[multiman]

Is there anyone in Melbourne who could give me an idea about the cost of childcare in Melbourne. What are the prices for preschools/kindergardens/nursery schools. Are these run by city council or are they private? Is there any way of finding out the best rated preschools compared with ones that might be best avoided? Thanks.

[dusty]

Hi there multiman,

Costs of childcare vary - however to give you a rough idea I would say between $60 and $100 a day for a childcare centre. Good news is that the Australian Government pays part of the cost of some childcare through the Child Care Benefit via Centrelink.

[rgrey]

Hi there multiman,

Costs of childcare vary - however to give you a rough idea I would say between $60 and $100 a day for a childcare centre. Good news is that the Australian Government pays part of the cost of some childcare through the Child Care Benefit via Centrelink.

I'm interested in this as I have 2 young kids. How much of the childcare costs are covered?

[fran]

Hi,

Here's a useful list for you. there is usually a waiting list but you can get an idea of fees charged. There are plenty of privately run childcare centres - you can also claim a rebate back from the government if you use them.

City of Melbourne owned and run centres
The City of Melbourne manages five children's centres in the municipality. Four of the centres provide a kindergarten program. Read about our childcare philosophy.


Central Carlton Children's Centre

483 Drummond Street
Carlton
Phone: (03) 9347 4788
Lady Huntingfield Children's centre

87-93 Haines Street
North Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9328 2083
Fax: (03) 9329 6716
Melbourne City Children's Centre

104 A'beckett Street
Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9329 9561
Fax: (03) 9329 1947
North Melbourne Children's Centre

28 Howard Street
North Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9328 1592
Fax: (03) 9329 1935
Hotham Hub

113 Melrose St
North Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9326 8655

Fees as of 1 August 2010:

$78 a day
$362 a week
$30 for pre-school (Central Carlton Children's Centre only)
Occasional care (Melbourne City Child Care Centre only): three and a half hours $44; four hours $50.50.
Council childcare waiting list

The City of Melbourne has an application form that parents can fill in to include their children on a centralised waiting list for its centres. For more information about the City of Melbourne childcare waiting list contact the North Melbourne Children’s Centre (03) 9328 1592 or visit Council childcare waiting list.

[rgrey]

That's v useful info fran and dusty, thank you very much. I'm still interested in the rebate scheme where you can claim part of the cost of childcare back - how does that work?

Thanks again,

rod