In Home Care (IHC) is a type of early childhood education and care (ECEC) for families that are unable to access mainstream care such as family day care, before and after school care or centre-based day care due to their family’s specific needs. IHC provides an educator to care for children in the family’s own home.
In Home Care (IHC) is a type of early childhood education and care (ECEC) for families that are unable to access mainstream care due to family day care, before and after school care or centre-based day care due to their family’s specific needs. IHC provides an educator to care for children in the family’s own home.
FAQ
What is the role of the In Home Care Support Agency?
Our role is to advocate for your family. If you’re eligible for In Home Care, we act as the link between your family and a service provider to ensure your needs are met. We cover NSW/ACT, SA & TAS.
What is the eligibility criteria for In Home Care?
- The child or children must be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
- Families must show that other approved childcare options are not available or suitable.
- In addition, at least one of the following must apply:
- The family is geographically isolated, particularly in rural or remote areas.
- Parents or carers work non-standard or variable hours outside typical childcare service times.
- The family is experiencing complex or challenging circumstances.
What does 'complex or challenging circumstances' mean?
- A child with a disability or additional needs whose early education and care needs cannot be met in other approved care settings or by community / government services.
- A parent undergoing treatment for a serious illness.
- Other complex family situations that make it difficult to access standard childcare.
What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
CCS is assistance provided by the Australian Government to help with the cost of child care. It is paid directly to IHC service providers to reduce the cost to families. The amount of CCS is determined by an activity test. Families in exceptional circumstances may also be eligible for the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS).
Families wishing to use In Home Care must first be eligible for CCS.
Visit Services Australia to find out more.
How to Apply for In Home Care (IHC)
Step 1: Complete the IHC Application Form Online
Access the official In Home Care (IHC) Application Form online here. This form collects information about your family’s circumstances to assess eligibility and requires current supporting documentation no older than 6-months. It must be completed by the parent or carer eligible to receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for the child or children requiring IHC.
Please note: in Part B there are three options for eligibility. You are required to fill out at least one.
Option 1 – Parent or carer works non-standard or variable hours that are outside normal child care service hours
Option 2 – Geographically isolated from other types of approved child care, particularly rural or remote
Option 3 – The family of the child has challenging or complex needs.
Step 2: Wait for Assessment
The In Home Care Support Agency will review your application and supporting documentation. This process can take up to 5 business days. During this time, you may be contacted for additional information or clarification if required.
Step 3: Receive Notification of Outcome
Once your application has been assessed, the In Home Care Support Agency will notify you of the outcome via email.
- If your application is successful, you will receive a formal notice confirming your eligibility for In Home Care, along with information about the next steps in the process.
- If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a formal notice advising you of your ineligibility, including the reasons for the decision and information on how to request a review or appeal the outcome.
Resources
For more information about In Home Care, visit the Department of Education’s website
Our Service Providers
The In Home Care Support Agency supports families and services in NSW/ACT, SA & TAS. To contact In Home Care Support Agencies for other states and territories click here.
NSW
Australia's Leading Home Care Agency (ALHCA)
Our Service
We provide:
- Service to metro, rural & remote areas throughout Australia
- No registration or subscription fees
- Direct employment of educators
- Families choose their own educator from our curated pool of candidates
- Families have the option of bringing their own educator
- Mentor program for our unqualified remote educators
- Shifts of 3 to 12-hours, 7-days a week
- Penalty rates to shifts longer than 12-hours, falling between midnight & 6am or on Sundays
Contact Details
Jen, Kellie, Nikkita, Sara, Julie & Mandy
P | 02 8201 7000
Family Friend Home Support
Contact Details
Far West IHC
Our Service
- We offer flexible ECEC tailored to the individual family’s needs
- No minimum hours & schedules tailored to a families needs
- Educators work under a contract model, giving families the reedo to choose an educator who best fits their personal preferences
- We assist families in finding their own educators by providing educator requirements
Service Area
Every town / property west of the Newell Highway (A39) within NSW including:
Balranald
Baradine
Bourke
Brewarrina
Broken Hill
Byrock
Carrathool
Cobar
Coleambally
Condobolin
Coonabarabran
Coonamble
Darlington Point
Deniliquin
Dubbo
Finley
Forbes
Gilgandra
Goodooga
Griffith
Hay
Hermidale
Hillston
Irymple
Ivanhoe
Lake Cargelligo
Leeton
Lightning Ridge
Louth
Menindee
Moree
Mt Hope
Narrabri
Narrandera
Narromine
Nymagee
Nyngan
Packsaddle
Parkes
Peak Hill
Tibooburra
Tottenham
Trundle
Tullamore
Walgett
Wanaaring
Warren
Wee Waa
Wentworth
West Wyalong
Wilcannia
Yenda
Contact Details
Kempsey IHC
Our Service
- Kempsey In Home Care was established in 2001 & is a not-for-profit, community-based service providing flexible education & care in the family’s home.
- Our service supports families who have been approved through the NSW In Home Care Support Agency.
- Our educators are either qualified or workign towards their qualifications. They hold a current Working With Children Check, first aid, criminal history check & public liability insurance.
- Our educators work under a contractor model with a minimum of 3-hour bookings.
- Our sercive can recruit a families nominated educator provided they meet the registration criteria.
Contact Details
Montessori In Home Early Learning Professionals
Contact Details
Mummymetime
Our Service
- Operate under a contractor model
- Families can choose to bring their own educator provided they meet criteria
- Offer shifts ranging from 3-hours to overnight care, 24/7
- We specialise in supporting shift workers & emergency care workers, caring for children with special needs & helping families under stress or for whom traditional preschool & child care is not viable
Contact Details
Northern Rivers Children's Services
Our Service
- Not-for-profit service providing flexible, high-quality education & care in the family home
- We support families with complex needs, working variable hours, or living in remote locations in the Northern Rivers region
- Our qualified educators work under a contractor model & offer all care hours, with a minimum of 3-hour shifts
- A unique part of our service is that our In Home Care Manager & educators visit families regularly, providing support & ensuring care is consistent, culturaly safe, & personalised to each child’s needs
Service Areas
Northern Rivers region including:
Tweed Shire
Tweed Heads – 2485
Tweed Heads South – 2486
Tweed Heads West – 2485
Coolangatta (border area – QLD spillover service reference) – 4225
Banora Point – 2486
Bilambil – 2486
Bilambil Heights – 2486
Terranora – 2486
Tweed Heads West – 2485
Hastings Point – 2489
Pottsville – 2489
Bogangar (Cabarita Beach) – 2488
Casuarina – 2487
Kingscliff – 2487
Chinderah – 2487
Fingal Head – 2487
Murwillumbah – 2484
Tumbulgum – 2490
Uki – 2484
Dulguigan – 2484
Tyalgum – 2484
Bray Park (Tweed Valley) – 2484
Byron Shire
Brunswick Heads – 2483
Ocean Shores – 2483
Billinudgel – 2483
Mullumbimby – 2482
New Brighton – 2483
South Golden Beach – 2483
Byron Bay – 2481
Suffolk Park – 2481
Broken Head – 2481
Federal – 2480
Ewingsdale – 2481
Main Arm – 2482
Coopers Shoot – 2479
Bangalow – 2479
Ballina Shire
Ballina – 2478
East Ballina – 2478
West Ballina – 2478
Lennox Head – 2478
Alstonville – 2477
Wollongbar – 2477
Cumbalum – 2478
Wardell – 2477
Tintenbar – 2478
Empire Vale – 2478
Keith Hall – 2478
Richmond Valley
Casino – 2470
North Casino – 2470
Leeville – 2470
Kyogle – 2474
Tabulam – 2469
Mallanganee – 2469
Woodenbong – 2476
Bonalbo – 2469
Casino outskirts localities (incl. rural surrounds) – 2470
Lismore
Lismore – 2480
Lismore Heights – 2480
Goonellabah – 2480
East Lismore – 2480
North Lismore – 2480
South Lismore – 2480
Wyrallah – 2480
Boatharbour – 2480
Eltham – 2480
Clunes – 2480
Nimbin – 2480
The Channon – 2480
Dunoon – 2480
Ruthven – 2480
Hinterland
Upper Burringbar – 2483
Burringbar – 2483
Mooball – 2483
Sleepy Hollow – 2483
Kunghur – 2484
Round Mountain – 2484
Byrrill Creek – 2484
Smiths Creek – 2484
Upper Wilsons Creek – 2482
Montecollum – 2482
Goonengerry – 2482
Rosebank – 2480
Numinbah (NSW side) – 2484
Contact Details
NSW In Home Care for Early Childhood
Our Service
NSW In Home Care for Early Childhood (NSWIHC) was established in 1999 as part of the Australian Government’s In Home Care Pilot Project. Since becoming an ongoing program in 2002, NSWIHC have supported families who need flexible ECEC & who are unable to access mainstream options.
Sponsored by the NSW Family Day Care Association, who are the peak body for home-based ECEC in NSW, with a long-standing role in supporting quality, safe & accessible services for children & families since 1976.
NSWIHC delivers qualified educators, offering a flexible & individualised approach. Our educators are engaged under a contract model & hold, or are working towards, a minimum Cert III in ECEC. We offer flexible arrangements, with a minimum booking of 3-hours per session.
If an educator is not immediately available, we actively recruit to facilitate families on our waitlist. Families are also welcome to refer their own educator, & individuals interested in joining NSWIHC are encouraged to get in touch, provided they meet the program’s suitability requirements.
***Disclosure of conflict of interest: NSW In Home Care for Early Childhood is operated by NSW Family Day Care Association which also operates the IHC Support Agency for NSW/ACT, SA & TAS.
Contact Details
Placement Solutions
Contact Details
Louise Dunham, Sianan Tierney & Rachelle Teycheney
P | 1300 854 624
Tamworth IHC
Our Service
- Our service & educators have been providing quality early education & care that offers acceptance & support since 2001
- We support all eligible family NSW wide
- We pride ourselves on our transparency & open communication with both families & educators
- Our educators work under a contract model, offering care all hours with a minimum 3-hour sessions
- Our service is happy to recruit or regist a family’s chosen educator, provided they meet criteria
Contact Details
ACT
Montessori In Home Early Learning Professionals
Contact Details
NSW In Home Care for Early Childhood
Our Service
NSW In Home Care for Early Childhood (NSWIHC) was established in 1999 as part of the Australian Government’s In Home Care Pilot Project. Since becoming an ongoing program in 2002, NSWIHC have supported families who need flexible ECEC & who are unable to access mainstream options.
Sponsored by the NSW Family Day Care Association, who are the peak body for home-based ECEC in NSW, with a long-standing role in supporting quality, safe & accessible services for children & families since 1976.
NSWIHC delivers qualified educators, offering a flexible & individualised approach. Our educators are engaged under a contract model & hold, or are working towards, a minimum Cert III in ECEC. We offer flexible arrangements, with a minimum booking of 3-hours per session.
If an educator is not immediately available, we actively recruit to facilitate families on our waitlist. Families are also welcome to refer their own educator, & individuals interested in joining NSWIHC are encouraged to get in touch, provided they meet the program’s suitability requirements.
***Disclosure of conflict of interest: NSW In Home Care for Early Childhood is operated by NSW Family Day Care Association which also operates the IHC Support Agency for NSW/ACT, SA & TAS.
Contact Details
SA
Australia's Leading Home Care Agency (ALHCA)
Contact Details
Jen, Kellie, Nikkita, Sara, Julie & Mandy
P | 08 7118 7000
Hessel Group
Contact Details
Little Poppins
Our Service
At Little Poppins, we provide South Australian families with reliable, compassionate home based care that places children at the heart of everything we do. Since 2011, we have proudly supported families with child-centred care that is safe, dependable, flexible, and genuinely personal.
As an approved In Home Care Provider, we thoughtfully connect families with exceptional Educators who deliver warm, responsive, and developmentally appropriate care within the comfort of the family home. We have a team of carefully vetted and professionally employed Educators ready to support families across a range of care needs. Families also have the option to nominate their own preferred Educator and, subject to meeting compliance and suitability requirements, Little Poppins can employ them under our service.
Our mission is simple: to provide high-quality, child-centred home based care that is respectful, flexible, and supportive. We believe child care should be collaborative and built on trust, creating nurturing environments where children can thrive and families feel genuinely supported.
Little Poppins operates under an employment model, meaning all Educators are employed directly by us. This provides families with peace of mind, ensures professional standards are maintained, and allows us to offer ongoing support to both families and Educators.
Our funded In Home Care services include:
- Qualified and experienced Educators carefully matched to your family
- The option to bring your own preferred Educator to be employed through Little Poppins (subject to compliance requirements)
- Ongoing support from our local office and dedicated Educator Support Coordinators
- Care tailored to a range of family circumstances and support needs
- Approved provider services under the In Home Care Support Agency.
We are committed to making quality care accessible and straight forward for families with:
- No enrolment or administration fees
- Flexible care options, including early mornings, evenings, overnight care, and weekends
- A minimum shift length of 4 hours
- Ongoing positions requiring a commitment to minimum booked hours.
At Little Poppins, we understand that every family is different. That’s why we focus on building genuine relationships and delivering care that feels like a natural extension of your home and family life.
Contact Details
TAS
NSW In Home Care for Early Childhood
Our Service
NSW In Home Care for Early Childhood (NSWIHC) was established in 1999 as part of the Australian Government’s In Home Care Pilot Project. Since becoming an ongoing program in 2002, NSWIHC have supported families who need flexible ECEC & who are unable to access mainstream options.
Sponsored by the NSW Family Day Care Association, who are the peak body for home-based ECEC in NSW, with a long-standing role in supporting quality, safe & accessible services for children & families since 1976.
NSWIHC delivers qualified educators, offering a flexible & individualised approach. Our educators are engaged under a contract model & hold, or are working towards, a minimum Cert III in ECEC. We offer flexible arrangements, with a minimum booking of 3-hours per session.
If an educator is not immediately available, we actively recruit to facilitate families on our waitlist. Families are also welcome to refer their own educator, & individuals interested in joining NSWIHC are encouraged to get in touch, provided they meet the program’s suitability requirements.
***Disclosure of conflict of interest: NSW In Home Care for Early Childhood is operated by NSW Family Day Care Association which also operates the IHC Support Agency for NSW/ACT, SA & TAS.
Contact Details
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The In Home Care Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we sit, The Wangal and Gadigal People of the Eora Nation.
We acknowledge their ongoing connection to land, sea, sky and waterways and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the First Nations People have been caring and educating the children of this land for tens of thousands of years.
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