Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a payment from the Australian Government to support families with the cost of childcare. It replaced the Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate (from July 2018) with a single, means-tested subsidy. The CCS is paid directly to providers which in turn, lowers the out of pocket expense for families.
The amount of CCS families may receive is based on the combined family income, the fortnightly family activity level and fees charged by the childcare service.
Some examples of activities include but are not limited to: paid work (including leave), approved study or training, actively seeking work, volunteering and self-employment.
Activities combined with income determine how many hours per fortnight of subsidised care families may access, (up to a maximum of 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight).
To ensure a smooth transition into childcare for families and the service, please note the following information;
To claim CCS, you must register with Centrelink and open a MyGov account if you do not already have one.
When you register for CCS, Centrelink will determine your CCS percentage.
You will be asked to provide some information when registering for CCS as follows;
- Combined family income
- Activity level of parents e.g. how many hours you work, train or study per fortnight
- Type of child care service – e.g. Centre Based Care
For further information regarding CCS visit:www.education.gov.au/ChildCarePackage
First Time at Care
Good beginnings are so important!
For many children, entry into child care is the first experience of being separated from their parent / guardian. Many children will feel anxious at leaving their parent / guardian for the first time, so it’s important to work together to build the special relationship necessary for a successful transition. Even if your child has been at another centre or care situation, time will be needed to adjust to the new educators, routines and environment.
We encourage you to help your child and relieve your own feelings of anxiety by trying some or all of the following depending on your needs;
- Attend the centre with your child for 1-2 hours before leaving him/her; we encourage a number of visits before starting your booking.
- Talk to our educators and get to know them so you feel confident that they know you and your child.
- Talk in positive terms about the centre with your child and show confident manner towards your child’s attendance. Always say ‘goodbye’ never just leave or sneak away.
- Realise that children often find separation difficult as do many parents. Once you have gone, children often settle well. Pack your child’s special security items. Talk to the educators should you feel your child is not settled.
- Bring extended members of the family (grandparents etc) to visit the centre and see where your child is cared for – positive support from your family is often helpful for you and your child.
- Phone the centre and talk to the educators to see how you child has settled.
Our orientation process is tailored to meet both you and your child’s needs.
Sensory Play
Sensory Play is an important part of each day at Devonport Childcare Centres. Given the opportunity to explore through their senses, children develop key strategies to problem solve.
The benefits of Sensory Play include:
Certain types of sensory play can be calming and assist a child in self-regulation. It can be especially effective to help calm an anxious child.
Have any questions? Get in touch – 03 6424 6747