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In Home Care (IHC) is a flexible form of early childhood education and care where an educator provides care in the child's home. It is restricted to families who can't access other types of approved care.

The Australian Government conducts strategic planning, inquiries and evaluations to ensure early childhood policies continue to meet the needs of children and families.

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) provides care for children outside normal school or preschool hours.

Family Day Care (FDC) is a type of early childhood education and care (ECEC) usually provided in the home of an educator.

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

The Australian Government has developed an Early Years Strategy. It sets out the government’s vision to best support Australia’s children and their families in the early years.

There are 4 early childhood education and care service types that can administer the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

In Home Care (IHC) is for families who can’t access other approved forms of early childhood education and care. It is typically for families who work unusual hours, live in a remote area or have complex needs.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) applies uniquely to In Home Care (IHC) as payments are made per family, rather than per child. This page outlines how to record and report IHC sessions to ensure CCS can be paid.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has delivered its final report to the Australian Government from its inquiry into early childhood education and care (ECEC) prices.

In March 2023, we commissioned independent consultants to review the Inclusion Support Program. The review’s final report was released in November 2023.

In 2023, the department commissioned Deloitte to review the Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) restricted grant. Deloitte worked in partnership with SNAICC and Murawin.

In Home Care (IHC) is delivered by IHC Support Agencies in each state and territory. IHC Support Agencies assess eligibility for the program and connect eligible families with high quality services.

The Productivity Commission is conducting an inquiry into Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) system.

In March 2023, the department commissioned an independent external review of the In Home Care (IHC) program. In November 2023, we published the final report.

In home care

Families that use In Home Care (IHC) must notify their IHC Support Agency if their circumstances change.

In Home Care (IHC) educators working in remote and very remote areas may be exempt from the minimum qualification requirements.

The National Quality Framework (NQF) is Australia’s system for regulating early childhood education and care. It provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement.

The Australian Government and all states and territories have agreed to the Preschool Reform Agreement. It is a $2 billion, four-year national reform agreement.

Children who engage in a quality preschool program are generally better prepared to start primary school and progress through life.