After The Bugle’s report on the Kiama “childcare desert” went live, many families reached out to say they had experienced the impact of struggling to find reliable childcare for their children.

We reached out to Kim Bertino, CEO of Big Fat Smile, a not-for-profit organisation with 25 early learning and preschool services across the Illawarra, South-East Sydney and the Southern Highlands.

She shared her tips for families looking for trusted care – and why their waiting list might surprise you.

What steps do Big Fat Smile take to support as many families as possible?

We operate 25 early learning and preschool services across the Illawarra, South-East Sydney and the Southern Highlands, along with 10 Outside of School Hours Care services, supporting around 3,600 families in our region. However, our support for families doesn’t end there.

Behind the scenes, our head office is home to a dedicated network of specialists quietly championing quality education and care. They stay across the latest research and legislation, advocate strongly for our educators, and provide practical guidance when it matters most.

Our Community Programs team brings connection and care to families across our communities through free playgroups and parenting supports. Over a 12-month period, they facilitate more than 600 free playgroup and community sessions, supporting 6,400 parents, carers and children.

What might families be surprised to know?

Many families are surprised to learn that there is availability across some of our services, including in preschool rooms with government funding available, meaning it is very low cost.

That said, places can be quite specific right now, often linked to particular days or age groups. This comes down to staff-to-child ratios set by regulation.

The good news? A quick conversation can go a long way. If families get in touch, we can help match them with a service that has availability, arrange a visit, and see whether the environment, values and vibe feel right for their family.

What’s your advice for first-time parents who might be navigating the so-called childcare desert?

Cast the net wide and stay flexible. Put your name on multiple waitlists, consider commuting if you can, and be open to days that might not look perfect at first glance. Availability often shifts, and once you are part of a service community, greater flexibility is usually offered as spaces open up.

Patience, persistence and a little practicality can make all the difference.