What is vacation care?

Vacation care fills the gap when schools close for term breaks, offering working parents a place for their children while school is not in session. Licensed care agencies across Perth Metropolitan run these programs during the standard holiday periods, including winter and summer breaks, as well as shorter term breaks throughout the year.

Sessions typically run on a full-day basis, starting in the morning and finishing in the afternoon. Vacation care differs from regular before and after-school care because it operates all day rather than just before school starts or after classes end. Activities vary by provider but commonly include indoor games, sports, arts and crafts, movie screenings, and themed group activities. Many services also arrange excursions to local parks, community venues, and other attractions around the Perth area.

Children are grouped by age or year level to suit their developmental stage and interests. Staff at vacation care services are trained and screened to work with children, and providers maintain supervision ratios required by regulations. Parents typically book their child's place in advance, either for individual days or whole weeks, depending on their needs.

The service is especially valuable for families where both parents work or study, as it removes the logistical challenge of arranging separate care during each school holiday. You can find vacation care providers in the Perth area through licensed childcare agencies.