Affordable Child Care in South West Sydney – Your Options Explained

If you are a parent or carer in South West Sydney searching for high-quality, budget-friendly child care that caters to your family's unique requirements, Community First Step (CFS) is here to support you. As a community-based not-for-profit organisation, we provide a range of flexible and culturally sensitive child care services in Wetherill Park, Edensor Park, Lurnea, Guildford, and St Johns Park. Our services are designed to support your child's development in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Why Families Choose Community First Step

• Affordable pricing and Government subsidies: We understand the importance of accessible child care and strive to keep our fees affordable for families in the South West Sydney area. All of our children’s services are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to help cover childcare expenses, and our Occasional Centre is also approved for the Start Strong fee relief. Learn more about the Child Care Subsidy here and the Start Strong fee relief here

• Quality: Our programs are delivered by qualified and experienced educators who are passionate about childhood education. We are proud to state that all our Children’s Services are currently rated ‘Meeting the National Quality Standard’.

• Culturally Inclusive: We celebrate diversity and welcome families from all cultural backgrounds. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and respectful of all cultures. We speak many languages so that you can always speak to someone when you need it most.

• Flexible: Whether you need occasional care, before and after school care or vacation care, we offer a range of flexible child care options to suit your family's needs.

Our Childcare Programs: Affordable, Accessible, Local

• Occasional Care: Our Occasional Care program provides flexible, high-quality early childhood education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Whether you need a few hours or a full day to attend appointments, work, study, run errands, or simply take a break, our service is designed to support busy families with flexible, short-term care options. You can book from as little as 5 hours up to a full 8-hour day—whatever works best for you—so you can make the most of your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) hours without committing to a permanent schedule.

  With experienced educators and a nurturing, play-based environment, children enjoy engaging activities that support their development while giving you peace of mind. Best of all, you only pay for the time your child is in care, giving you both flexibility and value.

  
  

• Before and after school care: Our Before and After School Care services provide engaging, high-quality care for primary school children in a warm and welcoming setting. We support families by offering safe and reliable transport to and from local schools for children from Kindergarten to Year 6. Whether it’s before school or after the final bell, children enjoy a relaxed, inclusive environment where they can wind down, connect with friends, and take part in a range of fun activities.

  Our daily program includes arts and crafts, active games, outdoor play, quiet time for homework, and a nutritious breakfast and afternoon tea to keep them energised.

  With caring educators and a strong focus on safety and wellbeing, our Before and After School Care services give you peace of mind while your child enjoys a place to belong, grow, and thrive.

  Visit our website to see which locations and local schools we currently pick up from.

• Vacation Care: Whether you need care for a single day or the whole school holidays, our program is open to everyone, even if your child doesn’t attend our Before and After School Care. It’s a great way for children to make new friends, try new things, and enjoy a variety of fun, engaging activities in a safe and supportive environment.

  Each school holiday period features a packed calendar of themed days, craft activities, and outdoor play, along with exciting incursions and excursions. From science experiments, jumping castles, and sports days to trips to the movies, local attractions, and parks, there’s always something new to discover!

  Our flexible bookings make it easy for families to plan around their holiday needs, and we welcome children from all schools and backgrounds.

  All primary school children from Kindergarten to Year 6 are welcome to join our Vacation Care program. They don’t need to be enrolled in our other programs to join vacation care.

Get In Touch With Us or Book a Tour!

We invite you to book a free tour of one of our centres and see our programs in action. It’s a great opportunity to meet our team, explore the space, and ask any questions you may have about how we can support your family.

Contact Us

FAQs: Affordable Child Care Near Me – What Families Want to Know

What does “affordable child care” mean at Community First Step?

We work hard to keep our fees fair and transparent, and we support families in accessing the government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS). This means your actual out-of-pocket cost could be significantly reduced, depending on your income level.

Our Parks Occasional Care centre is also eligible for Start Strong fee relief, which provides additional savings for families with children aged 3 to 5 years enrolled in eligible early childhood education programs.

Am I eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Most families are! CCS eligibility is based on your household income, the hours you and your partner work or study, and your child’s age. We can guide you through the application process and help estimate your subsidy. Here’s our detailed guide on CCS.

Where are your child care centres located?

We provide childcare services across South West Sydney, in Wetherill Park, Edensor Park, Lurnea, Guildford, and St Johns Park. Each centre offers a warm, safe, and multicultural environment. Learn more about our full range of children’s services here

What ages do you cater for?

Our occasional care centre caters to children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. We also offer Before and After School Care and Vacation Care for primary school children from Kindergarten to Year 6. Activities and support are tailored to suit each child’s developmental stage.

What are your opening hours?

• The Parks Occasional Care: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4pm

• Allambie Road OSHC: Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm (7:00 am to 6:00pm during school holidays)

• Community First Step OSHC – Lurnea: Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm (6:30 am to 6:00pm during school holidays)

• Guildford Public School OSHC: Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm (7:00 am to 6:00pm during school holidays)

• St Johns Park OSHC: Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Is there a waiting list?

Availability depends on your child’s age, your preferred centre, and—if you're interested in Before and After School Care—whether your child attends one of the schools we pick up from. We recommend getting in touch early so we can guide you through the next steps or place you on our waitlist if needed.

Are your educators qualified?

Yes! All of our educators hold recognised qualifications in early childhood or school-age education and care. They also take part in ongoing training to stay up to date with best practices in early learning, child development, and safety.

What makes Community First Step different from other providers?

We’re a not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting families across Fairfield and Greater Western Sydney for over 50 years. What sets us apart is our deep connection to the local community and our commitment to inclusion. Our services are community-driven, culturally inclusive, and designed to make education, care, and support accessible for all children and families.

With a strong focus on relationships, quality programs, and supporting the whole family, we go beyond childcare. We’re here to help children and young people thrive, and to ensure families feel supported every step of the way.

Can I tour the centre before enrolling?

Absolutely. We encourage all families to book a free tour so you can meet our educators, explore the facilities, and see if it feels like the right fit for your child.