Wollongong Childcare and Kindergarten Guide 2026, How to Find Childcare in Wollongong

Wollongong Childcare and Kindergarten 2026, Overview

Wollongong offers more affordable childcare than Sydney with generally shorter waiting lists, making it an attractive option for young families relocating from Sydney along the Illawarra coast. NSW provides funded preschool for 4-year-olds through the Illawarra region. Here's what Wollongong families need to know.

Types of Childcare and Early Education in the Illawarra

• Long Day Care (LDC), Full-day centres for 6 weeks to 5 years. Eligible for CCS. Wollongong average rates: $105-$140/day before CCS.
• Family Day Care (FDC), Home-based care. Eligible for CCS. Good FDC networks across Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama LGAs.
• NSW Preschool (Funded), NSW provides 600 hours of free preschool per year for children in the year before school. Delivered at community preschools and approved LDC centres. education.nsw.gov.au

Child Care Subsidy

Apply via: servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy. Maximum 90% CCS for families under $80,000.

Finding Childcare in Wollongong

• Childcare Finder, childcarefinder.gov.au
• Goodstart Early Learning, Multiple Wollongong and Illawarra locations. goodstart.org.au
• Illawarra Community Childcare, Wollongong and Shellharbour community preschool network.
• PCYC NSW, OSHC and vacation care programs across Wollongong primary schools.

Wollongong Childcare Costs and Waiting Lists

Wollongong is significantly more affordable than inner Sydney, average LDC rates of $105-$140/day before CCS. Waiting lists are longest in beachside suburbs (Thirroul, Bulli, Stanwell Park), the CBD and Fairy Meadow. A 6-12 month wait for infant places is typical in popular centres. The Shellharbour and Kiama areas generally have shorter waits.

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