Family day care in Officer

Home-based childcare for the young families moving into Officer's new estates, with small groups, qualified educators and hours that work around a commute on the Pakenham line.

Check availability in Officer 0467 588 621

Toddlers in sun hats planting seedlings in a garden bed with an educator

Childcare for a fast-growing suburb

Officer is one of the fastest-growing parts of Cardinia Shire. New streets and estates fill with young families every year, and childcare places don't always keep up. Family day care adds places without needing a new building: each educator cares for a small group in their own home, so a new educator can open places in a neighbourhood straight away.

For your child, that means a day in a real home with no more than seven children in total, and no more than four under school age. It's the same small group every day, with the same educator, so babies and toddlers settle quickly and you always know who's looking after them.

Family day care is regulated under the National Quality Framework, the same law that covers childcare centres. Every educator is registered with our service, holds at least a Certificate III in early childhood education, and has current first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training and a Working with Children Check.

Hours that suit Officer commuters

With Officer and Cardinia Road stations on the Pakenham line and the Princes Freeway on the doorstep, many Officer parents work in the city or the south-east. Our educators offer care from 6am to 7:30pm on weekdays and 7am to 7pm on Saturdays, so early starts, late finishes and weekend shifts are covered. Each educator sets their own hours within those times, and we match you with one who suits yours.

Toddlers playing with wooden blocks together at a low table

A day at family day care

Days follow your child's rhythm: play, meals and sleep at home-like times, not to a bell. Educators plan around each child's interests, with outdoor time in the garden, books, building, art and trips to local parks and playgroups.

Older siblings can come too. Family day care takes children up to 12, so school-aged children can be dropped at school and collected after, all with the same educator.

How we approach learning

Family day care in Officer: common questions

Are there family day care vacancies in Officer?

Vacancies change week to week as children start school and new educators join. Send us the days and hours you need and we'll tell you which educators near Officer have a place, or let you know as soon as one opens.

Do you cover Officer South and the new estates?

Yes. We match families across Officer, Officer South and nearby Pakenham and Beaconsfield. Where you're placed depends on where educators have places, so tell us your street or estate and we'll find the closest option.

Is family day care cheaper than a centre?

Often, yes. Educators charge by the hour rather than a full-day fee, so you only pay for the hours you book. Read our guide to family day care costs, or use our CCS calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket cost. Our Child Care Subsidy approval is in progress, so ask us for an update.

I live in Officer. Can I become an educator?

Yes, and educators are needed in growing suburbs like Officer. If you'd like to work from home caring for children, see becoming an educator or take our two-minute quiz.

Family day care in other suburbs: Berwick · Narre Warren · Clyde · Pakenham · Beaconsfield · Narre Warren South · Cranbourne · Hampton Park · Endeavour Hills · All locations

Talk to us about care for your child

Tell us your suburb, your child's age and the days you need. We'll tell you honestly what's available near you, usually within one business day.

Make an enquiry 0467 588 621