Short-Term Childcare for Interstate & International Families: The 2026 Guide

Navigating childcare while traveling is a significant logistical hurdle for modern families. In the heart of the Melbourne CBD, Kids on Collins provides a premier, safe, and nurturing environment for parents who require professional care without a long-term commitment.

Located at Level 4, 544-546 Collins Street, our award-winning center (voted Most Outstanding Early Education Centre – Melbourne CBD at the 2025 Local Business Awards) is designed to serve the unique needs of interstate and international visitors.

What is Occasional Care?

In the Australian early childhood sector, short-term or “casual” childcare is formally referred to as Occasional Care. Unlike permanent long-day care, which centers on recurring weekly enrolments, Occasional Care is a flexible model allowing parents to book “casual” days on an ad-hoc basis—ideal for business trips, relocation gaps, or holidays.

The Standard of Excellence

Each afternoon, our educators share a daily written update with families through the Storypark programme. This update provides a broad overview of the activities and learning experiences your child engaged in that day. It also offers families the opportunity to use photos and prompts to spark meaningful conversations with their child each evening.

2026 Mandatory Requirements for Travelers

To ensure the safety of our community and the security of our placements, two strict policies apply to all visiting families:

  • Mandatory Vaccination: All children must be fully vaccinated as per Australian regulations. This is a legal requirement for enrolment; foreign records must be transferred to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) by a local GP.

  • Upfront Fee Payment: For all short-term, interstate, or international bookings, fees must be paid in full upfront at the time of booking to secure the placement.

How It Works:

A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Phase 1: The Documentation Audit (Pre-Departure)

Before you arrive at our Collins Street Centre, secure digital copies of the following:

  • Immunisation History Statement (IHS):
    For Australians, this is found via Medicare. For international families, records must be uploaded to the AIR.
  • Medical Management Plans:
    If your child has allergies or asthma, an action plan signed by a medical practitioner is mandatory.

Phase 2: Finding and Securing a Spot

Because we are situated in the heritage-listed MacPherson Building at 544-546 Collins Street, demand is consistently high.

  • Interstate Parents: Your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) follows you across state lines. Link your CRN to our center in your MyGov portal.
  • International Parents: Most visitors are “Full Fee” paying. KOC offers a dedicated scholarship rate for families ineligible for CCS to ensure our Kindergarten programs remain accessible.

Phase 3: Enrolment & The CWA

You must complete a Complying Written Arrangement (CWA). This document is a legal requirement in Australia that ensures we uphold our strict Commitment to Child Safety.

Phase 4: Confirmation & Upfront Payment

Once the CWA is signed, you will receive an invoice.Payment is required upfront to lock in your casual spot. This protects the placement from being offered to our permanent Expression of Interest waitlist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The “Walk-In” Assumption

Casual spots in the CBD typically book out 2–4 weeks in advance.

International Documentation Delays

We cannot legally accept any document other than an official AIR Statement.

Ignoring CBD Logistics

We recommend utilising our pram parking and proximity to Southern Cross Station rather than relying on street parking.

FAQ

Yes! We were recently awarded Most Outstanding Early Education Centre – Melbourne CBD at the 2025 Local Business Awards.

We are at Level 4, 544-546 Collins Street, in the heart of the Melbourne CBD.

Our $185–$193 fee is all-inclusive, covering all nutritious meals (including 5pm High Tea), nappies, and educational programs.

Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit

Milestone
Task

8 Weeks Out

Check your child’s vaccination status on the Medicare/myGov app.

6 Weeks Out

Book a Tour or email us to check casual vacancy dates.

4 Weeks Out

Complete enrolment and pay your invoice in full.

Day of Care

Arrive 15 mins early for an orientation. Use our secured entrance at 546 Collins St.