Community Services

Waiting List Guidelines

The first step in placing your child in care is to go onto your chosen centre's waiting list. This process can be completed over the phone or in person.

Make sure you understand the Priority of Access guidelines before you join the list.

You should review your place on the waiting list annually by mail or phone, keeping family details and contact numbers accurate.

When a place at a centre becomes available, the list is consulted and the most eligible person is contacted. This phone call will confirm the details of the family to make sure the Priority of Access guidelines are met. If they are still the most eligible family they will be offered the position.

Priority of Access

The Commonwealth Government regards children at risk of abuse or neglect as a priority group for access to childcare. Families in crisis need support from child care services.

One of the major purposes of child care is to assist families with work or work-related commitments.

When demand for care exceeds supply it is important for services to allocate available places to those families with the greatest need.

In the case of employer-sponsored child care, employers may give priority to their own employees before considering other applicants.

The Australian Government provides more information about Priority of Access.