Early Learning Victoria is dedicated to upholding strong governance, management and procedural standards in the administration of Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS).
1. Scope
This policy applies to the approved provider, nominated supervisor, staff, and management of Early Learning Victoria centres.
2. Policy statement
Early Learning Victoria has a responsibility to ensure that all funds received from the Commonwealth of Australia for the purposes of CCS are used properly and accounted for. Early Learning Victoria actively commits to preventing fraudulent misappropriation of CCS and ACCS funds (see the Child Care Subsidy fraud prevention and auditing policy).
Compliance and eligibility
Early Learning Victoria will maintain compliance with both provider and service eligibility rules. Early Learning Victoria will ensure that all persons involved in the administration of CCS and ACCS are fit and proper and understand their obligations under Family Assistance Law.
Management and systems
Early Learning Victoria will fully integrate CCS into the organisation’s governance arrangements and will use CCS-compatible software (Kidsoft) to accurately interface with the CCS system. Staff members responsible for handling CCS matters will be appropriately trained to ensure the correct use of Early Learning Victoria’s software systems and accurate reporting of attendances.
Regulatory and reporting compliance
Early Learning Victoria will ensure that all fees, charging practices, and contracts are fully compliant with Family Assistance Law. Early Learning Victoria will meet all reporting obligations to families and the Commonwealth of Australia as required by Family Assistance Law. This will be supported through regular internal audit processes to maintain the integrity of information submitted to the CCS system.
Transparency and collaboration
Early Learning Victoria welcomes and maintains an open and transparent relationship with Services Australia and the Australian Government Department of Education to ensure the effective resolution of any issues arising in relation to CCS and ACCS operations.
Early Learning Victoria governance structure
Early Learning Victoria is a Victorian Government organisation. The Victorian Department of Education (the department) is the approved provider of all Early Learning Victoria centres, acting through Early Learning Victoria.
The department is also the employer of all Early Learning Victoria centre staff. Early Learning Victoria is an organisation within the department, led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and responsible for the establishment and operation of Early Learning Victoria centres. Each Early Learning Victoria centre is led by a centre director or nominated supervisor who reports to the Director, Early Learning, Early Learning Victoria.
Organisational structure
- Secretary, Department of Education
- Deputy Secretary, Early Childhood Education, Department of Education
- Chief Executive Officer, Early Learning Victoria
- Director, Quality and Compliance, Early Learning Victoria
- Directory, Planning and Strategy, Early Learning Victoria
- Director, Early Learning, Early Learning Victoria
- Area Manager, Early Learning Victoria
- Centre Director/Nominated Supervisor, Early Learning Victoria.
2.1 Requirements
Provider eligibility
Early Learning Victoria must always comply with the provider eligibility rules outlined in the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 and related laws.
Early Learning Victoria must:
- have the necessary state approvals or licenses for each centre it operates
- ensure that all people with management and control at Early Learning Victoria are fit and proper persons to manage CCS and ACCS
- maintain records of current checks as per the Child Care Subsidy Ministers Rules 2017.
Service eligibility
Early Learning Victoria must consistently meet service eligibility rules within the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999.
Early Learning Victoria must:
- operate each eligible service primarily as a centre-based day care service
- hold necessary state approvals or licenses for each service
- ensure that all individuals responsible for day-to-day service operations are suitable for managing CCS and ACCS.
3. Actions and procedures
3.1 Responsibilities of staff
4. Resources
Legislation and standards
Relevant legislation and standards include:
- A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999
- A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999
- Child Care Subsidy Minister’s Rules 2017
- Child Care Subsidy Secretary’s Rules 2017
- Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
- Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
- Family Law Act 1975
Related policies
- Child Care Subsidy data integrity policy
- Child Care Subsidy notifications and records policy
- Child Care Subsidy personnel policy
- Child Care Subsidy fraud prevention and auditing policy
- Staff code of conduct policy
- Handling complaints and feedback policy
- Payment and collection of fees policy
Links
- Child Care Provider Handbook (outlines Early Learning Victoria’s responsibilities as a CCS approved provider).
Definitions
Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS): Extra financial support for families facing specific hardships or challenges, supplementing the standard CCS to cover up to 100% of child care fees.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS): A Commonwealth payment made to approved providers, who pass it on to families as a fee reduction. Families must make a co-contribution by paying the gap fee. Providers must report fee information to the government.
Updated