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

Perth Childcare and Kindergarten 2026, Overview

Western Australia has a unique early childhood education structure, WA provides government-funded Kindergarten (age 4) and Pre-primary (age 5) at all government primary schools, alongside the national childcare network. Here's what Perth families need to know about childcare in 2026.

Types of Childcare and Early Education in WA

• Long Day Care (LDC), Full-day centres for children from 6 weeks to school age. Eligible for CCS.
• Family Day Care (FDC), Home-based care. Eligible for CCS. Often more flexible and affordable in outer Perth suburbs.
• WA Government Kindergarten Program, Western Australia provides a free Kindergarten program for all children the year before Pre-primary (typically age 4). Government primary schools deliver the Kindergarten program. education.wa.edu.au
• Pre-primary (age 5), The year before Year 1 is also offered free at WA government primary schools. Children are eligible for Pre-primary in the year they turn 5 by 30 June.

Child Care Subsidy

The national CCS is available for approved childcare in Perth. Apply via: servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy. Maximum 90% subsidy for families under $80,000 combined income.

Finding Childcare in Perth

• Childcare Finder, childcarefinder.gov.au
• Goodstart Early Learning, Multiple Perth locations. goodstart.org.au
• Guardian Early Learning, Perth network. guardianchildcare.com.au

Perth Childcare Costs and Waiting Lists

Perth childcare rates are generally more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, average LDC rates $110-$150/day before CCS. Waiting lists are most acute in the high-growth northern suburbs (Yanchep, Alkimos, Butler) and inner-southern suburbs (Victoria Park, East Fremantle, Cottesloe). Apply early, during pregnancy for popular centres.