for people who live in australia?about child care expenses?

Question

I live and work in Australia..I earn 700$ a week....I pay 300$ a week for electricity, water, grocery, morgage, petrol, rates...etc....but I pay a lot for child care....I have to ask a baby sitter to come and look after my child at home ..because there is a long waiting list for day cares...and I do not like family day cares....and I am worried he might get sick in daycares and end up being in hospital as most babies do....but I spend twice as what i earn for the babysitter..I pay her 150$ a day....but I have to keep my job.....please help...any advice???

Answer 1

That is not right.

Talk to Family Assistance or Centrelink
You should be able to claim some type of rebate or get help towards your child care costs.

http://www.familyassist.gov.au
http://www.centrelink.gov.au

also keep bugging your nearest childcare centres... people move all the time, and the kids get moved up to different classes for age. Ring them or go in each week, show them you are very keen for a placement or your child! I know all the ones in Cairns are $52 average a day for a working family. If you don't work or a student etc.. you pay $10-12 and centrelink pays the rest.
Good Luck

Answer 2

G'day,

Another spot on answer from KBear.

Just thought that I add some more info:
You can get a government assistance (childcare discount) if you go to an approved childcare. The rebate will be calculated directly to your childcare bill so you will pay less according to how much rebate you'll get. You can ask the childcare if they are approved for the purpose.

I have my son in an ABC childcare centre near my area (Point Cook) and we got the rebate directly calculated into the bill.

In regards to sickness... yes, he will be. I remember the first year I have my son in childcare (we are now onto the 2nd year), we literally visited the local GP every 2 weeks. However this is how our kids develop their immune system. It's either they start it early in childcare, or when they are starting school. Also not to mention some 'accidents' that occurred between the kids.

The positives that I've seen in getting him in childcare is that he has more friends, he started eating by himself, and learning lots of things that neither me & my wife as his parents can teach, despite all the best intentions. The best thing is that it becomes evident that he does not get sick as often as last year. There are some running nose for a few occasions in the last previous months, but no fever or throat/year infections, which means that his body just shrugged whatever bugs comes across.

Of course it is up to you. Obviously you will need to do what you feel best for your child. I just thought that I share some of my experience with you. All the best :)

Answer 3

150 a day? holy moly are you ever getting ripped off

the baby would be just fine in family day care,it would be good for him to mix with other kids