Occasional care is sessional occasional child care for babies, toddlers and children under school age. Occasional care is offered at some government preschools and Children’s Centres for Early Childhood Development and Parenting (Children’s Centres) in rural and metropolitan areas throughout South Australia.

Who can use occasional care

The Department for Education occasional care services are targeted to support children who are not accessing alternative early childhood education and care programs, including preschool, a child care centre or family day care. It enables parents to participate in a range of activities (including non-work and casual work), by booking their child/children into occasional care.

First priority of access is given to children:

• under the guardianship of the minister
• at risk of serious abuse and neglect
• in Aboriginal families
• in families which include a person with a disability or health condition that impacts upon their parenting
• with a disability and/or additional needs
• in socially isolated families.

Second priority is given to low income families with an Australian Government Pensioner Concession or Health Care Card.