The Corkboard
Our hub for all child care news, tips and support
Who looks after your kinder kid in the school holidays?
Sessional kinder usually closes for the school holidays, which can leave working parents of under-6s searching for care. Long day care, family day care and occasional care generally stay open all year, and some vacation care services can take a limited number of preschool-aged children. Many centres also offer flexible or casual enrolments, so you can add days just for the break. Approved holiday care is covered by the Child Care Subsidy, and the 3 Day Guarantee means eligible families can get at least 72 subsidised hours a fortnight. You can compare holiday care options near you and check your costs with Care for Kids.
How to settle a sick baby or toddler overnight
Paediatrician Dr Golly's position is clear: don't sleep train a sick baby. While your child is unwell, the usual rules pause and the focus shifts to rest, hydration, and comfort. In this guide, he explains why extra cuddles, night feeds, and being held to sleep during illness don't undo independent sleep, why a previously night-weaned baby asking for feeds again is fine to feed, and how illness affects sleep cycles in babies and toddlers. He walks parents through what to keep familiar in the bedtime routine, what to loosen, and the safe-sleep moves to avoid (including the elevated-cot risk he flags as a Red Nose Safe Sleep Ambassador). The article closes with the recovery timeline parents can expect, plus practical advice on surviving the sick-night stretch when you're running on no sleep yourself.
New Parents Guide: Choosing the Right Childcare Centre for Your Little One
Becoming a parent is one of life’s most exciting journeys — but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the right childcare centre. For many new parents, choosing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for their child is a top priority. This guide will help you understand what to look for in a childcare centre and how to make the best decision for your family.
How Childcare Helps Build Social Skills in Young Children S57
Social skills are an important part of early childhood development. Childcare provides children with regular opportunities to interact with educators and other children, helping them learn how to communicate, share, cooperate and build relationships. Discover how everyday childcare experiences can support your child's social and emotional development.
When does Child Care Subsidy start during childcare enrolment?
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) does not usually need to be fully finalised before you enrol in childcare, but there is a clear order to follow. First, you accept your childcare offer, complete enrolment details and sign the Complying Written Agreement (CWA). Your service then submits your enrolment details, and you may need to confirm them through myGov. CCS can only be paid once your CCS claim is approved and your child’s enrolment details are confirmed. Small delays between enrolment and CCS showing on your invoice are common, so check with your service if something doesn’t look right.
Newborn Care Guide for First-Time Parents
Welcoming a newborn is an exciting and life-changing experience, especially for first-time parents. From feeding and sleeping to hygiene and health, caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming at first. This guide provides essential newborn care tips to help you feel confident and prepared during your baby’s first months.
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What happens after I accept a childcare offer?
After you accept a childcare offer, you move into the enrolment stage - completing forms, providing documents, and confirming your child’s place. Accepting an offer doesn’t mean your child is fully enrolled yet; it simply starts the process. You’ll typically be asked to complete enrolment paperwork, provide medical and immunisation information and sign a Complying Written Agreement (CWA), which is required for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to apply. Once everything is submitted, your enrolment is confirmed and your child’s start date is locked in. While there are a few steps to complete, you don’t need to have everything finalised straight away - and services are there to guide you through the process.
Every Win Counts Campaign: tell us your toddler parenting wins
The big milestones get all the fanfare, but what about the small stuff? A2 Gentle Gold® Toddler Milk Drink wants to hear your everyday toddler parenting wins, and you could win a $50 Myer voucher! T&Cs apply.