Childcare Melbourne 2026: Find Best Long Day Care & Kinder

Childcare and Kindergartens in Melbourne 2026

Melbourne's childcare landscape is shaped by strong demand, a growing population and a Victorian state government that has invested heavily in early childhood education. The Free Kinder program (3-year-old and 4-year-old kinder) and the expanded subsidised hours have changed how many Melbourne families approach early education. education.vic.gov.au/childhood

Types of Childcare in Melbourne

• Long Day Care (LDC) — centre-based care for children 6 weeks to school age. Melbourne average daily fees: $130-$170 before subsidy. Waitlists at inner-city centres (Carlton, Fitzroy, Richmond, South Yarra, Collingwood) are among Victoria's longest — 12-18+ months at some services.
• Three-Year-Old Kinder (Free Kinder) — Victoria funds 15 hours per week of kindergarten for all 3-year-olds, delivered through approved kinder services across Melbourne. Effectively free for most families. education.vic.gov.au
• Four-Year-Old Kinder — 15 hours per week for the year before school. Required before starting Foundation (Prep) in Victoria. Also covered by Free Kinder in most settings. education.vic.gov.au
• Family Day Care — popular in outer Melbourne suburbs. Educator-based care in the educator's home, approved for CCS. familydaycare.com.au

Child Care Subsidy in Melbourne

The CCS applies to approved Melbourne childcare services and reduces out-of-pocket costs based on family income and activity level. Apply via myGov linked to Centrelink. servicesaustralia.gov.au

Find Childcare in Melbourne

Use the national Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.gov.au) and the Victorian My Family Services portal (myfamilyservices.vic.gov.au) to search for approved services near you. Join waitlists at multiple services early.

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