If you work non-standard or variable hours, live in a geographically isolated area or have complex or challenging needs, it's not always possible to find child care services that meet your needs. In home care is a government-approved, subsidised form of child care. The program connects families with a qualified educator who cares for their children at home.
Who can apply for in home care?
To receive in home care, you must be eligible to receive the Child Care Subsidy and:
- Work non-standard or variable hours, outside normal child care service hours or
- Live in an area that is geographically isolated from other types of approved education and care services or
- Have challenging or complex family needs that other approved child care services cannot meet.
How much does in home care cost?
Educator rates
In home child care fees vary. Please contact your preferred service provider for an accurate costing of potential out of pocket fees for your family.
Child Care Subsidy
To apply for in home care, you must be eligible for the government’s Child Care Subsidy. The subsidy amount you’re entitled to will be passed on to your family as a fee reduction, so you will only pay the difference between the fee charged and the subsidy amount. You may also be eligible for further assistance through the Additional Child Care Subsidy. The in home care agency can assist you in assessing the costs of child care based on your situation. Please contact the agency to get help.
How in home care works
The agency will work with you to assess your application and develop a Family Management Plan. The Family Management Plan is a document capturing your family’ child care requirements, including each child's education and care needs.
If you are eligible for the in home care program, the in home care support agency will email you a list of service providers in your area. You can then contact each service to find out more about fees, policies and procedures, and educator availability.
Your family will then be placed on the in home care support agency waitlist. Service providers monitor this list and will advise you when they can match your family with a suitable educator.
Once a place is available, the service will connect your family with a qualified educator who meets your needs. Supported by home visits and regular communication from the service provider, educators will create and implement an educational care program that caters to each of your children's needs.
The in home care support agency continuously monitors service provision, advocates for families and provides educators with professional development opportunities, guidance and resources.The agency ensures that all feedback and complaints from services, educators and families are dealt with efficiently, promptly and professionally.
Western Australia
Northern Territory
we can refer you to a teletypewriter service.
Your experiences are valuable in helping the in home care support agency to understand the impact of in home care services. If you believe your rights have been violated, are unhappy about a decision made on your behalf, or have been subjected to unfair or discriminatory behaviour, please let them know. The agency also welcomes you to share anything that can be implemented, improved upon or continued for the future benefit of the program.
Our feedback and complaint process is confidential, and you can remain anonymous.
