HALF of parents fear work will no longer be a viable option under pending fee rises for childcare.
A new survey found one in five may have to quit work or find a new job, while 24 per cent might increase working hours.
As debate rages about the impact of childcare affordability under government reforms, a survey by www.careforkids revealed parent confusion about fee increases.
Private centres have claimed fees could balloon by up to $35 a day, before rebates, from 2012.
The government has estimated it will amount to about $3 day after rebates.
The poll of 500 people found about 57 per cent of respondents did not know what the rises were going to be under the National Quality Standard, aimed at boosting staff numbers, pay and qualifications.
Sixty-two per cent of parents said they would be under more financial stress, 50 per cent said work might no longer be a viable option for them and 21 per cent said they might have to leave work or look for a new job.
Currently, community child care costs $65-$85 a day in Victoria, while private centres charge $65-$100.
Mother-to-be Genevieve Wallis, 25, who works in PR, is expecting her first child in January and plans to return to work in September.
"Of course we want the best facilities to be available for our baby," she said.
"Ultimately, if the hikes are too high and my entire wage will be going to childcare we'll have to really rethink my returning to work, it just may not be worth it."
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