With the Child Care Subsidy having returned on Monday, July 13, and recent updates on the new gap fee waivers throughout Victoria, we wanted to share some information that may assist with your child’s continuation of their early education journey – especially if your family has been financially affected by COVID-19.
On advice from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), our centres continue to operate throughout this period, with appropriate risk-mitigation measures in place.
However, if your child remains enrolled at a centre located within the Victorian Government’s Stage 3 Stay at Home restriction area, you may be entitled to fee relief from now until 19 August, 2020.
Upon request, centres within the areas of metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire are now able to waive parent gap fees if a child does not attend care due to a COVID-19 reason, i.e. if the child’s attendance on the day would put the child or any other person at risk of contracting COVID-19. This means your child’s enrolment would be held during this time, whereas ceasing care could potentially see your child waitlisted if you wish to return following the restrictions lifting.
While you will still pay your normal gap fee on the days that your child attends their centre, you will not pay any out-of-pocket expenses should you choose to keep your child at home during the lockdown period. No doctor’s certificate or documentation is required for COVID-related absences, and there is no cap on additional absences for COVID-19 related reasons.
Still not sure how to maximise your child care subsidy?
- The Child Care Subsidy activity test requirements have been eased for 12 weeks from 13 July 2020 to 4 October 2020 for families impacted by COVID-19. During this period, impacted families may be eligible to access up to 100 hours per fortnight of subsidised care. Simply log in to your Centrelink online account through MyGov to update your activity levels and access the 100 hours. Click here to read more about it.
- Families experiencing temporary financial hardship (such as a loss of income for those in self-isolation) may be eligible for support through the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS). Click here for our guide to the ACCS.
Our offer for families
We know these are financially challenging times for many families, and we have an offer to help. New families can enrol their little one in childcare and commence by 30th September 2020 to receive a $500 Coles Group gift card*; and if you’re an existing family who has referred a new family, you’ll also receive a $500 Coles Group gift card*.
There is no limit on this offer. If you have multiple friends to refer, or one friend with multiple children, you can redeem more than one gift card. You can also refer to any of our network of centres across Australia, with 475 in total to choose from.
*T&Cs apply
Please speak to your Centre Manager or contact our Customer Engagement Team on 1800 517 231 with any questions about your child’s enrolment. We hope to see you in centre soon!