Centre Based Day Care

Centre Based Day Care (CBDC) is a type of early childhood education and care (ECEC) typically provided in centres approved by regulators.

On this page:

About Centre Based Day Care

CBDC typically provides care in centres with qualified educators. It is sometimes known as ‘long day care'.

Services are typically open Monday to Friday and cater for children from birth to school age. Children are usually grouped with others of their own age.

Service eligibility

To operate a CBDC service, you must be an approved provider.

CBDC services must meet operating requirements. These are:

  • be approved as a centre-based service under the National Law, unless out of scope
  • hold any other relevant approvals required by the state or territory
  • operate for at least 48 weeks per year (this is known as the minimum operating period)
  • primarily provide care to children who do not attend school.

Obligations

Family Assistance Law and National Law

Approved providers have rules, also known as ‘obligations’, they must follow under Family Assistance Law (FAL) and National Law.

FAL sets the rules for administering Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Providers that administer CCS must comply with FAL to maintain CCS approval.

The National Law sets a standard for early childhood education and care across Australia. The National Regulations outline operational requirements for services.

National Law and Regulations are administered by regulatory authorities in each state and territory.

Find information and resources about your legal obligations under FAL and National law.

National Quality Framework

CBDC providers and services must also adhere to the National Quality Framework (NQF).

The NQF is Australia’s system for regulating ECEC. It provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement.

The NQF also sets rules about educator to child ratios for CBDC services.