The new Child Care Subsidy brings with it a whole new set of data items and acronyms that early learning service providers will need to be aware of when engaging in the new Child Care Subsidy System (CCSS).
To assist early learning services as well as their families, in familiarising themselves with the new data items in the Child Care Subsidy System (CCSS), the Department of Education and Training has produced an online fact sheet - Child Care Subsidy (CCS) - data items for use in the new Child Care Subsidy System (CCSS).
What is the process for new early learning service providers to become a Child Care Subsidy approved provider?
New providers seeking Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approval must meet eligibility requirements and lodge an online application using the secure Provider Entry Point (the PEP).
The steps you need to follow and the online application form are available on the relevant Department of Education webpage here.
Please note that to access the online application form in the PEP individuals must first have registered for a PRODA (Provider Digital Access) account.
The PRODA registration process will require individuals to provide documentary evidence of their identity.
The Department of Education and Training (DET) has produced some brochures for families with information about the new Child Care Subsidy including what's changing and how to transition, in the following languages:
You can use the direct links above or access the full suite of translated materials on the DET website here.
As the very first step towards transitioning to the new Child Care Subsidy, all early learning service providers should have now received an email from the Department of Education and Training (DET), titled "Important information about your Child Care Subsidy transition", which explains everything you need to do to receive your new CCS approval numbers so that you and your services can be transitioned to the CCS. This email was sent out in mid May. However this information is also covered on the DET website here.
Service providers should have also received a "Transition Pack" which was sent to the service provider's mailing address. DET mailed them as "Signature on delivery" - if the addressee was not available at the time of delivery, Australia Post will have left a card asking for the pack to be collected and signed for at the local post office.