If you're pregnant, on parental leave, or starting to plan your return to work, childcare enrolment is probably already on your mind. The practical answer is: start earlier than you think you need to. This guide covers when to begin, how waitlists work, what to look for on a centre tour, and how to set your child up for a confident first day.
Earlier than you might think
Being organised early isn't just a good habit, when it comes to childcare, it's often a necessity. For many Australian families, getting onto a waitlist during pregnancy is the most reliable way to secure a place when they actually need one.
Research backs this up too. The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children found that children who attended early childhood education and care from the infant and toddler years showed stronger cognitive gains than those who began at preschool age only. Quality early learning from the earliest years builds the language, thinking, and social skills that underpin school readiness, which is at the core of everything we do at Kids Academy.
In many areas, popular centres carry waitlists of six months to over a year. If you have a return-to-work date in mind, whether that's at six months, twelve months, or later, work backwards from that date and start your search accordingly.
A good rule of thumb: begin researching and making enquiries from around the 20 week mark of your pregnancy. That gives you time to visit centres, compare your options, and get onto waitlists without the stress of a looming deadline.
How do childcare waitlists work?
Waitlists operate differently from centre to centre. Some run on a first-come, first-served basis. Others give priority to siblings of currently enrolled children or families in the local area. Most will ask for your child's name, date of birth or due date, preferred days, and an anticipated start date.
At Kids Academy, progressing on the waitlist requires completing a centre tour first. You can contact our family support team on 1800 244 532 to book a tour, or find your nearest Kids Academy centre and reach out directly.
A few things worth knowing:
Being on multiple waitlists at once is completely normal. You're not committing to any centre until you formally accept a place and sign an enrolment agreement.
Waitlist timelines are hard to predict. A place can come up quickly, or it may take some time. The more flexible you can be about days and start date, the more options you'll have.
If your plans change - you've secured a place elsewhere, your return-to-work date has shifted, or your circumstances have changed - let the centre know. It frees up the spot for another family and keeps the door open if you want to come back later.
What to look for when you visit a centre
A centre tour gives you more than a look around, it's your opportunity to assess whether the environment, the educators, and the program are the right fit for your child and your family.
Our childcare centre checklist is a practical starting point. When you visit, pay attention to:
How educators interact with children. Are they engaged, consistent, and focused on the child in front of them? Strong educator-child relationships drive outcomes at every age and stage.
Whether the environment is purposeful and well-structured. At Kids Academy, our rooms are designed to support children's progression through clearly defined learning stages, all grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
Ask about the curriculum. Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum is structured around school readiness, with intentional planning for each child's individual development built into every room.
Ask about the daily routine. A predictable, well-managed daily rhythm gives children the consistency they need to feel secure and ready to learn.
Ask how the centre communicates with families. Clear, regular updates help you stay connected to your child's progress, particularly in those first weeks.
Understanding childcare costs before you commit
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) reduces what most families pay out of pocket, with the amount based on household income, days of attendance, and care type. Understanding your entitlement before you commit makes financial planning much more straightforward.
Our guide to how much childcare costs explains the CCS in plain terms, including how to check your eligibility and what to expect when it comes to fees.
We offer programs across different age groups, from babies and young toddlers through to preschool, and the right fit will depend on your child's age and stage, your work schedule, and the days you need.
What to bring on your child's first day
Your centre team will confirm the specifics once your enrolment is finalised. As a general guide, most centres will ask you to bring:
- A change of clothes (at least two for babies and toddlers)
- A named drink bottle
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Any comfort items your child relies on - a favourite toy, a dummy, a particular blanket
Your centre will let you know if there's anything additional specific to their rooms or programs.
Give yourself time to settle in too
The settling-in period looks different for every child. Some adapt quickly; others need more time and reassurance. Both are completely normal, and our educators are experienced in supporting children, and families, through the transition.
At Kids Academy, we keep parents informed throughout the settling-in process and encourage open communication from day one. If something doesn't feel right, we'd rather hear about it early.
A gradual approach - starting with shorter sessions and building up over time - is something we actively support, and we'd encourage you to take full advantage of it.
Ready to take the next step?
Find your nearest Kids Academy centre and get in touch - our team is happy to answer your questions, show you around, and help you plan the right start for your child.
You might also find these helpful: