There are a number of changes affecting the operation of child care services and obligations for continued approval of Child Care Benefit that will soon come into affect as a result of the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Child Care) Act 2010 passage through Parliament.

Statements for Families

Services are currently required to provide statements on a four-weekly cycle.  From Tuesday 11 May 2010, services can choose the frequency of statements, provided they are issued at least every 3 months.  All children in the care of a service may now also be on the same statement cycle.

Notice of Cessation of Operations

From Tuesday 11 May 2010, services must give at least 42 days notice that they are closing, selling or transferring ownership.  If a service is forced to close due to circumstances beyond their control, they must notify the Department immediately.

Business Continuity Payments

Business Continuity Payments are available, in very limited circumstances, where services cannot report through the Child Care Management System for reasons beyond the service’s control, such as natural emergency. These payments are designed to be a short term arrangement and will be recovered from a service when normal reporting resumes.

Discretionary Suspension for 10 Infringement Notices

This change came into effect on Wednesday 14 April 2010.

Services will soon receive a letter about these changes. For more information, please see the Changes to Requirement fact sheet, under Child Care Fact Sheets. Should you require further advice, please call the CCMS Helpdesk on 1300 667 276.