Karratha Early Learning childcare is trialling a new Half-Day Casual Care Session from 8:00am to 2:00pm for $102.43 per session before rebates, giving Pilbara families a flexible, affordable way to access quality early learning without a full-day commitment.
We know that the cost of living in the Pilbara is no small thing. Groceries, fuel, housing — it all adds up, and sending children to child care centres is one of the biggest household expenses families face. Our team talks regularly about how we can make Karratha Early Learning as accessible as possible for the families in our community, because we believe that quality early learning shouldn’t feel out of reach. That doesn’t mean cutting corners on the things that matter, but it does mean looking carefully at where we can build in more flexibility and more affordability for the people we serve.
That commitment is behind something we’ve been working on, and we’re really pleased to share it with you now.
We’re trialling a brand new Half-Day Casual Care Session option and we think it’s going to make a real difference for a lot of our Karratha childcare families.
Our Session Times at a Glance
Before we dive into the new half-day option, here’s a full overview of our current session times:
| Session | Hours |
|---|---|
| 6:00am – 6:00pm | 12 hours |
| 7:00am – 6:00pm | 11 hours |
| 7:00am – 5:00pm | 10 hours |
| 8:00am – 2:00pm (NEW) | 6 hours — Half-Day Casual Care |
The new half-day session is offered as a casual booking, meaning it sits alongside our existing options as something you can access when the timing suits, rather than as a locked-in permanent arrangement.
More on exactly how that works below.
Introducing the Half-Day Casual Care Session
Session time: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Duration: 6 hours
Cost: $102.43 per session (before Child Care Subsidy rebates are applied
This is a casual care option. Think of it as childcare that works around your day, not the other way around. Whether it’s a one-off need or something you find yourself reaching for regularly, the half-day session is there when it makes sense for your family.
We’re genuinely proud to offer this as part of our commitment to making early learning accessible for more Karratha families in more circumstances.
Important Terms and Conditions
We want to make sure all families have a clear understanding of how the half-day casual care session works before booking. Please take note of the following:
- All standard terms and conditions of casual care remain applicable.
- Once a casual booking is confirmed by the centre, fees apply whether your child attends or not.
- If children are collected after 2:00pm, our normal late fees will apply.
- There are no discounts for marking children away if your place has been secured by a half-day session booking.
- Families with outstanding accounts or active payment plans are not eligible for additional casual care bookings until their accounts are up to date.
Who Is the Half-Day Session Perfect For?
Families Working from Home
Parents Needing School-Hour Care
Children Wanting Socialisation Opportunities
Families with School-Aged Siblings
Parents Returning to Work Part-Time
Many Karratha parents ease back into the workforce gradually — part-time hours, casual shifts, or contract work. The half-day session can flex with you during that transition, covering the care you need without locking you into a full-day arrangement that doesn’t reflect your current working pattern.
Quality Early Learning, Whatever the Hours
Whether your child attends for a half-day or a full day, the quality of their experience at Karratha Early Learning childcare doesn’t change. Our qualified educators deliver intentional, play-based programs that support children’s development across all key domains: social, emotional, physical, and cognitive.
Half-day children participate in the same nurturing environment, creative exploration, outdoor learning, and meaningful educator relationships as their full-day peers. The hours may be shorter, but the impact is just as real.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a half-day casual care session?
Contact the Karratha Early Learning team directly to check availability and confirm your booking. Remember, availability is not guaranteed and bookings are confirmed by the centre.
Can I use my Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for the half-day session?
What happens if I need to cancel?
What if my child isn't collected by 2:00pm?
Is this a permanent session or just a trial?
A Note From Our Team
We know that making childcare work for your family, financially and logistically, isn’t always straightforward, especially in a regional community like Karratha. This half-day casual care trial is one of the ways we’re putting that understanding into action.
We’re looking forward to seeing how this option supports more of our families, and we’d love to hear your feedback as the trial progresses.
Have questions or ready to book? Get in touch with the Karratha Early Learning childcare team today.