The free childcare scheme was implemented by the federal government at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but soon parents will go back to paying for this service when the Child Care Subsidy comes back into play.

Leeton Shire Council operates the Leeton Early Learning Centre (LELC) and said parents were mostly aware the free program wouldn't last forever.

"While we know parents were appreciative of the free-fees the government introduced for a time, it is our sense that parents weren't ever expecting it to be ongoing," general manager Jackie Kruger said.

MORE NEWS

"While some may be disappointed that fees will again apply, the general chat suggested not knowing when it would change was more unsettling.

"Certainty helps people to plan their lives and their budgets so there will be some relief for parents who now have clarity about when the childcare subsidy will return and when a co-payment will again be charged."

LELC caters for up to 60 children per day and is currently running at 82 per cent occupancy, which is above the government's average of 75 per cent capacity for childcare.

"As most families return to the service we are expecting our budgets to get back on track soon," Mrs Kruger said.

"We could have an issue if Leeton was to suffer another wave of COVID-19 restrictions, but with everyone doing the right thing with social distancing and hand sanitising, and with families keeping their children at home when they are unwell, we hope this situation can be avoided."

Staff numbers at the centre are expected to remain the same, with more hours to possibly be offered to casuals.

"We have a growing waiting list and receive on average three calls a day from families looking for long day care services," Mrs Kruger said.

"In fact, with an apparently growing demand, council is considering investigating if there is a need to expand the LELC to accommodate even more working families in Leeton shire."