Im mum to a 4yr old little girl, Zoe. I also work in childcare and have done so for the past 8 years.

I think childcare is great for kids to socialise with other children and further develop their emotional and social skills. It improves their language, their confidence aswell as their physical development. Its a great stepping stone and preparation for them - as warms them up for preschool and school in the future also.

I would suggest calling some centres in your area and asking them to post out a centre policy and proceedures handbook.. this will give you a better idea of what they are about and what their goals and philosophies are.

By all means visit some centres to get a feel fro them - I know myself that some centres you walk into have a homely and caring feel where as others, sometimes the vibe isnt that great. Have a talk to the director and the Group Leader and assistant from the particular room that your child will be in and ask them about their room routine, their behaviour management policy, their daily programme etc... Asl alot of questions.

Once you have chosen a suitable childcare centre ensure that prior to your childs first day that perhaps you pop in for an hour one morning or afternoon with your child and slowly transition your child to the idea of daycare.. maybe sit in for morning tea or the morning activity.. warm your child up to the idea as first days can be very traumatic for both mum and child - you want it to go as smooth as possible so a few transition days will surely benefit.

As for the childcare rebate it all depends on your financial situation. For example if you are a single parent who is not working you are entital to 50 hours childcare per week at a reduced rate of approx 50% per day.. however it differs alot familty to family. Contact centrelink first of all and explain your child will be starting childcare soon and get them to work out your ccb% for you .. then the centre will take care of the rest for you... yo will pay them directly whatever your personal rate is and most centres require fees to be to weeks in advance at all times.

I hope some of this can help..

I hope all goes well for you and your little one :-)

Rachael