Starting childcare is a big step for both you and your child. As a parent, you may have questions about when your child can start, whether they are ready, and if starting earlier or later is better. In this blog, we explain the minimum age for childcare in Australia and what to expect at different ages.
In Australia, children can start long day care from as young as six weeks old. This also applies to other approved care types, including family day care and in-home care.
Each childcare centre has its own enrolment policies, so the minimum age can vary between services. It is best to contact your preferred centre to check its age requirements. At Oak Tree Early Learning Centres, we welcome babies from six weeks old at our childcare West Pymble and Sylvania. Our nursery programs are designed to support babies as they grow and develop.
Immunisation requirements also apply when enrolling your child. In New South Wales, the No Jab, No Play policy requires children to be up to date with their vaccinations to attend childcare. You will need to provide a current Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) when enrolling. Your GP can help you check your baby’s vaccination schedule and update the AIR after each vaccination.
Young babies are building strong attachments and learning familiar faces, voices, and routines.
Childcare for newborns can be a positive experience when they are cared for in a warm, supportive environment. Under the National Quality Framework (NQF), the educator-to-child ratio for children under two is 1:4 in centre-based care.
Look for a service where your baby has an educator who understands their individual needs, routines, and ways of settling. It is also worth asking how the centre manages feeding, breast milk and formula, sleep routines, and communication with families throughout the day.
Separation anxiety can become stronger around 8 to 10 months. This is a normal part of development and does not mean your baby is unhappy at childcare.
If your baby is starting care at this age, a gradual settling process can help. Ask if the centre offers short visits at first and gives your baby time to become familiar with the educators and surroundings.
From around 12 months, children become more mobile, curious, and eager to explore. Being around other children also gives them early opportunities to develop social skills.
Language is developing quickly at this age. Educators can support this by talking with children, responding to their sounds and words, reading books, singing songs, and using familiar daily routines.
At around two years old, children become more interested in playing with others. They start moving from playing alongside other children to taking part in simple group and interactive play.
They are also learning how to wait, share, follow routines, and manage frustration. Supportive educators can help children build these skills through everyday activities and positive interactions.
Toilet training can also start around this age. Ask how the centre works with families on toilet training and how they support children who are still learning.
From age three, children can take part in more structured early learning activities. This will help children build skills they will use at school, including early literacy and numeracy, independence, communication, and social skills.
There is no single right age for starting childcare. Some children begin as babies, while others start as toddlers or closer to preschool. The best time depends on your family’s circumstances and your child’s needs.
Once you have an idea of when your child may start, it is worth visiting childcare centres early. Some services have waiting lists, so starting your search several months in advance can give you more time to explore your options and find a centre that suits your family.
At Oak Tree Early Learning Centres, we welcome children from six weeks old and support families at different stages of their child’s journey. Our family-owned centres provide age-appropriate programs to support children as they grow, learn and prepare for school.
If you are considering childcare, you can book a free centre tour or contact our team to learn more about our programs and enrolment process. Call us on (02) 9544 6269 for our Sylvania centre and (02) 9988 0656 for West Pymble. You can also submit our online form, and we’ll be happy to help.
