CASUAL CHILDCARE IN SYDNEY & MELBOURNE
Take a Break
Stress-free casual bookings at all 9 Chipmunks Childcare centres
Life doesn't always run to a set weekly schedule. An extra shift comes up, an appointment lands on a weekday, or you need a few hours to catch your breath. Book a casual day and your child gets a full day of play, learning and care with our qualified educators.
New families are welcome, and you don't need to be enrolled with us to book. Casual days are CCS approved, subject to availability, and need 24 hours' notice.
What is casual childcare?
Casual childcare (sometimes called occasional care) lets you book individual days at our centres when you need them, rather than committing to the same days every week. Your child joins the room for their age group, follows the same play-based learning program as our permanent families, and is cared for by the same experienced educators.
Casual bookings are available for children aged 0 to 5 at all nine Chipmunks Childcare centres across Sydney and Melbourne. Casual days run on our normal hours, Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, and they attract the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for eligible families.
When a casual day helps
Appointments
Get through medical visits, study sessions or errands without juggling little ones.
Extra work days
Cover a picked-up shift, a busy week or a change to your roster.
First time in care
See how your child enjoys a day at Chipmunks before you decide on regular days.
A well-earned break
Take a day to rest and recharge, knowing your child is happy and learning.
New to Chipmunks? Start with a casual day
You don't need to be enrolled with us to book a casual day. It's a simple way to meet our educators, see our rooms and find out if Chipmunks is the right fit for your family.
No enrolment, bond or upfront fee needed to book
Casual days attract the Child Care Subsidy for eligible families
Your child gets the same meals, program and educators as our permanent families
If your child loves it, we'll help you move to regular days
How to book a casual day
Booking takes three simple steps. Please give us at least 24 hours' notice.
1. Get in touch
Contact your local Chipmunks centre at least 24 hours before the day you need. Tell us your child's name, age and preferred date.
3. Drop off and enjoy
Once your booking is confirmed, bring your child in on the day. We provide meals, nappies and bedding, so you only need to pack a hat and a spare change of clothes.
2. We check availability
Our team checks for a space in your child's age room. If you're new to Chipmunks, we'll also collect a few details about your child, like health needs and emergency contacts.
What's included on a casual day
A casual day at Chipmunks is a full Chipmunks day. Your child gets everything our permanent families receive.
Gourmet meals
Daily meals from our award-winning catering partner, Kids Gourmet Food, with dietary needs catered for.
Nappies, wipes and bedding
Provided at no extra cost.
Play-based learning
Our program follows the Early Years Learning Framework and is updated weekly.
Qualified, long-standing educators
Familiar faces who know how to help a new child settle in.
Safe sign-in and sign-out
Secure check-in through the HubHello platform at the entrance.
Sun-safe outdoor play
Shaded outdoor spaces and sun-safety routines every day.
Good to know before you book
Ages 0 to 5
Casual bookings are open to babies, toddlers and preschoolers at every centre.
24 hours' notice
Please contact your centre at least 24 hours before your requested day.
Subject to availability
Casual places depend on how many children are booked into each room that day.
Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm
Casual days run on the same hours as all of our centres.
CCS approved
Casual days attract the Child Care Subsidy for eligible families. Use our CCS Calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket cost.
No enrolment needed
New families can book a casual day without enrolling first. We'll take a few details about your child before the day.
Casual care at all 9 Chipmunks centres
Choose your nearest centre to see its rooms and contact details.
Casual childcare FAQs
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No. New families are welcome to book a casual day without enrolling first. We'll collect a few details about your child before the day, such as health needs and emergency contacts.
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We ask for at least 24 hours' notice. This gives our team time to check numbers in your child's room and make sure the right educators are rostered on.
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Casual bookings are subject to availability. Each room has a set number of places each day, so we can only confirm a casual day when a spot is free. Booking further ahead gives you the best chance.
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Yes. Casual days attract the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for eligible families, so you only pay the gap between the daily fee and your subsidy. Try our CCS Calculator for an estimate.
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All nine Chipmunks Childcare centres offer casual bookings: Lethbridge Park, Rooty Hill, Blackett, Ambarvale, Rosemeadow and Belfield in Sydney, and Frankston, Seaford and Burwood in Melbourne.
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We offer casual bookings for children aged 0 to 5, from babies through to preschoolers getting ready for school.
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Pack a hat, a spare change of clothes and anything that helps your child feel comfortable, like a comforter or a favourite soft toy. We provide meals, nappies, wipes, sheets and blankets.
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Yes. Many families start with casual days and move to regular bookings once their child is settled. Ask your centre about permanent places, or visit our Enrol page to get started.
Ready to take a break?
Get in touch with your local Chipmunks Childcare centre to book a casual day, or start your enrolment online.
CCS approved