CCS is a government program that helps Australian families manage child care costs. It considers your combined family income, activity level (work, study, etc.), and the type of child care service you use.
Are You Eligible?
Click the link to see if you qualify: Who can get Child Care Subsidy
How to Apply
Apply for CCS through Centrelink on MyGov. Follow the guide here: How to claim Child Care Subsidy
Helpful Resources & Links
ACECQA supports the National Quality Framework, setting high standards for ECEC ensuring quality outcomes for children.
Approved Learning Frameworks
Services Australia administers Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which helps families offset the cost of child care, supporting workforce participation and quality early childhood education.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
The Department of Health is an excellent source of information for children's health, parenting and pregnancy.
Children's Health, Parenting & PregnancyThe Department oversees and supports the care, learning and development of young children in ECEC ensuring strong foundations for future success.
Early Years Brain Development
Staying Healthy provides guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and promote hygiene and health in ECEC centres.
Staying Healthy (PDF)Making CCS work for you at Bay Explorers
Once you've enrolled your child, we'll assist with the CCS paperwork and ensure your details are entered correctly.
We'll also keep you informed about any updates you may need to make.
Understanding Your Assessment
Activity Test: The number of subsidised hours depends on your recognised activity (work, study, etc.).
Income Assessment: Your subsidy percentage is based on your combined family income. Higher income means a lower percentage.
Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS): This may be available if you meet specific criteria (e.g., financial hardship).
Key Points to Remember
Confirm Enrolment: Log in to Centrelink to confirm your child's enrolment at Bay Explorers. The start date may differ due to system processing times.
Absences: Each child has 42 allowable absences per year. Additional absences may be allowed under specific circumstances (refer to the link below).
Immunisations: Your child's immunisation records are vital. You have 63 days to update missed appointments to avoid a pause in your CCS payments. Bay Explorers follows the Australian Government's "No Jab, No Play" policy.
Changes: Inform Bay Explorers if your family income or activity level changes, as this may affect your CCS.
CCS Balancing: This occurs annually in June. Refer to the Services Australia website for details.
We Make CCS Easy
Our software (KangarooTime) interacts with Services Australia's CCS system to ensure a smooth experience. We handle:
Enrolment paperwork and details
Regular updates and reminders
Automatic deduction of CCS from your fees
(you only pay the gap fee)
Paying Gap Fees
We offer convenient payment options for gap fees:
- Direct Debit via Fat Zebra (bank account or credit card)
- Centrepay (voluntary bill payment service through Centrelink)
Let’s Talk!
We're happy to answer any questions you may have about CCS or enrolling your child at Bay Explorers. Contact us today!
Additional Resources
Go straight to the source for CCS guidance
Services Australia can help you in tough times
Understanding Allowable Absences
Powered by CCS API © Child Care Subsidy Calculator
