Childcare registration process
Priority of access
The Central Registration Service (CRS) allows families to submit one registration form for all Council managed long day care centres, rather than applying to each individual service.
The CRS prioritises applications and preferences for all participating long day care centres and allocates places according to an approved set of Priority of Access criteria.
Special circumstances will be considered if one or more criteria may apply to each application. Supporting documents are required to verify eligibility for priority of access. You can read the Priority of Access criteria on the Department of Education website.
To register for Council’s child care services, please complete the Long Day Care Waiting List Form (pdf, 363KB). Either type in your details and save the form, or print the form and complete by hand.
Once your form is completed and supporting documents ready, you can return your form by:
Email: childcareenrol@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Post: Long Day Care Registration, PO Box 126, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
In person: Moonee Valley Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
Learn more about Council managed child care centres including operating hours, registration process and fees.
Contact non-council managed child care services directly for fees, timetables and registration requirements.
Immunisation status
All children enrolling in child care and kindergarten must be up to date with their vaccinations. All families need to provide an immunisation status certificate upon enrolment (this is not required at the registration stage). Read more on our immunisation page.
Support services are also available for children with additional needs.
Registration FAQs
When can I put my child’s name on the Central Registration wait list?
You may register at any time after your child is born.
What will I need to include with my application form?
Proof of your child’s name and date of birth e.g. copy of birth certificate, passport, or immunisation statement from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register.
Details of the first parent/guardian listed will be used for mail, email and phone contact. This must be the main residence of the child.
How will I know that my application has been received?
Fully completed forms are entered into the CRS. An acknowledgement is sent by email or post confirming registration details and preferences within three weeks of application. Families are asked to check the details in the email or letter and keep it as proof of registration.
If you have not received the information after three weeks, or if it is incorrect or you wish to make changes you should contact the Central Registration Service on 9243 8888 or email childcareenrol@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Who will receive priority on the Central Registration Service?
Families and children experiencing vulnerability are afforded highest priority recognising the many benefits of attending early year’s programs.
In accordance with the Commonwealth Priority of Access guidelines, places will be allocated according to the following criteria:
Priority 1 – Child at risk of serious abuse or neglect.
Priority 2 – Child of a single parent who satisfies, or parents who both satisfy the work/training/study test under section 14 of the Family Assistance Act.
Priority 3 – Any other child.
In each of these categories Moonee Valley residents receive priority.
Families who register with the City of Moonee Valley Long Day Care waiting list are listed in order according to the date that the complete registration is received. Date of registration is considered where families have the same Priority of Access.
In addition: Twins, triplets, quadruplets are linked together through the application processes.
After lodging your application form it is assessed and wait listed based on Priority of Access guidelines and supporting documents provided. As vacancies arise offers are made to the next family on the wait list. Please note that completion of the application form does not guarantee placement.
Am I allowed to place my child on a wait list for other services that are not on the Moonee Valley Central Registration Waiting List?
Yes. There is high demand for long day care services and families are encouraged to place their child on other wait lists, including Occasional Care Services and Family Day Care services that are offered by a range of providers in Moonee Valley.
Families are encouraged to only tick services that they are willing to accept an offer to, as repeated offer refusal will result in the child being removed from the waiting list.
Please contact services directly to organise a time to visit. For all other community and privately managed child care providers within Moonee Valley please visit the MyChild website or contacting the Child Care Team on 9243 8888 or email questions to childcareenrol@mvcc.vic.gov.au
When are offers for child care made?
The majority of offers for child care are made from October to November. The number of vacancies determines how places can be offered for the following year. Within a service, vacancies are first offered to existing families at the centre requiring additional days. Siblings of existing children at the service are also prioritised.
Who and how will I be contacted for an offer?
You will be contacted by phone or email by the service where the vacancy has become available. The service will follow-up with you regarding the enrolment process and will discuss your options in regards to accepting the place, orientation and start date.
If I decline an offer of a long day care place will I be offered another one soon?
Not necessarily. If you choose to decline an offer but still want to remain on the CRS Waiting List, you will be asked to update your preferences and the date from which you will accept an offer of place. You can decline on one occasion without this affecting your registration date. The second decline of an offer will result in a new registration date being issued. Your position on the CRS Waiting
List may change when you decline offers due to other families registering with a higher Priority of Access.
Is there any support for families for the cost of Child Care?
Yes, access to fee support and other assistance is discussed at enrolment and orientation at services.
There are a range of Commonwealth initiatives to assist families with the cost of Long Day Care and Family Day Care. To view the benefits please visit the Australian Government Department of Human Services site at https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/child-care-benefit
On commencing care families are required to register with the Family Assistance Office so that fee support can be accessed. For further information please visit the Centrelink website.
What happens if I don’t hear from the CRS?
Please contact the CRS to ensure that your details are correct and you are receiving correspondence. Families who will be out of contact for a period of time should provide alternate contacts by notifying Council preferably in writing with:
- How long they’ll be away and a return date
- The name, address and contact details of the person given permission to act on the family’s behalf while away
Email addresses where information may be sent directly during their time of absence.
My child has additional needs. Should I include this in my registration or wait until I am offered a place?
Yes. Including information about your child and family will help the CRS to prioritise your child and family needs. This information may assist forward planning for your child’s needs within the early years’ service.
We have a family support worker helping our family out. Should I include this in my registration or wait until I am offered a place?
You may wish to include this information to help the CRS understand the needs of your child and to correctly process your registration.
We encourage you to contact the CRS to discuss your registration. You may wish to contact the CRS with the support of a professional such as a family support worker.