ways2work - Parents and carers
Special needs care
Looking for quality, affordable child care is a challenge for every parent. The task is even more difficult when you are looking for care for a child or adult with special needs.
You may be able to access the full range of child care choices for young children. These include early childhood services, nannies, family day care, private and community-based long day care, out of school hours and vacation care, after hours care, occasional and in-home care. However, the availability of services that specifically cater for adolescents and adults with special needs is often limited.
Your needs
Before you start your search, think carefully about your needs and expectations:
- what will you and your child or adult family member need from care?
- will a special needs education setting or adult training service provide you with the option to work part-time?
- do you want a place where your child or adult family member can socialise?
- will you need additional support outside of school or centre hours care, and are there services available for this in your local area?
- do you need the care staff to have particular qualifications or qualities relevant to the needs of your child or adult family member?
Child Care Inclusion Support Subsidy (ISS)
The Australian Government's Child Care Inclusion Support Subsidy (ISS) provides financial support to care service providers who accept children with additional needs. For more information visit Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
More information
You’ll find more information on assessing a child care service in Child care.
Information about out of centre care services for adolescents or adults with a disability or illness can be difficult to access. Key starting points include:
- your Local Council disability or recreation officers
- your local Home and Community Care Program
- your local Commonwealth Carer Respite and Carelink Centre phone 1800 052 222
- Carers Victoria support to carers in the community
- Association for Children with a Disability information, support and advocacy for families of children with a disability
- Disability Online information for people with a disability, their families and carers
Working flexible hours helps carer return to paid work
Margo* is the carer for her son Jamie who has a disability. The option of flexible hours, enables Margo to work during school hours and continue to care for Jamie when he comes home from school. Read more about how Margo's flexible work arrangements has helped her balance her work and carer responsibilities...
Tell Us Your Story.
We'd like to hear from you about your experiences of balancing work and family.