Frequently asked questions about child care

Boy asking his mum a question

How does the registration system work?

We take registrations on behalf of eight participating community managed services within Darebin. These services are operated by either a committee of management or an earlyyears management organisation.

For information and registration with other early childhood education and care services in Darebin, you will need to contact them directly. A list of all childcare services is on the Federal Government's Starting Blocks website.

Completion of the registration form does not guarantee a placement, and we strongly recommend you explore all childcare options in the area.

Is there one waiting list for all childcare services?

No - child care services operate their rooms divided into age groups.

As a result, children will sit on one list relevant to one age range and on another list relevant to a different age range. Children may be included on multiple lists if families list more than one preference. As children get older, they are automatically moved to the list for the next room, and the number of spaces in this room, will determine how many families are waiting, and this will alter your place on the waiting list.

Example: a 16 month old child registered at 2 childcare centres

So, in this example:

  • the waiting list at one childcare service has no connection to the waiting list at another childcare service
  • If a child is offered a place at one service and declines the offer, the child is not necessarily next in line at another service
  • If you accept a place not at your first preference childcare service, you cannot stay on the waiting list for your first preference childcare service

I have a child already at childcare - do my other children get priority?

Siblings of children already at a childcare service will be given priority in the allocation process. To ensure priority of access guidelines are adhered to, siblings must be allocated through the registration system. A childcare registration form must be completed.

How can I improve my chances of being offered a place?

  • Once you are offered a place, you have 24 hours to accept or decline the offer.
  • Only select services, in order of priority, where you are prepared to accept a place.
  • Make sure you have already visited your nominated services and are familiar with how they operate.
  • Choose a childcare service that is close to home or en route to work / study. If demand for childcare places is high in the south of the municipality, staff may recommend you nominate a service in the north of the municipality as vacancies can sometimes be more readily available.
  • Ensure all your contact details are up to date, especially phone numbers, email and residential address. If contact cannot be made within 24 hours of the vacancy becoming available, the next family on the waiting list will be offered the place.
  • Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of a place. We encourage you to explore all other childcare options within Darebin.
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