Comparing types of early childhood services
You should compare the services on offer before making your decision about which provider best suits your needs.
Different services will be offered depending on who the provider is. You should contact the provider for more information about the services they offer.
Different types of childcare
The following table lets you compare the different types of childcare by:
- age requirements
- whether they are regulated or not
- their hours of operation.
Each service has its own fee structure. Fees will depend on the length of time your child is enrolled and the service provided.
Contact the service to discuss their fees.
Childcare type | Age requirements | Regulated | Hours of operation |
Minimum 4 years | Yes | During school hours each school term | |
Birth to 12 years | Yes | Usually 10 to 12 hours per day Monday-Friday | |
Birth to 12 years | Yes | Full day, part day, overnight, weekends | |
Varies | Depends on type of service | Varies | |
Varies | No | As needed | |
Birth to school age | No | Varies | |
Before and after school care and vacation care | School age | Yes | Varies |
Regulations
National standards apply to most long day care, family day care, outside school hours care and kindergarten services.
These standards include a quality rating system that assesses the quality of services and helps you decide which one to choose.
Search for local service ratings.
Find out how services are assessed.
Some services are regulated under state law—see the Education and Care Services Act 2013 (ECS Act).
Check with the Early Childhood Information Service to find out about regulations and staffing for these services:
- email ECIS@qed.qld.gov.au
- phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68) 24 hours, 7 days.
Some services are unregulated. Check with your local regional office to find out what legislation, if any, applies to a particular education and care option.