Choosing the right childcare is a major decision for your child’s future. But for many Perth families, the biggest source of stress is the cost. How much is it really? And how can you make it more affordable?
This guide provides a clear, honest breakdown of childcare costs in Perth and empowers you to make the most of government support like the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Our goal at Akidamy is to help you move beyond the price tag and find a centre that offers incredible value and peace of mind.
Understanding the Factors That Influence Childcare Fees
The daily fee isn’t arbitrary; it reflects the quality of care and education your child receives, which is guided by the National Quality Standard. Key factors include educator qualifications, staff-to-child ratios, service inclusions, and the quality of the learning environment.
So, How Much Does Childcare Cost in Perth?
In Perth, the average daily cost of childcare typically ranges from $150 to $180 per day before the Child Care Subsidy is applied. Websites like Care for Kids, Toddle, and the government’s own Starting Blocks website can provide a general idea of fees in your area.
However, it’s important to view these listed prices as estimates only. In our experience, they often do not provide a truly accurate reflection of the final, all-inclusive cost, which is best communicated during a centre tour. Furthermore, if a centre’s fees seem significantly lower than the average, it’s a good prompt to ask thoughtful questions during your visit. You might subtly ask yourself what you’re potentially signing up for in terms of hidden costs, or where costs might be cut in ways that aren’t immediately visible—such as in staff qualifications, program quality, or the quality and amounts of food. Critically, these cuts can also impact core operational standards like safety, supervision, governance, and essential maintenance and upkeep.
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS): Your Key to Affordable Care
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the Australian Government’s program to make early learning more accessible. It’s paid directly to your childcare provider, reducing your fees upfront. Your subsidy amount is based on your combined family income, your activity level, and the type of service.
Upcoming Changes from 1 January 2026
The Australian Government has announced that from 1 January 2026, further enhancements will be made to the CCS to help ease cost-of-living pressures, including an expected increase to the hourly rate cap. For the most accurate details, we recommend visiting the official Department of Education website for future updates.
To get a precise estimate of your entitlement, complete a claim through your myGov account linked to Centrelink.
Beyond the Subsidy: Why True Value Matters More Than the Daily Rate
Once you understand your subsidy, you can assess a centre’s true value. A transparent fee often signifies a deep investment in your child’s wellbeing and development. This is where Akidamy stands apart.
The Akidamy All-Inclusive Advantage:
- A Dedicated, Permanent Team: We invest in a stable environment for your child by exclusively employing permanent, highly qualified educators—not contractors or casuals. This commitment results in industry-leading staff ratios, ensuring more one-on-one attention.
- In-House Italian Language Teacher: Your child will be immersed in a second language with weekly lessons from our permanent, highly experienced Italian Language teacher.
- Resident Art Specialist (Artelista): We have a dedicated, in-house Artelista who works with the children to nurture their creativity and self-expression, going far beyond everyday craft.
- “Talking Hands” Baby Sign Programme: Our exclusive Talking Hands programme empowers our youngest infants to communicate their needs through baby sign language.
- In-House Allied Health Support: Our centres receive regular visits from Occupational Therapists to provide expert support and early identification of developmental needs, included in your standard fees.
- No Hidden Costs, No Morning Hassle: Your daily fee is truly all-inclusive, covering all meals, nappies, wipes, sunscreen, and personal items like bags, hats, and bedding.
What is the first step to applying for the Child Care Subsidy?
The first step is to create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink. From there, you can submit a new claim. We recommend starting this process several weeks before your child is due to start care.
Are all of Akidamy’s fees included in the daily rate?
Yes. Our daily fee is a key part of what we call The Akidamy Experience and is truly all-inclusive. It covers all meals, supplies, specialist programmes, and personal items like a schoolbag, hat, water bottle, and all bedding, including laundering.
Why is having a permanent team of educators so important?
Employing a permanent team ensures consistency and stability, allowing for strong, secure relationships to form between children and their educators, which is crucial for early childhood development.
How can I get an exact fee quote for my family?
The best way is to book a tour with us. Our School Directors can provide a personalised quote based on your estimated CCS entitlement.
Take the Next Step With Confidence
The best way to understand both the real cost and the true value of our approach is to see it for yourself. We invite you to contact us, or visit our centres in Perth or Fremantle for a personalised quote and experience the vibrant, nurturing atmosphere that sets us apart.
Ready to start the process? Enrol your child today and let us help you make a confident choice for their future.
