childcare centre comparison
enter two centres you're choosing between — see daily out-of-pocket after CCS, MiniMode Score and cost per quality point side-by-side. updates as you type.
last verified: 25 April 2026
your family
determines your CCS subsidy %
typical centre is 48 (4 weeks shutdown)
centre A
check the centre's NQS rating on starting blocks or acecqa.gov.au
approximate centre capacity
centre B
check the centre's NQS rating on starting blocks or acecqa.gov.au
approximate centre capacity
verdict
Centre A is meaningfully better-rated (2.3 MiniMode points) for an extra $1,200/yr — about $3/day more. quality pick: Centre A.
Centre A
Centre B
how this comparator calculates
MiniMode Score: 0-10 composite — NQS rating (50%), service range, capacity, contactability, integrated preschool. read the full methodology.
CCS: 2025-26 taper (90% up to $85,279, then –1% per $5,000), centre-based hourly cap $14.63, assumed 10-hour day.
caveats: a rating reflects the centre at last assessment, which may be years old. educator turnover, room-leader fit and your child's temperament aren't in the score. visit before deciding.
this is a comparison tool, not a recommendation. you know your family best.
looking up a centre?
search the MiniMode childcare directory by suburb to see actual NQS ratings, places and contact details from public ACECQA data.
this calculator provides estimates based on published government rates and formulas. your actual entitlement may vary based on your full circumstances. always check with Services Australia for a precise figure.