Choosing the Best Childcare in Forrestdale, Piara Waters, Harrisdale, Seville Grove, Haynes, and Brookdale (WA 6112): A Comprehensive Guide for Busy Parents

The Complete Parent Guide to Childcare

Key takeaway: Focus on quality, convenience, cost, and fit for your child. Seek a licensed, play-based early learning centre with caring educators, a safe environment, and strong parent communication. In Perth’s 6112 area, compare drive-times and fees across suburbs, and use the Child Care Subsidy to make childcare affordable. Everwood Early Education in Forrestdale is one local option that combines quality care with a community feel.

Introduction

Choosing the right childcare in Perth’s south-eastern 6112 region is a big decision for busy parents. Families in suburbs like Forrestdale, Piara Waters, Harrisdale, Seville Grove, Haynes and Brookdale want a safe, nurturing place where their children can learn and play while parents work or study. You might be juggling work commutes, budgets, and waitlists – all while hoping for that “just right” environment where your little one will thrive. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from why quality childcare matters to what to look for on a tour, plus local insights on each suburb and how the Child Care Subsidy can help. Our tone is warm, reassuring and informed – just what WA parents need when making this important choice. Let’s dive in!

Why Quality Childcare Matters in WA

Quality childcare isn’t just about having someone watch your child – it’s about early learning experiences that set the foundation for life. Research shows that by age 5, around 90% of a child’s brain development is complete vic.gov.au, and the experiences in those early years shape their cognitive, social and emotional growth vic.gov.au. In other words, the first five years are golden – a time when nurturing educators and a rich play-based program can spark curiosity, resilience and a love of learning. High-quality centres encourage exploration through play, storytelling, music and outdoor fun, which helps children develop language, motor skills, and positive interactions with peers. Just as importantly, a great childcare centre provides a stable routine and caring relationships that make children feel secure and confident. This is particularly valuable for working parents who need peace of mind that their little ones are in good hands.

WA families recognise these benefits – and so does the government. In fact, Western Australia is investing in early childhood education, including a free full-time kindy trial in 2025 at selected schools wa.gov.au, to ensure kids “get the best start to their learning.” Quality early learning is seen as key to school readiness and long-term success wa.gov.auwa.gov.au. For parents in our local area, choosing a high-quality childcare or long day care centre means giving your child a head start in a safe, fun environment that feels like a second home. It also means supporting your child’s development during those critical early years when their minds are growing fastest. In short, quality childcare matters – for your child’s happiness today and their opportunities tomorrow.

What to Look For in a Centre

When comparing childcare and early learning centres, keep an eye out for a few key features that signal quality and a good fit for your family:

• Qualified, caring educators: Educators should be trained (Certificate III, Diploma or Early Childhood Teaching degrees) and truly enjoy working with kids. Low staff turnover and friendly, engaged caregivers are a great sign – it means your child will bond with consistent people.
  

• Play-based learning curriculum: Young children learn best through play. Look for a centre that offers a play-based program (lots of hands-on activities, outdoor play, art, music, story time) rather than purely academic drills. Centres following the Early Years Learning Framework or kindy program for 4-year-olds will focus on both fun and developmental skills.
  

• Safe, stimulating environment: Pay attention to the surroundings. Are rooms clean, bright and filled with age-appropriate toys and books? Is there a secure entry/exit system and proper childproofing? Quality centres also have inviting outdoor spaces (sandpits, gardens, climbing equipment) for children to explore nature and burn energy in fresh air.
  

• Strong communication: A good centre treats parents as partners. Ask if they provide daily reports or an app update about your child’s meals, naps, and activities. Open communication – whether via chats at pick-up or parent newsletters – indicates transparency. You’ll feel more reassured knowing what your little one did each day (and probably get some cute photos, too!).
  

• Inclusives and extras: Consider what’s included in the daily fee. Many high-quality long day care centres provide meals, snacks, nappies and wipes – which is a big help for busy parents. Check if the menu is nutritious and caters to allergies. Also ask about teacher-child ratios (good centres often have better ratios than minimum required) and whether they offer special classes (e.g. language, music, sports) or community excursions. Small perks like on-site parking for drop-off, or barista coffee for parents, can make a difference to your daily routine as well.

Ultimately, trust your gut feeling during a visit. Do the children and staff seem happy and engaged? Is the centre flexible to your needs (e.g. offering long day care hours that suit your work schedule)? The right centre will not only tick the boxes on paper but will feel right for your child – a place where you can picture them laughing, learning and thriving.

Suburb-by-Suburb Snapshot

To help local families, here’s a quick overview of childcare context in each of our focus suburbs. We’ve listed approximate drive-times to Everwood Early Education (located in Forrestdale) and the average long day care fees in the area. This gives you a sense of convenience and costs around the region:

Suburb	Drive-time to Everwood	Avg daily fee
Forrestdale	Local (under 5 min)	$165
Piara Waters	~5 min	$165
Harrisdale	~5 min	$165
Seville Grove	~10 min	$150
Haynes	~7 min	$150
Brookdale	~12 min	$150

(Daily fee averages are estimates for long day care in mid-2025. Actual fees vary by centre and age group.)

Forrestdale

Forrestdale is a semi-rural suburb with a warm community feel – and it’s actually home to Everwood Early Education. Many families here enjoy the quieter lifestyle, with plenty of open space and parks (like Forrestdale Lake and local bushland) for weekend adventures. Because Forrestdale itself is smaller population-wise than its booming neighbours, it has fewer childcare centres. The good news is that a purpose-built centre (Everwood) opened recently at 30 Anstey Road, meaning local parents don’t have far to travel for quality childcare. Drive-time is minimal if you live in Forrestdale – in fact, many can simply take a short stroll or a <5 minute drive to drop off the kids. The centre offers a nature-inspired environment that fits right in with Forrestdale’s green surroundings. If you’re a Forrestdale parent, you likely value community connections and a safe, friendly atmosphere – you’ll want a childcare centre where everybody knows your child’s name. With its village vibe and new facilities, Forrestdale gives you just that. Plus, being so close to home can make those hectic mornings a bit easier!

Piara Waters

Piara Waters is one of the fastest-growing family suburbs in Perth’s southeast, and it shows – new housing estates, schools, and playgrounds are popping up everywhere. (Fun fact: the population of Piara Waters jumped from under 100 people in 2006 to over 14,000 by 2021 kids.kiddle.co!) Young families are flocking here for the modern amenities and community spirit. With so many little ones about, childcare demand is high. Piara Waters has several early learning centres, including some brand-new ones with extended hours and shiny facilities. However, fees here can be on the higher side (our table shows around $165/day on average, with some premium centres even closer to ~$180-$200). The benefit is you’re usually getting state-of-the-art centres with elaborate outdoor play areas and specialised programs. If you live in Piara Waters, you’ll be glad to know Forrestdale’s Everwood Early Education is only a 5-minute drive up Nicholson or Armadale Road everwoodedu.com.au. This opens up additional spots if local centres have waitlists (which can happen in this popular area). Piara Waters parents often look for quality and convenience – a place that offers school readiness (for when your child eventually heads to the new Piara Waters Primary or High School) but also understands the needs of babies and toddlers. The good news is you have choices: you can opt for a centre within the suburb or hop over to a nearby suburb like Forrestdale or Harrisdale without much travel time. Either way, your child will be among plenty of peers – Piara Waters truly is baby boom central!

Harrisdale

Harrisdale is another young, vibrant suburb adjacent to Piara Waters, known for its lovely estates and the popular Stockland Harrisdale Shopping Centre (where parents can grab a coffee or groceries after drop-off). Families in Harrisdale enjoy access to great schools (such as Harrisdale Senior High) and parks, making it a magnet for those with children. Childcare in Harrisdale is in high demand as well – there are a few centres nestled in the suburb, often close to community hubs. Many offer Kindergarten programs for 3-4 year olds, aligning with WA’s focus on early learning. If you’re evaluating childcare here, consider traffic patterns: while Harrisdale is only ~5 minutes from Everwood Early Education in Forrestdal eeverwoodedu.com.au, peak hour along arterial roads can get busy. Still, a short drive outside the suburb might be worthwhile if a particular centre feels like the best fit. Harrisdale parents typically seek a balance of quality and practicality. You might ask: does the centre open early enough for my commute? (Most open around 6:30am, but Everwood opens at 6am which can help early starters.) Also, is there a stimulating play-based curriculum? Harrisdale’s community values education – even at the daycare stage – so centres that introduce early literacy, numeracy through play, or nature-based learning often stand out. With relatively new infrastructure all around, you’ll find childcare environments here tend to be modern and well-resourced. In short, Harrisdale offers families a convenient suburban lifestyle with all the kid-friendly perks, and your childcare choice will likely reflect that same modern, family-focused ethos.

Seville Grove

Seville Grove is a well-established suburb just west of the Armadale town center. It’s a close-knit community with a mix of long-time residents and newer families drawn by affordable housing and local conveniences. Compared to Piara Waters or Harrisdale, Seville Grove’s pace is a bit more relaxed and its streets more tree-lined and spacious. Childcare options in Seville Grove include a handful of centres (some run by larger not-for-profits or community organizations) where fees are often a bit lower – the average is around $130–$150/day here. Parents in Seville Grove sometimes choose these local centres for their friendly atmosphere and perhaps smaller size. That said, if you’re after a brand-new facility or a specific program (like a particular educational philosophy or extended hours), you might look slightly further afield. Forrestdale’s Everwood Early Education is roughly a 10-minute drive north, making it a viable option for Seville Grove families seeking a purpose-built centre with all the trimmings. It’s also on the way for some commuters heading up Armadale Road toward the freeway or Perth. Seville Grove highlights the fact that “quality” is not only found in the newest suburb – sometimes a well-loved local centre with experienced staff can be a gem. When touring childcare in Seville Grove, you’ll likely notice a homely, community-centric feel. Parents often know each other, and educators may have taught siblings from the same family over the years. Whether you stick within Seville Grove or venture to a nearby suburb for childcare, you’ll appreciate the welcoming environment that this community is known for.

Haynes

Haynes is a newer residential pocket on the fringe of Armadale, known for recent developments like the Sienna Wood estate. It sits just south of Forrestdale, which means distance to Everwood Early Education is small – about 4–5 km (roughly a 7-minute drive). Haynes itself is still growing; you’ll see new houses and parks under construction as the area expands. Because it’s up-and-coming, Haynes doesn’t yet have a large number of childcare centres right in the suburb. Many local families rely on nearby areas such as Armadale, Hilbert or Forrestdale for daycare and kindy programs. On the plus side, this means you can broaden your search without adding much travel time. The average childcare fee around Haynes tends to align with the Armadale area (often a bit more budget-friendly than Piara Waters), so roughly in the $130–$150/day range depending on the provider. If you’re in Haynes, you likely appreciate being in a growth area with new facilities. You might find a brand new early learning centre in a neighboring suburb that offers shiny classrooms and innovative playgrounds. And because Haynes is close to the Tonkin Highway and other transit routes, choosing a centre slightly out of suburb (like on the way to your work) can be practical. Parents here often seek flexibility – perhaps extended hours or casual day options – since the community includes many dual-income families and commuters. Rest assured, whether you opt for a centre in Haynes or just outside, you’re part of a blossoming community geared towards young families.

Brookdale

Brookdale lies south of Armadale’s town centre and has a rich community history (some residents remember when parts of it were called “Wungong” or “Westfield”). It’s a suburb with a mix of older homes and new housing projects, attracting families who enjoy a bit more space at a reasonable price. Childcare in Brookdale itself is somewhat limited – there might be a family day care here and there, or small early learning centres nearby, but many Brookdale parents look to Armadale or surrounding suburbs for formal childcare services. The good news is that nothing is too far. A quick drive up Armadale Road or Tonkin Highway opens up many options (including Forrestdale’s Everwood Early Education, about 11–12 minutes away by car). Brookdale’s average daycare fees hover around the mid-$100s per day, similar to Seville Grove, reflecting the more affordable end of the spectrum in greater Armadale. One thing about Brookdale: it has a strong sense of community and resilience. Neighbours know each other, and local schools and clubs are important hubs. So when considering childcare, many Brookdale families prioritize trust and familiarity. You might prefer a centre where the director greets you by name, or where your child’s classmates could end up going to the same primary school later on. If you do enroll at a centre outside Brookdale, you’ll likely still find that welcoming vibe – the 6112 area as a whole is pretty friendly and down-to-earth. In summary, Brookdale may not have a childcare centre on every corner, but your perfect fit might be just a short drive away, offering both quality early learning and a community you can connect with.

Understanding the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) in 2025

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) in 2025 covers between 20% and 95% of childcare fees for eligible families, based on income and number of children thesector.com.au, greatly reducing out-of-pocket costs for many families.

What is CCS? It’s the Australian Government’s payment to help families afford childcare (including long day care, family day care, and outside school hours care). Instead of receiving money directly, eligible parents have the subsidy paid to their childcare provider, and you only pay the gap (the remaining difference) each week. The exact percentage subsidised depends on your household income: lower-income families receive a higher subsidy rate (up to 90% of fees for one child), and the rate tapers down for higher incomes thesector.com.au. For instance, a family earning under ~$85,000 can get 90% subsidised, while a family earning around $170,000 might get ~60%, and those earning just under the cutoff (about $535k) get the minimum 20% or so. Additionally, if you have multiple children under 5 in care, you can receive a higher subsidy for the second and younger children – up to 95% in some cases thesector.com.au. This multi-child boost has been a huge help for families with toddlers and babies in care at the same time.

How do you get it? You apply through Centrelink (Services Australia) via your MyGov account, usually before your child starts care. You’ll need to provide details like your income estimate and work/study details (for the activity test). Once approved, the CCS is automatically calculated and sent to your childcare centre – you then pay the reduced fee. For example, if the fee is $160/day and you qualify for a 85% subsidy, the government pays $136 and you pay $24. It makes childcare much more affordable for most families.

Activity test and hours: CCS isn’t just about income – it also considers how much “approved activity” (e.g. work, study, volunteering) parents do. But don’t worry, the rules are pretty flexible. All families get at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (equivalent to two full days a week) regardless of activity thesector.com.au. If both parents (or a single parent) are working or studying more, you can get up to 100 hours a fortnight (five days a week) subsidised. The idea is to match support to need, but even stay-at-home or part-time parents can benefit, ensuring kids can attend at least a couple of days a week for early learning and socialization.

2025 updates: As of 2025, the government has increased income thresholds and subsidy rates compared to a few years ago. This means more families are eligible for higher subsidies. For instance, the maximum 90% rate now extends to families earning up to $85,000 (a bit higher than before), and the cut-off where you get no subsidy is up beyond $530,000 annual income thesector.com.au. In plain terms, middle-income families are getting more back, which is great news. Always check the latest rates on the official Services Australia CCS page – they adjust slightly each financial year.

One more tip: kindy savings in WA. If your child is about to do their 4-year-old Kindergarten year, remember that in WA, kindergarten at public schools is part-time and often free or low-cost. Plus, the WA Government is trialling free full-time kindy in 2025 for some locations wa.gov.au. While Child Care Subsidy won’t cover school-based kindy (since CCS only applies to approved childcare services, not schools), this initiative can save parents money during that kindy year and shows the emphasis on early education. For younger children and any long day care program, CCS will be your main cost relief.

In summary, CCS in 2025 is a game-changer for making quality childcare and early learning affordable. Most families in our area use it – so be sure to claim what you’re entitled to. It can cut your childcare bills dramatically (some pay only a few dollars a day after subsidy), enabling you to choose the centre that’s truly best for your child rather than being limited purely by cost. If you’re unsure about how CCS works or how to apply, feel free to ask the enrolments team at your chosen centre; they deal with these questions all the time and can guide you through it. Supporting families is what childcare is all about!

Questions to Ask on a Tour

What are the qualifications and experience of your educators?

(e.g. Are there certified early childhood teachers? How long have key staff been with the centre?)

What is your staff-to-child ratio, especially for babies and toddlers?

 (And do you often have consistent caregivers for each group?)

Is the program play-based and how do you support early learning?

(Ask for examples of activities – like sensory play, outdoor learning, art, language or kindy readiness for older kids.)

What does a typical day’s routine look like?

(Including nap times, meals, indoor/outdoor play, group times, etc.)

How do you ensure safety and hygiene?

(Check about security measures, supervision, cleaning protocols, illness policies, sun safety, etc.)

What is included in the fees?

(Are meals, snacks, nappies, wipes provided? Do they supply bedding or do you bring your own? Any extra charges for incursions, late pick-up, etc.?)

How do you communicate with parents?

(Daily apps or diaries? Regular progress meetings? Can you call during the day to check in on your child?)

What is your approach to guiding children’s behaviour and social-emotional learning?

(Listen for a positive, patient approach – e.g. redirection, teaching kids to share and express feelings, etc., rather than punishment.)

Do you offer a kindy program on site?

(If your child is 3–4, is there a Kindergarten curriculum led by a degree-qualified teacher, and does it align with the school system?)

Can you accommodate [your child’s specific need]?

(For example, dietary allergies, cultural practices, toilet training support, speech delay – whatever is important to your family.)

Don’t hesitate to take notes during the tour. A good centre will be happy to answer these and any other questions – it shows that you, as a parent, are engaged and careful. The answers will help you compare centres apples-to-apples and feel confident in your final choice.

FAQ

Q: At what age can my child start daycare?

A: Most long day care centres enroll infants from around 6 weeks old. Everwood Early Education (and many others in WA) welcome babies, toddlers and pre-kindy children in the 0–5 age range, with appropriate care and facilities for each age group.

Q: How many days per week should my child attend childcare?

A: It depends on your family’s needs and your child’s temperament. Many families start with 2–3 days per week to give the child regular social interaction while balancing time at home. You can always adjust days as your child grows or your schedule changes.

Q: What are Everwood’s operating hours and holidays?

A: Everwood Early Education is open 6:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday, year-round. We only close on public holidays (and weekends). This “long day care” schedule gives working parents flexibility for drop-off and pick-up times.

Q: Are meals and nappies provided at the centre?

A: Yes – most quality childcare centres, including Everwood, provide meals, snacks, and nappies as part of the daily fee. That means you typically don’t need to pack food or diapers. (Always confirm with your centre; you will usually just pack a change of clothes and perhaps a water bottle or comfort item.)

Q: How do we apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

A: You can apply for CCS online through your MyGov account (linked to Centrelink) before your child starts care. It’s a one-time application where you provide family income and work/study details. Once approved, the subsidy will be paid directly to your childcare centre – you just pay the reduced fee. Your centre can also guide you through this process if you need help.

Q: How early should I join a childcare waitlist or enrol?

A: It’s wise to enquire as early as possible. Many parents join waitlists while still pregnant or several months before needing care – especially in high-demand areas like 6112. Popular centres and specific days (e.g. Mondays and Fridays) can fill up fast. Even if you’re not 100% sure of your return-to-work date, getting on the list early increases your chances of securing a spot when you need it.

Ready to Explore Everwood?

Choosing childcare is a journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’re in Forrestdale, Piara Waters, Harrisdale, Seville Grove, Haynes or Brookdale, we warmly invite you to explore Everwood Early Education as an option for your family. The best way to truly know if a centre is right for you is to see it in person – you’ll get a feel for the atmosphere, meet the educators, and imagine your little one playing happily.

Come visit us: Schedule a personalised tour through our Book a Tour page. We’ll show you around our indoor classrooms filled with engaging resources, our expansive natural outdoor play areas (complete with veggie gardens and mud kitchen!), and introduce you to the friendly team who might soon be caring for your child. You’ll have the opportunity to ask all the questions you want, and your child is welcome to come along and explore too – we love little visitors.

Know your options: We’re proud to offer a 92-place long day care centre that caters to ages 0–5, with dedicated rooms for different age groups (from our tiny “Seeds” nursery through to our energetic “Gumnuts” kindy room). Our daily fee is competitive with the local average, and remember that the Child Care Subsidy can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. For transparency, you can view details on our Fees page, which outlines the daily rates for each age group and what’s included (all meals, nappies, etc. are covered – making life that bit easier for you).

Next steps: We know how busy parents are, so we aim to make the enrolment process straightforward and supportive. Whether you need a spot immediately or are planning ahead for next year, feel free to reach out. Even if you’re just comparing your options at this stage, we’re happy to chat and help you understand what to expect from childcare in the 6112 community.

Ultimately, our goal at Everwood Early Education is to partner with you in giving your child the very best start – a place to grow, learn and smile each day. If that resonates with you, we’d love to meet you and your little one soon!