Many parents think childcare is a single service, but in reality there are different types of care designed for different family schedules. Understanding the options helps you choose care that fits your work hours, routine and child’s needs.
Families across Brisbane often contact us unsure which care type they need. This guide explains the differences and when each option works best.
Long day care
Long day care is the most common childcare arrangement in Australia. Children attend during standard daytime hours while parents work.
It provides structured learning, social interaction, meals and rest time within a predictable routine. If you want to understand what children actually do during the day, you can read a typical day at childcare.
Who long day care suits
Parents working regular daytime hours
Children preparing for kindergarten
Families wanting structured learning and routine
Long day care focuses on early education through play-based learning. You can learn more about this in play based learning activities.
After-hours childcare
Some families work evenings, rotating shifts or irregular hours. Traditional daycare schedules do not suit every household.
After-hours care supports parents who finish work later than standard pickup times.
You can read more about this option in after hours childcare for families.
Who after-hours care suits
Healthcare workers
Hospitality workers
Retail employees
Shift workers
This flexibility helps parents keep consistent employment while maintaining stable routines for children.
Overnight childcare
Overnight care supports families working night shifts. Children stay safely at the centre overnight with educators supervising rest and comfort routines.
You can learn what this looks like in overnight care at Kaleidoscope Kids.
Many parents worry about sleep away from home. Educators follow calm bedtime routines to help children settle and feel secure.
Benefits of overnight care
Consistent supervision
Safe sleep environments
Stable routines for working parents
Reduced need for multiple carers
If you want to understand child sleep safety, our article on safe sleeping for children explains important practices.
24-hour childcare
Some centres provide continuous care options across day and night. This supports parents with rotating rosters, emergency services or unpredictable work schedules.
You can read about this option in 24 hour childcare.
Choosing the right care type
The best childcare type depends on your family routine, not just your child’s age. What matters most is consistency. Children adapt faster when routines stay predictable.
If you are still deciding whether your child is ready, our guide on childcare readiness may help.
Social and emotional benefits
Regardless of care type, early childhood education supports emotional and communication development. Children learn to share, cooperate and build friendships.
You can read more in emotional development in early childhood.
Costs and Child Care Subsidy
Most childcare services are supported by the Child Care Subsidy. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your family income and attendance days.
You can estimate your weekly cost using our child care subsidy calculator.
If you are unsure how the subsidy works, our Child Care Subsidy guide explains it clearly.
Finding a centre near you
We provide flexible childcare options across the Brisbane region including:
There is no single “best” childcare type. The right option is the one that supports both your child’s development and your family’s routine.
Once families choose the right structure and schedule, children adapt quickly and gain confidence, friendships and independence.
If you are unsure which option suits you, the best first step is visiting the centre and speaking with educators about your routine.
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