Centre Fee Policy
The Centre will endeavour to;
- maintain an equitable fee for all service users.
- to keep fee increases to a minimum.
- allow the Centre to remain viable.
CHILD CARE BENEFIT:
- Child Care Benefit (CCB) is available to all Parents/Guardians who meet the eligibility requirements. Parents/Guardians may wish to receive this as a deduction from fees or as a lump sum payment at the end of each financial year. Application may be made through the Family Assistance Office (FAO).
- Absences: Under the Child Care Management System (CCMS) CCB is strictly monitored. A child is allowed to have 42 absences in a financial year for any reason, but a fee must be charged to gain CCB. Once 42 absences have been reached documented proof is required for any additional absences, for continued CCB entitlement as assessed by FAO. A fee is still required to be charged to claim CCB.
- It is vital that as a service provider the Centre can predict an income to ensure that the Centre’s ongoing viability. Session fees will be charged during a child’s absence. This includes absences for sickness and cancellation of booked care for all services provided by the Centre. For operational efficiency it is appreciated if users of the Centre notify absences as soon as practical or by 8.30 on the day of care at the latest. During school holiday’s there will be no fee charged to families that use Before School Care and After School Care as this service is not offered. Vacation care fees apply to those families that utilise this service.
- Families are required to give ten working days notice of intended holidays. If ten working days notice is provided 50% of session fees will apply. This 50% session fee will also apply for compassionate circumstances.
- Session fees for a permanent child care session at the Centre per child will not apply for any period where the Centre is closed for business, ie Public Holidays or Christmas closure. The Centre will open on Launceston Cup Day and Easter Tuesday.
- On application for a new enrolment at the Centre a fee of $30.00 will apply per new family.
- Parents/Guardians will be given a print out of all absence days used at the end of each month and/or view statement online at FAO.
- Positions will not be held open for individual children unless they are used and paid for consistently.
- Fees are payable by Parents/Guardians as agreed on the enrolment forms. All accounts must be paid at least fortnightly and a nil balance achieved. Accounts will not be sent to parents unless requested or at the discretion of the Director.
- Children may be excluded from the Centre if fees are not forthcoming.
- Parents/Guardians are requested to give at least two weeks notice of permanent cancellation of their child from the Centre otherwise fees may be charged.
- Fees may be changed at any time at the discretion of the Management Committee. Parents/Guardians will be given at least one months notice of fee increases.
- Enquiries regarding fee structure should be directed to the Management Committee or Director.
- Statements are produced monthly in arrears and can be collected from the office or via email.
- The Director has the discretionary authority regarding changes to regular booked sessions of care as requested by parents/guardians, provided the changes to the booked sessions do not decrease the expected income to the Centre.
1st July 2010 Ref. CCMS Child Care Service Handbook