For a mapping of this value domain to the national standard for service activity type follow this link: 'Service activity type code mapping from NCSDD to CS'.

Definitions of service activity types:

CODE 1 Centre-based long day care

Centre-based long day care, comprises services aimed primarily at 0–5 year olds that are provided in a centre usually by a mix of qualified and other staff. Educational, care and recreational programs are provided based on the developmental needs, interests and experience of each child. In some jurisdictions, primary school children may also receive care before and after school, and during school vacations.

CODE 2 Occasional care

Occasional care, comprises services usually provided at a centre on an hourly or sessional basis for short periods or at irregular intervals for parents who need time to attend appointments, take care of personal matters, undertake casual and part time employment, study or have temporary respite from full time parenting. These services provide developmental activities for children and are aimed primarily at 0–5 year olds. Centres providing these services usually employ a mix of qualified and other staff.

CODE 3 Outside school hours care

Outside School Hours Care, comprises services provided for school aged children (5–12 year olds) outside school hours during term. Care may be provided on student free days and when school finishes early. For the purposes of this collection vacation care is recorded separately.

CODE 4 Vacation care

Vacation Care, comprises services provided for school aged children (5–12 year olds) during vacation periods.

CODE 5 Family day care

Family day care, comprises services provided in the carer’s own home. The care is largely aimed at 0–5 year olds, but primary school children may also receive care before and after school, and during school vacations. Central co-ordination units in all States and Territories organise and support a network of carers, often with the help of local governments.

CODE 6 In-home care

In-home care services, comprises services where an approved carer provides care in the child’s home. Families eligible for in-home care include families where the parent/s or child has an illness or disability; families in rural or remote areas; parents working shift work or non-standard hours; families with more than two children from a multiple birth and/or more than two children under school age; and families where a breastfeeding mother is working from home.

CODE 7 Preschool

Preschool, comprises a structured educational programme usually provided by a qualified teacher on a sessional basis in dedicated preschools. Similar educational programs or curricula may be provided in long day care and other settings. These are primarily aimed at children in the year or two before they commence full-time schooling.

The terms most commonly used to describe preschool services in various states and territories are:

• Kindergarten—Tasmania, WA and Queensland

(In Queensland between 2003-07 Kindergarten is being replaced with a year called Preschool)

• Kindergarten or Preschool—Victoria
• Preschool (including Child Parent Centres)—SA
• Preschool— NSW, ACT and NT