Northern Sydney and Central Coast Children’s Services in New South Wales are able to offer you a children's service that will meet your family’s needs. Each service aims to create an environment that promotes growth and development of young children. Learning begins at birth and should be sustained through good quality play environments, regardless of the type of service chosen.

There are several types of children’s services available, each with similarities and differences. Differences exist in the age of children present, training levels of the staff and the numbers of staff required. There are also differences in the hours of operation, fees charged, whether or not child care benefit is available and how each service is managed.

There are many similarities common to all services for young children. To hold a licence each service must meet the minimum standards for childcare required by law. These standards address the physical requirements at the service and include the maximum number of children that can be cared for on the site and the staffing levels required to provide a safe and stimulating environment. The Department of Community Services (DoCS) has the responsibility for licensing and monitoring all licensed children’s services in New South Wales.

Every service must have a program of activities for the children. The programs provide a balance of indoor and outdoor activities with plenty of variety to stimulate and support each child’s individual development. Great programs are available for children in licensed services.

For information about the different types of children's services available please Click Here.

For information about the children’s services available in your area please Click Here.

Please note all licensed services in the Northern Sydney and Central Coast areas are listed and a contact number is provided. All services are able to provide information brochures about their service and some are linked to this site through the search facility.