Child Care

Who knew? You have to get on child care waiting lists over a year in advance apparently. I only found out because a girl at work told me. When my mothers group started a few months ago, many of the group had no idea there was a child care shortage.


So, this is what you need to do:

• Go to your local council website and find out how to get on the centralised waiting list. In my area (Darebin Council) you fill in a form and send it in to get on the waiting list. This is a waiting list for the council/government-run child care centres in your area. I'm not crossing my fingers that this waiting list will come through, even though I submitted my form 16 months before I need a spot!
• Google and find all the private child care centres in your area. Many have online waiting list application forms, and others you have to call up to get an application form posted out. 

I recommend getting on as many waiting lists as you can, and then calling/emailing them 4 months/3 months/2 months and 1 month before you need a spot, telling them you are still interested and which days you need. (You'll need to finalise your return to work date and days with your work as soon as possible.)

Once you have offers, you can go and view the centre and make your decision. Good luck!