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Childcare Costs Sunshine Coast 2026: Fees & Finding Places
Sunshine Coast childcare guide 2026: long day care costs, kindergarten places, family day care options, and how to access the Child Care Subsidy in Queensland.
How we reported this
Childcare and Kindergarten on the Sunshine Coast 2026
The Sunshine Coast has a rapidly growing childcare market driven by strong population growth. High interstate migration from Sydney and Melbourne has brought many young families to the region, increasing demand for quality long day care and kindergarten places. earlychildhood.qld.gov.au
Types of Childcare on the Sunshine Coast
- Long day care: Centre-based care for children 0-5
- Family day care: Registered home-based carer, particularly common in the hinterland and outer suburbs
- Queensland Kindy: 15 hours/week funded kindergarten for 4 year olds in the year before Prep
What Does Childcare Cost on the Sunshine Coast 2026?
- Long day care daily fee: $90-$165/day
- Family day care: $70-$115/day
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Apply through myGov/Centrelink. servicesaustralia.gov.au
How to Find Childcare on the Sunshine Coast
Use startingblocks.gov.au. New growth areas (Sippy Downs, Palmview, Bokarina, Little Mountain) can have waitlist pressure as new housing estates outpace childcare supply. Join waitlists at multiple centres and consider family day care as an alternative while waiting for a centre place.
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.