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Same-day emergency child care when your regular care falls through

Regular care arrangements fall over for all sorts of reasons: an educator is sick, a centre closes for a training day, or a school holiday program is full. This page is for parents who need a place for their child with little or no notice, not for families planning ahead months in advance.

Providers that take same-day or next-day bookings usually need proof of enrolment paperwork, immunisation records and any care plans (allergies, medication) on hand, since they cannot process a full standard enrolment in the usual timeframe. Calling ahead, even by an hour, makes a placement far more likely.

Not every provider on the 24-hour and emergency care list can guarantee a same-day spot every day, since it depends on ratios and who is rostered on, so it pays to have two or three numbers ready rather than one.

  • Have your child's immunisation status and any medical or allergy notes ready to send electronically
  • Ask directly whether they hold casual or emergency places separate from their regular enrolment list
  • Confirm the hourly or daily rate and any late-notice loading before you commit

What it costs

Casual and emergency placements are usually billed at a daily or hourly casual rate rather than a standard enrolment fee, and that rate is often higher than a booked-in permanent place because it covers holding a ratio spot on standby. Some services also charge a small late-notice or casual booking fee on top.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for 24-hour / emergency & casual care.

  1. 1. Stride Early Learning Midland
    5.0★ · 186 reviews
    94
  2. 2. Cherished Cherubs
    4.9★ · 286 reviews
    89
  3. 3. Vital Beat
    5.0★ · 117 reviews
    91

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FAQ

Can I get my child into care the same day in Perth?
Some 24-hour and emergency care providers hold casual spots for exactly this situation, but availability changes daily so call as early as possible.
Do I still need enrolment paperwork for emergency care?
Yes. Most providers need at least immunisation records and basic medical details even for a one-off casual day, so have them ready to email or upload.
Is emergency child care more expensive than regular care?
Usually yes, casual daily rates tend to run higher than a booked permanent place because the provider is covering an unplanned ratio spot.