Information for Parents
Child Care Subsidy
To help you with the cost of your child care, the Government via The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides the following assistance through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). The Government’s New Child Care Package commenced on 2 July 2018.
Under the new package, the existing Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate will be replaced by a new Child Care Subsidy (CCS). The amount of subsidy that families will receive will be based on three things:
1. their combined family income;
2. the level of ‘approved’ activity they undertake;
3. the type of child care service they use.
Here is some more information that will help you calculate how much subsidy you may be personally eligible for. Services Australia.
To receive your CCS you will need to give the Government extra information using your Centrelink online account.
If you don’t have a myGov account, you can create one which you can link your Centrelink online account to. You need to do this if you want the Department of Human Services, (DHS), to assess you for child care fee assistance from 2 July 2018.
Once you have been assessed for the rebate the DHS will supply both you and your child with individual Customer Reference Numbers (CRN). Parents are responsible for providing Billy Kids with the correct CRNs for lodgement into our software. These are required for us to submit your child’s attendance information to the DHS. They use this information to calculate the rebates you will be paid.
We recommend you apply for your rebate prior to commencing at Billy Kids, as it usually takes up to four weeks for the DHS to complete their assessment. Full fees must be paid until CRN numbers are lodged with the centre and are successfully recognised (accepted by the DHS). Fees are then adjusted accordingly. A maximum period of 28 days ‘back-pay’ is allowable by the CCS.
CCS are paid by the DHS for absences up to a maximum of 42 days per financial year. It is the Centre Director’s responsibility to record the number of days of absenteeism. If a child has more than 42 days absences the parent is liable for full fees for any subsequent absent days unless a medical certificate is provided. In this case the DHS will pay rebates on absent days in excess of 42 days.
You can find more information by calling 136 150 or clicking on the link below.
Human Services Childcare Website
How to Enrol
To secure the enrolment of your child you will need to do the following:
- Complete the Smart Central Waitlist Form. There is no fee to join our waitlist.
- We will contact you to discuss your needs and schedule a tour of our beautiful facilities.
- If a position is available for the days you have requested, you will be offered a position at Billy Kids via email or phone call.
- If there is no position currently available on the days requested, we will offer you any other days available.
- On completion of the enrolment forms and payment of the bond, you will be invited to return to Billy Kids with your child for an orientation.
Facts about Immunisation
What forms are required to be provided at enrolment?
Parents must provide a copy of one or more of the following documents to enrol at Billy Kids:
- an AIR Immunisation History Statement which shows that the child is up to date with their scheduled vaccinations; or
- an AIR Immunisation History Form on which the immunisation provider has certified that the child is on a recognised catch-up schedule; or
- an AIR Immunisation Medical Exemption Form which has been certified by a GP, or;
Which vaccines does my child need to be fully vaccinated?
The NSW Immunisation Schedule sets out the age-appropriate vaccines for children and the ACIR Immunisation History Statement will indicate if the child is up to date with their vaccinations.
Do parents still have a choice to vaccinate their children?
Unless the child is on a recognised catch up schedule; is up to date on immunisation or has a medical exemption, they are not able to enrol.
Are unimmunised children able to enrol at Billy Kids?
Yes. Children who are unimmunised due to medical reasons are able to attend child care provided that the appropriate documentation has been provided.
Children who are behind with their immunisation schedule are able to access child care once the appropriate documentation has been provided that shows they have either caught up or are on a recognised catch-up schedule.
Unimmunised children may be asked to stay at home if there is an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease at Billy Kids.
What if my child was vaccinated overseas?
Unfortunately we are not able to accept records from overseas. Children who were vaccinated overseas need to have their immunisation records assessed by an immunisation provider who will transfer the information to the ACIR. An ACIR Immunisation History Statement will subsequently be issued to parents/guardians upon request. Child Care Subsidy is a means-tested payment which reduces the cost of your total child care fees. It is available to you if you are a parent, foster parent or grandparent with a child in your care who is attending child care approved for the purposes of Child Care Subsidy by, or registered with, the Government. There are certain eligibility requirements you must meet to get Child Care Subsidy.
Orientation
Before your child starts at Billy Kids, we invite you and your child to come and spend some time with us.
Please phone us in advance to arrange a mutually convenient time, mornings or afternoons are usually the best.
This can help to make your child’s first day less daunting, particularly if they are new to formalised childcare.
In our experience, it is best to not place too much emphasis on starting at Billy Kids as this could make your child anxious. Perhaps routinely mention it to your child and perhaps read some stories to them about starting preschool. Here are some good examples:
During your child’s first days it is perfectly understandable for you to be interested to know how they have settled in, and so we invite you to phone the centre at any time to check in on their progress.
Our Educators will do their very best to settle your child in as quickly as possible and you can rest assured that they are well trained in helping new children adapt to Billy Kids. If, however, we feel that your child is too upset to stay all day, we will call you suggesting that you come in to collect your child early.
Meet with your Educators
An important part of orientation is a meeting between parents and the Educators/Carers from your child’s assigned Room. It is a good way for us to get to know your child better and ensure a smooth transition from home to Billy Kids. Our goal is for every child to settle into Billy Kids quickly and happily.
Topics covered in the meeting will be specific to your child, and may include: routines and practices followed at home, family, cultural identity and values as well as what objectives you have for your child’s care, education and development while they are at Billy Kids. We aim to establish a dialogue that allows us to work alongside each other to achieve the best outcomes for your child.
Valuable Parent Resources
Starting Blocks (Family Friendly Resource about Early Childhood Education and Care)
Starting Blocks provides parents with information about early childhood education and care to help them make the best choice for their child and family.
Starting Blocks is a starting point to:
- learn about children's developmental milestones
- understand what to expect from an early childhood education and care service
- find services and learn about their quality ratings
- get tips on starting child care or preschool, and what can be done at home to encourage your child’s learning and development.
http://www.startingblocks.gov.au/
Raising children
They provide free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help your family grow and thrive together. They are funded by the Australian Government and reviewed by experts.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers
Tressilian Parent Help Line
Tresillian is an early parenting service offering families guidance in the early years of their child's life. We support new parents around breastfeeding and settling baby, as well as dealing with post-natal depression and nutrition.
Phone: 9797 0855
www.tresillian.org.au