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    Find and Choose the Best Daycare, Early Learning Centre or Preschool in Wollongong & Illawarra

    Find and Choose the Best Daycare, Early Learning Centre or Preschool in Wollongong & Illawarra

    Looking for the best daycare, childcare, an early learning centre or preschool in Wollongong or the Illawarra? We’ve been there! Choosing who will care for and educate your baby or young child is a big decision. So, knowing what ‘quality childcare’ looks and feels like, helps you choose well.

    Handing over the care of your baby or toddler, particularly when you’re returning to work, can feel huge. For us at Parents Guide Illawarra, it was a super emotional time. So we asked local experts in childcare and early education, BFS Children’s Services, to help us parents and carers understand what’s involved in finding the best childcare.

    Practically, you need childcare that works for your family’s hours and routine. But most importantly, you want to know: Will my child be safe? Will they be happy? Will the educators really know and care for them? Will they learn, make friends and thrive there?

    BFS has been supporting children and families for more than 45 years and has 35 childcare centres in and around Wollongong and the Illawarra. As a community-based, not-for-profit organisation with qualified educators and Early Childhood Teachers, they’re a great source of expertise helping us unpack what to look for when choosing childcare.

    And importantly, this ‘find the best childcare near me guide’ isn’t simply about choosing a BFS centre near you. It shares the best questions to ask AND the quality markers to look for, when visiting any local daycare, early learning centre or preschool. So let’s get our heads around childcare and crack on!

    Daycare, Early Learning or Preschool: What’s the Difference?

    One of the first hurdles for parents is simply working out what type of child care you need.

    Terms like daycare, childcare, early learning and preschool are often used interchangeably, but the way services operate can be quite different.

    For most families, the decision comes down to a combination of your child’s age and developmental needs, your working hours, location, operating hours and whether you need care throughout the year and during school holidays.

    Going Back to Work? Long Day Care & Early Learning Explained

    If you’re returning to work and need longer hours and year-round care, look for an Early Learning Centre (also called long day care).

    Early Learning Centres / Long Day Care generally provide:

    • Longer operating hours to accommodate working families
    • Care throughout most of the year (preschools tend to operate during school terms and offer shorter days)
    • Care and education for children from birth to 5 years (although some centres accept children from 2 years, so check with individual services)
    • Play-based early childhood education
    • Preschool programs for children in the years before school
    • Access to the Child Care Subsidy for eligible families

    And here’s something that’s useful to understand: the convenience of long day care should still deliver a strong preschool education.

    Children aged 3–5 can participate in preschool education programs (and often school readiness programs) within many Early Learning Centres, including BFS Early Learning Centres.

    That’s alongside their families benefiting from longer operating hours and year-round care.

    Preschool in Wollongong & Illawarra: What Does Preschool Actually Mean?

    Pre-schools cater from aged 3-5 years and in preparation for school. Community Preschools are run by not for profits (like BFS). Community Preschool sometimes provides a more cost effective childcare option also.

    Community Preschools generally operate during school terms, with shorter set hours than long day care, and provide play-based early childhood education led by qualified educators and Early Childhood Teachers.

    Eligible community preschool programs may also receive NSW Government funding.

    One of the confusing things for parents is that a preschool program isn’t only available at a service with “Preschool” in its name.

    BFS, for example, provides preschool education through both its Early Learning Centres and Community Preschools.

    So rather than asking only “Should I choose daycare or preschool?”, it can be more useful to ask:

    What type of care works for our family, and what does the educational program actually offer my child?

    How Do You Know if a Daycare, Early Learning Centre or Preschool Is Good?

    A beautiful playground, lovely rooms and lots of toys are great. But that doesn’t tell you what your child’s experience will be like. It’s always worth asking for other parents opinions too, however they might share the same principals as you and not all feedback is equal! So, here’s what’s important to look for and can help YOU assess if it’s a good centre.

    There are critical aspects necessary in every childcare centre, for your child to have a good experience.

    BFS’s approach is evidence-based (as well as 45 years of experience based). They know that young children learn and develop best when they feel safe, seen, supported and connected.

    So when you visit a childcare centre or preschool, don’t just look at how nice or clean it seems. Watch what’s happening between the educators and children inside it.

    Look at the Relationships Between Educators & Children

    Watch the educators interacting with children.

    Do they get down to children’s level? Speak warmly to them? Know individual children well? Are children comfortable approaching their educators for help, reassurance or a cuddle?

    And what happens when a child is upset, overwhelmed or doesn’t want Mum or Dad to leave?

    Strong, secure relationships are an important foundation for children’s learning and development. When young children feel safe and connected, they’re better able to explore, play, communicate, build friendships and learn.

    What parents can look for: Warm, responsive interactions and children who appear comfortable approaching their educators. Ask how the centre helps new children settle in and how educators get to know your child’s personality, routines, interests and individual cues.

    Ask about Who Will Actually Be Caring for Your Child

    Whilst parents should and do often ask “Are your educators qualified?”

    You can also ask who will actually spend the day with your child, what qualifications and experience they have, how long educators tend to stay with the service and how they’re supported to continue developing professionally.

    BFS has qualified educators and degree-qualified Early Childhood Teachers, supported by educational leadership, an Education Support Team, Head of Educational Excellence and ongoing professional development.

    Continuity matters too. Children build relationships with the people they see regularly, so it’s reasonable to ask a centre about staff turnover and how consistency of care is maintained.

    What parents can look for: A service investing not only in facilities and equipment, but in the people actually caring for and educating your child.

    Look for Genuine Learning Through Play

    A packed activity schedule doesn’t always mean a great educational program.

    Instead, ask why children are doing the activities you see.

    Young children learn through play, exploration, relationships, movement, creativity, communication and curiosity.

    BFS’s play-based approach considers children’s interests, developmental stages and individual needs when educators create opportunities for learning.

    What parents can look for: Educators who can explain what children are learning through their play, rather than simply showing you a timetable of activities.

    Look for a Centre That Knows Your Child, Not Just Their Name

    Every child arrives with their own personality, interests, family, culture, routines, strengths and comfort needs.

    A quality early learning service should want to understand your child, not simply fill a vacancy.

    Ask how educators learn about individual children and how that knowledge influences their care, routines and learning experiences.

    What parents can look for: Educators who ask you questions too. Parents know their children best, so genuine partnership between families and educators should be part of quality early education and care.

    Childcare Safety: What Should Parents Look For?

    Safety is understandably one of the biggest concerns for parents choosing childcare, and it goes well beyond secure gates and signing children in and out.

    Families can ask a potential childcare provider about safeguarding, supervision, staff screening, Working With Children Checks, child-protection policies and how educators are trained and supported to keep children safe.

    However how do assess and look for emotional safety? We know that is integral to your child thriving in any environment and it is even more important outside of your home. Whilst touring a centre, you can look for:

    How do educators respond when a child is frightened, upset or overwhelmed? How do they help children develop an understanding of personal boundaries and body safety? Do children appear comfortable seeking help from the adults around them?

    A 2025 ABC Four Corners investigation into childcare safety also recommended that parents look at factors including ownership, staff turnover, educator qualifications, Working With Children Check policies and child-protection policies when assessing a service.

    The investigation found not-for-profit centres had better child safety records over for-profit centres. That doesn’t mean every for-profit centre provides poor care, or that being not-for-profit automatically guarantees quality. However, not for profit centres often re-invest their profits back into the quality of their educators and can focus spending on better outcomes for each child in their care.

    It does give parents another useful question to ask.

    Is the Childcare Centre For-Profit or Not-for-Profit?

    Many parents may never have considered who owns their childcare centre and how the organisation operates.

    Childcare services can be operated by private for-profit businesses, not-for-profit organisations, community organisations and other providers.

    BFS Children’s Services is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation.

    Rather than profits being distributed to private owners or shareholders, BFS can reinvest in its services, educators, educational programs and communities.

    But ownership shouldn’t be the only thing you consider.

    A better question to ask is:

    How does this organisation invest in the people, safeguarding, educational programs and environments responsible for my child?

    Ask About School Readiness Programs

    It’s easy to focus on whether your child can recognise letters, count or write their name before starting school.

    Those skills matter, but being ready for school is much broader.

    BFS supports children to develop skills including confidence, communication, friendships, resilience, independence, emotional regulation and problem-solving, alongside early literacy, numeracy and other learning.

    BFS also has a Transition to School program for children aged 4–5.

    Through play-based learning, children are encouraged to explore, investigate, ask questions, solve problems and develop their own interests. Educators and teachers support children’s social and emotional development, concentration, communication, independence and ability to manage their own learning, alongside early literacy, numeracy and STEM experiences.

    The focus is on helping children develop the confidence, curiosity, resilience and practical skills they need to make a positive transition into Kindergarten and become successful learners.

    Questions to Ask When You Tour a Daycare or Preschool

    A centre tour isn’t just about looking at the rooms and playground. It’s your opportunity to work out what your child’s everyday life there might actually feel like.

    Some useful questions to take with you include:

    • How will you help my child settle in?
    • Who will care for my child and what qualifications do they have?
    • What is your staff turnover like?
    • How do you keep children physically and emotionally safe?
    • What safeguarding and child-protection policies do you have?
    • How will you get to know my individual child?
    • What does a typical day look like?
    • How much outdoor play and learning will my child get?
    • How do you communicate with parents?
    • How do you support children when they’re upset or struggling?
    • What food is provided and how are allergies managed?
    • How do you prepare children for school?
    • What are the fees and what’s included?
    • What Child Care Subsidy or preschool funding may apply?
    • Is the service for-profit or not-for-profit, and how does it invest in quality?

    But there is one more question worth asking yourself after you’ve finished the tour.

    Can I see my child feeling safe, known and happy here, and do I trust these educators to understand, care for and support my child’s development?

    That gut check matters too.

    Why We Asked BFS Children’s Services to Help With This Guide

    BFS Children’s Services, previously Big Fat Smile, has been part of the Illawarra early childhood education and care community for more than 45 years.

    Today, BFS has 35 centres in and around Wollongong and the Illawarra, with Early Learning Centres, Community Preschools and OOSH services.

    Its approach is built around qualified educators, strong relationships with children and families, play-based learning, educational leadership and environments where children can feel safe, connected and able to thrive.

    Their broader philosophy is:

    Experts in the Childhood Years. Helping children belong, learn and thrive.

    We asked BFS to contribute to this guide because we wanted Parents Guide Illawarra families to have practical expertise you can actually use when making big parenting decisions.

    Whether you choose BFS or another quality local centre, knowing what good early childhood care looks like, makes it much easier to ask the right questions. At the wobbly and often emotional stage of handing over the care of your child, it can help you make a decision you feel comfortable with.

    Find Daycare, Early Learning & Preschool in Wollongong / Illawarra

    So, we’ve covered what type of childcare best suits your needs AND what quality childcare looks like. The next step is finding centres that actually work for your location, hours and family.

    BFS has 35 centres in and around Wollongong and the Illawarra, including Early Learning Centres and Community Preschools.

    When comparing centres near you, look at:

    Distance from home or work

    Opening and closing times

    Your child’s age

    Early Learning or Community Preschool

    Days of care you need

    Current vacancies or waitlist

    Whether you can arrange a centre tour

    Find a BFS Early Learning Centre or Community Preschool near you

    If BFS sounds like the right fit for your family, you can explore its Early Learning Centres and Community Preschools across Wollongong and the Illawarra:

    BFS Early Learning Centres / Illawarra wide

    Wollongong:

    Shellharbour/Dapto:

    Surrounding Areas:

    Find your nearest centre: Explore all BFS Early Learning Centres and enquire about enrolment

    Find a BFS Community Preschool

    Wollongong:

    Surrounding Areas:

    Find your nearest preschool: Explore BFS Community Preschools

    Enquiries & Enrolments: Join the BFS waitlist or arrange a centre tour.

    Looking for Childcare Vacancies in Wollongong or Illawarra?

    Finding a daycare or preschool you love is one thing. Finding the days you need available is another!

    Childcare availability can vary by centre, your child’s age and the days of care you’re looking for. Popular centres and particular days often have waitlists.

    If you’re planning a return to work or know you’ll need care in the future, start enquiring early. BFS recommends families to fill in a waitlist enquiry for all the locations you would consider attending.

    Some services are in high demand, particularly in certain locations, so the earlier you enquire, the better your chances of securing a place when you need it.

    The greatest number of vacancies typically become available in January, when older children transition to school and places open throughout the service. Directors generally begin filling these vacancies during the final months of the year prior, allowing children and families time to attend a playdate, meet the team and become familiar with the service before the Christmas break.

    If your on the waitlist, you will be contacted (in order) when a vacancy is available.

    You don’t necessarily need to know exactly which BFS centre or care option is right before getting in touch. Families can enquire about:

    • Current childcare vacancies
    • Availability for the days they need
    • Future vacancies
    • Joining a childcare waitlist
    • Arranging a centre tour
    • Which nearby BFS centre might suit their needs

    Looking for childcare now or planning ahead? Check BFS childcare availability / Join the BFS waitlist.

    FAQs: Choosing Childcare, Daycare & Preschool in Wollongong

    What is the difference between daycare, early learning and preschool?

    Daycare and early learning generally refer to long day care services offering longer hours and year-round care alongside early childhood education. Community Preschools generally cater for children in the years before school and operate shorter hours during school terms.

    Importantly, children don’t necessarily need to attend a Community Preschool to receive a preschool education. Preschool programs can also be delivered within Early Learning Centres.

    Is long day care suitable for a 3–5-year-old who needs a preschool program?

    Yes. Many Early Learning Centres provide preschool programs for children aged 3–5, giving families access to early childhood education alongside the longer operating hours of long day care.

    What should I look for when choosing a daycare in Wollongong?

    Look beyond the building and facilities. Consider how educators interact with children, qualifications and staff continuity, safeguarding and safety practices, play and learning, communication with families, emotional support and how well educators get to know individual children.

    How do I know if a childcare centre is safe?

    Ask about safeguarding policies, educator screening and Working With Children Checks, staff training, supervision, child-protection procedures and how concerns are handled. Observe whether children appear comfortable with educators and whether interactions are warm and responsive.

    Is not-for-profit childcare better than for-profit childcare?

    Ownership can be one factor parents consider, but it shouldn’t be used alone to judge the quality of a childcare service.

    Recent ABC reporting highlighted differences in safety outcomes between parts of the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors and recommended parents consider ownership alongside factors such as staffing, qualifications, staff turnover and safeguarding policies.

    BFS is a community-based, not-for-profit provider and reinvests in its services, educators, programs and communities.

    Can I tour a childcare centre before enrolling?

    Yes, and a tour is a valuable opportunity to do much more than inspect the facilities. Watch how educators and children interact, ask questions about your child’s everyday experience and get a sense of whether you can picture your child feeling safe, comfortable and happy there.

    How early should I join a childcare waitlist?

    Availability varies by centre, age group and the days of care required. If you know you’ll need childcare for a future return-to-work date, it’s worth contacting your preferred centres up to one year in advance, rather than assuming a place will be available when you need it.

    What childcare subsidies and preschool funding are available?

    Eligible families using approved childcare may be able to access the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy, while eligible preschool programs in NSW may receive NSW Government funding.

    This article has been written by Parents Guide Illawarra in partnership with BFS Children’s Services to help Illawarra families make informed choices about early childhood education and care. We thank BFS for sponsoring this article and helping us share what can help parents find and assess the right daycare, pre school or child for your beautiful and unique child!

    Finally, make the most of family life in our stunning Illawarra – Subscribe to the ultimate guide to family living weekly email by Parents Guide. Say NO to bored kids and get inspired! Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!

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