prefer quieter settings or need individual attention.

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Wollongong Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)

For school-aged children, OSHC offers before-school, after-school and vacation care programs. These services operate from schools or community venues and provide supervised recreation, social opportunities and structured activities that fit around the school day.

OSHC supports working parents while giving children time to unwind, make friends and explore new interests through sport, creative arts, STEM projects and group play.

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Wollongong Preschools

Preschools deliver focused, teacher-led programs that prepare children for the transition to primary school. Most operate during school hours or terms and emphasise communication, confidence, and collaboration.

Many preschools in Wollongong are community-based, while others run as part of long day care services — offering flexibility for working parents who want education and care combined.

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Which Childcare Option Is Right for Your Child?

Choosing the right type of care depends on your family’s priorities. Here’s a quick guide:

• Prefer structure, full-day programs and school readiness?
  → Wollongong Childcare Centres
• Need smaller groups or flexible routines?
  → Wollongong Family Day Care
• Have school-aged children needing wrap-around care?
  → Wollongong OSHC
• Want a short-day, teacher-led program before school?
  → Wollongong Preschools

Many families move between these types over time — for example, from long day care to preschool, then OSHC once school begins. The best option is the one that suits your child’s personality and your daily routine.

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Quality, Standards and Affordability in Wollongong

All childcare options in Wollongong are regulated under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and assessed against the National Quality Standard (NQS). Services follow approved learning frameworks — the EYLF for early childhood and My Time, Our Place (MTOP) for school-aged care.

Families may also be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which reduces out-of-pocket costs. These systems ensure every child in Wollongong receives safe, high-quality early education that supports development and wellbeing.

Learn more about:

• National Quality Framework (NQF)
• National Quality Standard (NQS)
• Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
• Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

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Wollongong Childcare Options – FAQs

Q: Which childcare option is the most affordable?
A: The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps make all types of care more affordable, though out-of-pocket costs vary by service type, hours and fees.

Q: Can I change care types later?
A: Yes. Many families switch between long day care, preschool and OSHC as their child’s needs change.

Q: Do all childcare services in Wollongong follow the same learning framework?
A: Most early childhood services follow the EYLF, while OSHC uses the MTOP framework for school-aged children.

Q: Will my child learn or just play?
A: All approved services use play-based learning. Play develops problem-solving, creativity, communication and resilience.

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Final Summary and Next Step

Wollongong families have access to a rich variety of early learning and care options. Whether you choose a full-day centre, a flexible home-based educator, a preschool program or OSHC, every pathway supports growth, confidence and community connection.

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