Childcare
Exclusive
Melbourne
Disadvantaged preschoolers may miss out on affordable childcare
Of the 50 most disadvantaged suburbs in Victoria, only 13 have been confirmed as getting the integrated low-cost childcare centres meant to help the families most in need.
- by Annika Smethurst
Latest
Opinion
Opinion
I’m a mother and economist: here’s why my childcare fees had to rise
Raising childcare fees is not just about profits. Paying educators more is a better deal for our children.
- by Melissa Wilson
Childcare fees grow faster than inflation, wages: ACCC report
Even after government subsidies, out-of-pocket costs have risen by 7 per cent for centre-based childcare over the past four years.
- by Rachel Clun
How $10-a-day childcare became reality in Canada - and what Australia can learn from it
Canada, which uses Australia as an example of what not to do in childcare policy, will introduce cheap flat-fee childcare after a 25-year experiment showed the benefits.
- by Rachel Clun
More than a babysitter, less than a nanny: The rise of mother’s helpers
More professionals with young children are forgoing conventional childcare centres, instead paying for care in their own home while they work in another room.
- by Mary Ward
Treat childcare like schools in planning overhaul, centres urge
New childcare centres would be subject to traffic-light system planning controls similar to other critical infrastructure under a plan to improve access to services.
- by Angus Thompson and Broede Carmody
How July 1 changes will affect your budget
A new financial year means changes – and this year there are more than usual.
- by Rachel Clun
Exclusive
Immigration
‘Head in the sand’: Student work, rebate changes to inflame childcare shortages
Early learning providers say childcare shortages have been exacerbated by two Albanese government policies designed to slash costs and improve workforce quality.
- by Angus Thompson
Childcare subsidy boost already being eaten up as centres lift fees
Families expecting some relief from the loosening of eligibility requirements are instead being slugged with fee increases as centres struggle with rising costs.
- by Nicole Precel and Robyn Grace
‘A different level of flexibility’: Au pairs push to be part of childcare solution
The group representing au pairs wants them to be considered as part of the mix of early childhood education and care options.
- by Rachel Clun
Free kindy in Queensland: What you need to know
Kindy will be free for all Queensland families from next year. This is how it will work.
- by Felicity Caldwell