switching childcare centres: a step-by-step guide for australian parents

when it's time to switch (and when it's not)

not every rough patch means you need a new centre. children go through adjustment periods — the first 4 to 6 weeks at any centre can be difficult. if your child has been attending for less than two months and is otherwise safe and well cared for, give it time.

valid reasons to switch:

• consistent concerns about safety or supervision
• high staff turnover that's affecting your child's attachment to educators
• a significant drop in NQS rating or regulatory issues
• your child is genuinely unhappy after a reasonable settling period (8+ weeks)
• the centre's philosophy or approach doesn't align with your family's values
• you've moved house or changed jobs and the commute is no longer practical
• fees have increased beyond what you can afford

probably not a reason to switch:

• your child cries at drop-off (this is normal for months, even at a great centre)
• a one-off incident that the centre handled well and communicated to you
• your child comes home messy (that's learning)
• another parent had a bad experience (their child is not your child)

if you're unsure, raise your concerns with the centre director first. a good centre will listen, explain, and work with you. if they dismiss your concerns or get defensive — that itself is useful information.

the practical steps: notice, fees, and bond

once you've decided to switch, here's what the process looks like:

notice period

most centres require 2 to 4 weeks written notice before withdrawing your child. the exact period is in your enrolment agreement — dig it out and check. if you don't give enough notice, you'll likely be charged fees for the full notice period even if your child stops attending.

put your notice in writing. an email to the centre director is fine. keep it professional — you may need a reference or transition notes from them.

bond and deposit refund

most centres charge a bond or enrolment deposit (typically one to two weeks of fees). this is usually refundable provided you've given proper notice and have no outstanding fees. expect the refund within 2 to 4 weeks after your child's last day.

if your new centre also requires a bond, budget for the overlap — you may need to pay the new bond before the old one is refunded.

timing it right

try to time the switch so there's minimal gap between centres. a week or two at home in between is fine and can even help reset, but a long gap may mean losing your routine and making the next settling-in harder.

how CCS transfers to a new centre

this is the part most parents worry about unnecessarily. your child care subsidy transfers automatically. here's how it works:

1. your new centre submits an enrolment through the CCS system
2. centrelink matches it to your existing CCS assessment
3. you confirm the new enrolment via your myGov account
4. CCS applies to your new centre from day one

you do not need to reapply for CCS. you do not need to cancel your subsidy at the old centre — ending the enrolment there handles it. there is no gap in subsidy as long as both enrolments are confirmed.

the only thing to watch: make sure you confirm the new enrolment in myGov promptly. if you don't confirm within the timeframe, the centre can't claim CCS on your behalf and you'll be charged full fees until it's sorted.

if your activity test result or family income has changed since your last assessment, it's worth checking your CCS percentage is still accurate. use our CCS calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket costs at the new centre.

managing the transition for your child

the admin is the easy part. helping your child adjust is where the real work happens.

before the switch

• visit the new centre together— most centres offer one or two orientation visits before the start date. use them. let your child explore the rooms, meet the educators, and see where they'll eat and sleep
• talk about it positively— keep it simple and upbeat. "you're going to a new place where there are new toys and new friends" works better than a long explanation about why you're leaving the old centre
• read books about change — picture books about starting somewhere new can help younger children process the idea. your local library will have options
• say goodbye properly — let your child say goodbye to their old educators and friends. a card or small gift can help mark the transition

during the settling-in period

• bring a comfort item — a familiar toy, blanket, or family photo can help your child feel safe in the new environment
• keep drop-offs short — a confident, quick goodbye is better than a long, emotional one. the educators will comfort your child after you leave
• maintain routines at home — keep bedtimes, mealtimes, and morning routines consistent. stability at home helps children cope with change at care
• expect some regression — your child may be more clingy, have disrupted sleep, or revert on toilet training. this is normal and temporary
• give it 4 to 6 weeks— most children settle into a new centre within a month. if your child is still deeply distressed after 6 weeks, talk to the educators about what's happening during the day

what to look for the second time around

you know more now than when you chose your first centre. use that experience.

• be specific about what didn't work — was it communication? educator consistency? the food? the outdoor space? knowing exactly what went wrong helps you ask the right questions this time
• check NQS ratings again— a centre's rating may have changed since you last looked. check the ACECQA register and look at individual quality area scores, not just the overall rating
• ask about staff retention— high turnover was probably a factor in why you're switching. ask how long the room leader and educators have been at the centre
• visit during operating hours — not before open or after close. you want to see the centre running, not empty. mid-morning is ideal
• talk to other parents — the parent grapevine is more reliable than google reviews. ask at playgroups, local facebook groups, or in the car park at pick-up
• compare fees properly— don't just compare daily rates. factor in what's included (nappies, sunscreen, meals) and what's extra. a centre that charges $10 more per day but includes everything may cost less overall

switching childcare checklist

a step-by-step summary to keep you on track:

frequently asked questions