Tag: Family Day Care

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Adjusting to the new CCS

Here we are in the second half of 2018 (when did that happen?!) and with it comes the new Child Care Subsidy system.

It’s been really interesting speaking to centres about their thoughts on the new CCS, with some finding it to have been a relatively smooth transition, while others have found it stressful in one or more ways.

If you’re one of the centres who hasn’t had a positive experience with the new CCS, know that you are not alone! Of course, everything new can take a while to settle as we all adjust to new systems along with handling queries and concerns from families.

CCS stress for some centres

One of the reasons centre owners, directors and educators have been feeling stressed about this transition is because of how it has affected families who attend their service.

For some families, the CCS changes have seen the cost of their child care increase and at times the reaction to this has been directed at centres. Of course, it is unpleasant to see families feeling distressed while we are unable to offer any solution for their predicament.

In some cases, the extra cost for some families has even meant centres have lost enrolments as the cost of the care no longer feels worthwhile to them. (Don’t worry – we have just the fix for this! If you haven’t seen our current special offer yet, click here!)

Other centres have mentioned the IT side of things to be hard to get their heads around, while others have been overwhelmed with the admin of everything during the switch.

Adjusting together

Thankfully we have a beautiful community of like-minded, passionate centre owners, directors and educators who support each other. As we all move into the second half of the year, please know that we are committed to supporting all in the early childhood industry.

If you need support or guidance at any time, call us on 13000 BBEAT (1300 022 328) or email info@bonkersbeat.com and we’d love to help wherever we can.

Follow us on Facebook to read more articles on the challenges of implementing the CCS.

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Essential facts about the new child care package

From 2 July 2018 the current child care system, which includes the Child Care Benefit and Rebate, will be replaced. The new childcare package will provide families of approved childcare services with a new Child Care Subsidy and result in a few changes for providers.

We’ve taken the time to go through some of the main changes to the childcare package so families and early childhood educators, directors and owners can be prepared when July 2 arrives.

Changes for childcare services:

Types of childcare services

Instead of the seven types of childcare providers we currently have, there will only be three. There are Centre-based Day Care (CDC), Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) and Family Day Care (FDC). Depending on what type of childcare service you run, this may affect you.

Operating hours

Currently, there are many regulations for childcare professionals when it comes to their operating hours, however, with the new childcare package childcare providers will have more freedom in choosing their operating hours to suit their local area and demand. This includes how many days and hours they offer care each week, however, some regulation will still apply.

Reduced admin time

According to the department, the new child care IT system that will roll out with the childcare package is designed to support childcare providers in reducing admin time and giving you a highly functional IT system to work with.

Display this poster at your centre to remind families of the upcoming changes.

You can get plenty of information and resources here: https://www.education.gov.au/new-child-care-subsidy-system

Changes for families:

One payment system, not two

Instead of a two-payment system, the Child Care Subsidy rolling out in July will be one payment. This will completely replace both the Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate.

Annual cap

While currently your subsidised childcare hours are capped at $7,500, the new Child Care Subsidy will not have a cap on the majority of families. If your family earns over $185,710 your cap will remain but will be extended to $10,000 from July 2.

Means-tested subsidy

As with the previous funding, the Child Care Subsidy remains a payment that is determined by your combined family income.

Take a look at how your subsidy level will be calculated:

Meeting the activity test

The activity test shows the required number of hours a family must undertake in an approved activity to access the Child Care Subsidy. This is to make sure parents who need childcare to work can access it fairly.

Childcare funding for parents not working

To ensure all children can access a quality early childhood education, the Child Care Safety Net offers low-income families who don’t meet the activity test up to 24 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight.

For complete information about the Child Care Subsidy and new package launching as of 2 July 2018 visit https://www.education.gov.au/child-care-subsidy.

Families, you can learn more and work out your funding level with this online calculator: education.gov.au/childcare

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