Help - I have no idea about childcare - educate me

So here is the thing, I was going to have two years off work with DS and within that two years off the next little bundle will arrive. My work previously wouldn't let me work less than 3 days a week and I didn't want DS in care that much (personal choice, etc, no offence intended to those who chose otherwise).

BUT now work has offered me one day per week (must be a particular day - Fridays) starting at the beginning of January and I have to have an answer by Thursday! I would only do it till the new bub arrives, so about 6 months. I would like to but there is the issue of childcare. So, please give me some advice:

COSTS: For budgeting purposes what are we looking at paying per day in Brisbane, Western suburbs for childcare per day? How much do we get back from the government?

AVAILABILITY: What are my chances of getting a place starting in early Jan, given that I am not on any lists? It must a Friday. DS will be 16 months then.

OTHER OPTIONS: Also my MIL might take him for us. Are there any government benefits paid for this? What about family daycare - it that easier to get into than a conventional centre?

TIA!

We paid $70 a day and got half that back. We provided food / milk etc and they provided nappies. I tried to find FDC in your area and couldn't find anything!

Be prepared that little Josh might get sick the first few times he goes to daycare, it's normal when exposed to that many other children. We ended up spending a small fortune at the GP's and it just wasn't worth it. On the days where Josh is sick, can you leave him with MIL or will you have to stay home, and is work ok with that?

Since Josh will be 16 months, he could probably go into the toddler room (I'd only do that if he was solidly walking) and it won't be quite as hard to get daycare.

Just a thought, when we were looking at p/t day care we would have loved instead to swap days with another mother, say from Church, is there anyone there who would take Josh on Fridays in return for a Monday etc? Hard to line up someone you trust enough but the preferable option for us (we couldn't find anyone with kids though).

I can't answer your question about payment for your MIL, sorry!

For budgeting purposes what are we looking at paying per day in Brisbane, Western suburbs for childcare per day?
$70-100 for centre based care

How much do we get back from the government?
Depends on your combined income. You can check the Centrelink website.

What are my chances of getting a place starting in early Jan, given that I am not on any lists? It must a Friday. DS will be 16 months then.
Not fabulous. Start ringing around now, get your name on every list in the world. Maybe be prepared to go out of your way a bit. I can recommend a couple of places.

Also my MIL might take him for us.
As PX said, great back-up option for illness. It will happen.

Are there any government benefits paid for this?
It's possible. She would need to be a registered child care provider through the FAO. The benefits aren't huge, and I don't honestly think they're worth it.

What about family daycare - it that easier to get into than a conventional centre?
It can be. Ring around

For a list of centres and FDC schemes in the area you're looking at,search for child care on the NCAC website. Heaps of good info there too.

Thanks guys! I knew you'd both be in to offer advice!

Argh! It all seems a bit complicated really. I am a bit worried about him getting sick a lot - my boss frowns on sick days and so I can't imagine she'd like it if I had to look after DS if he was sick.

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Start ringing around now, get your name on every list in the world.

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:LOL:

I think we'd prefer it if my MIL took him, but it is a big ask for her to do every Friday. There is a possibility that my DH could work a 9 day fortnight tho and look after DS every 2nd Friday, but he couldn't start that until February.

Sent you a PM on Facebook about where NOT to go :)