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Childcare Wollongong 2026: Costs, Places & Guide
Find childcare, long day care and kindergarten in Wollongong 2026. Compare costs ($85-$155/day), learn about Child Care Subsidy, and discover preschool options across the Illawarra.
How we reported this
Childcare and Kindergarten in Wollongong 2026
Wollongong and the Illawarra have a solid childcare market with long day care, family day care and preschool options across the region. education.nsw.gov.au
Types of Childcare in Wollongong
- Long day care: Centre-based care for children 0-5, typically 6:30am-6:30pm
- Family day care: Registered home-based carer
- Preschool (NSW): For children in the year or two before Kindergarten (first year of school)
- NSW Start Strong preschool subsidy: NSW funds 600 hours/year for eligible 4 year olds
What Does Childcare Cost in Wollongong 2026?
- Long day care daily fee: $85-$155/day, more affordable than Sydney
- Family day care: $65-$110/day
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Apply through myGov/Centrelink before your child starts care. servicesaustralia.gov.au
How to Find Childcare in Wollongong
Use startingblocks.gov.au. Wollongong's population growth has increased demand for childcare, particularly in North Wollongong, Wollongong City, Fairy Meadow, Figtree and Keiraville, join waitlists early for popular centres in these areas.
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.