Thanks Quoll- yes I did see those costs (we have been quoted 70 bucks a day in one place!) and that is really what has me thinking that it would make sense for us to have someone live with us and take care of our children- more flexible and probably cheaper.
I would be providing accommodation and food, electricity and internet access, etc, but I was wondering how much I would have to pay to get someone- not just an au pair but someone experienced and reliable. From what you say this is not too common an arrangement in Canberra?
Long daycare aka nurseries are about $70 pd some inc nappies and food
Family Daycare aka Childminders are $5.50 ph plus nappies food
live out Nannies are $15-20ph for up to 4 children, not sure about live out.
The government pay 50% of your out of pocket expenses in APPROVED childcare if you are perm res.
LDC and FDC are APPROVED
Nannies are only approved under certain very strict cicumstances e.g. you can not use LDC/FDC because you are a shift worker / your child or you has a disability / 3 or more children of non school age and through one community group in Canberra. The wait is huge.
So unless you are temp res or have loads of money - LDC and FDC is half the price of a nanny for two children.
DC in Canberra is very tight and the wait lists are long and spots often do not come up until Feb, when the older children go to school. I currently have my two at different centres because there is no room. I would register ASAP
I can see why nannies are not a big feature there under those conditions, but a dedicated childminder would still offer a good solution for us because we won't qualify for the government support. The rates for live out are good to have as a point of reference. I think I will go ahead and contact an agency and see what they say. I found a place on google called mary poppins nannies- as good a place as any to start, I suppose!
