Care arrangement for your child is an important choice for parents, and there are a number of options available.

Like any other parenting decision, opting either to be a stay-at-home or working parent is a personal choice and that decision will affect the range of alternatives open to you.

The age and personality of your child are also factors to consider in deciding the best care option. Children below three years of age generally benefit most from one-to-one interaction with adults. When the children grow older, they are usually ready for peer interaction.

This section provides information on the various care options for you to consider, to help you make an informed choice that is right for you.

• Home-based Options - often provide the specific one-to-one care some small children need. Find out more about these services as well as advice for and to caregivers in the home
• Centre-based Options - these programs allow children to learn as well as presents them with socialising opportunities. Find out more about options outside the home for infants, children and school care