Whether you're newly pregnant, on parental leave, or simply starting to think about returning to work, the question of when to enrol your child in childcare comes up sooner than most families expect. The honest answer? Earlier than you'd think. This guide walks you through when to start looking, how waitlists work, what to ask on a centre tour, and what to expect when the big day finally arrives.
Earlier than you might think
If you're pregnant and already wondering whether it's too soon to be thinking about childcare - it's not. In fact, for many families in Australia, getting onto a waitlist during pregnancy is not just sensible, it's necessary.
It's also worth knowing that starting quality early learning sooner rather than later has real benefits for children. 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 started at preschool age only, reinforcing what early childhood educators see every day. The earlier children access quality care and learning, the more time they have to build the language, social, and thinking skills that set them up for school and beyond.
Demand for quality childcare places has grown significantly in recent years. In many areas, popular centres have waitlists of six months to over a year. If you're planning to return to work at the end of parental leave, whether that's at six months, twelve months, or later, working backwards from that date is the best place to start.
A good rule of thumb: begin researching centres and making enquiries from around the 20-week mark of your pregnancy. That gives you time to visit, ask questions, and get onto waitlists without the pressure of a looming start date.
How do childcare waitlists work?
Waitlists vary between centres. Some operate on a simple first-come, first-served basis. Others prioritise siblings of children already enrolled, or families in the local area. Most will ask for basic details - your child's name, date of birth (or due date), the days you need, and a preferred start date.
At Milestones, 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 centre and reach out directly.
A few things worth knowing:
Being on multiple waitlists at once is completely normal and sensible. You're not obligating yourself to any centre until you formally accept a place and sign an enrolment agreement.
Waitlist timelines are genuinely hard to predict. A place can come up in weeks, or it can take much longer. The more flexible you can be about days and start date, the better your chances.
If your circumstances change - you've found a place elsewhere, your return-to-work date has shifted, or your plans have changed entirely - let the centre know. It frees up the spot for another family and keeps you in good standing if you want to re-enquire later.
What to look for when you visit a centre
A centre tour is one of the most valuable things you can do before committing. It gives you a feel for the environment, the educators, and the daily rhythm that will become part of your family's life.
Our childcare centre checklist is a great starting point, but here are some of the things worth paying attention to when you visit:
How do educators interact with the children? Are they at eye level, engaged, warm? The relationships educators build with children are at the heart of everything we do at Milestones.
Does the environment feel calm and purposeful? Look at how spaces are set up - are they inviting, organised, and designed with children in mind?
Ask about the curriculum. At Milestones, our Lifelong Learning Curriculum guides everything from how rooms are set up to how educators plan for each child's individual development, all grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
Ask about the daily routine. What does a typical day look like for a baby, a toddler, or a preschooler? Understanding the rhythm of the day can help you feel more settled about the transition.
Ask how the centre communicates with families. Regular updates, photos, and open communication matter, especially in those early weeks.
Understanding childcare costs before you commit
Childcare costs in Australia can feel complicated, but they don't have to be. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) reduces what most families pay out of pocket, and the amount you receive depends on your family's income, the number of days your child attends, and the type of care.
Our guide to how much childcare costs walks through the CCS in plain language, including how to check your eligibility and what to expect when it comes to fees.
It's also worth thinking about which type of early learning suits your child and family. We offer programs across different age groups, from babies and young toddlers through to preschool-age children, and the right fit often depends on your child's age, your work pattern, and the days you need.
What to bring on your child's first day
Once you've accepted a place, your centre team will walk you through everything you need to know. But as a general guide, most centres will ask you to bring:
- A change of clothes (at least two more 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 else specific to their rooms or programs.
Give yourself time to settle in too
The first few weeks of childcare can bring up a lot of feelings, for children and parents alike. Some children take to it quickly; others need more time. Both are completely normal.
At Milestones, we work closely with families during the settling-in period. Our educators are experienced at supporting children through the transition, and we'll keep you updated on how your child is going. If something doesn't feel right, we'd always rather you talked to us.
A gradual settling-in process, starting with shorter visits and building up over time, is something most centres offer, and we'd encourage you to make the most of it.
Ready to find your nearest Milestones centre?
Find a centre near you - our team is happy to answer your questions, show you around, and help you find the right fit for your family.
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