Fees & Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

The Child Care Subsidy is a government payment that reduces the cost of approved childcare services.
Families can receive up to 85% off daily fees depending on income, activity hours, and other eligibility factors.

Your CCS percentage is calculated by Services Australia based on:
• Your combined family income
• Your recognised activity hours (work, study, etc.)
• Your child’s age
• The hourly rate cap
You can check your exact rate through your myGov → Centrelink account or by using the Services Australia CCS Estimator.

Most families are eligible. You may qualify if:
• You care for your child at least 2 nights per fortnight
• You use an approved childcare service (like ours)
• You meet residency requirements
• You and/or your partner engage in recognised activity (work, study, volunteering, etc.)

Join Waitlist

You can apply online via myGov → Centrelink → “Apply for Child Care Subsidy”.
You’ll need to:
1. Submit your CCS claim
2. Provide your child’s CRN
3. Confirm your enrolment once we submit it on our end
We’re always happy to help families step-by-step.

CCS begins once:
• Your claim is approved
• Your child’s enrolment is confirmed
• They have attended their first day
Backdating is limited, so it’s best to apply early.

At Early Foundation Childcare, fees are all-inclusive, covering:
• All meals: morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea
• Nappies & wipes (for younger children)
• Sunscreen
• Learning resources and program materials
• Outdoor and enrichment experiences
• Parent communication app access

Yes — both our funded 3-Year-Old Kindergarten and 4-Year-Old Kindergarten programs run within our long day care service, meaning families receive:
• Kinder + CCS
• Extended care hours
• All meals and inclusions
• A consistent care routine for the whole week
This gives families a more flexible and affordable kinder experience.

We operate Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 6:30pm, providing maximum CCS benefit and flexible drop-offs.

Your CCS percentage may adjust.
You can update your activity details anytime through myGov → Centrelink.

Yes — public holidays are charged because a booking place is held exclusively for your child.
However, families often receive CCS for that day depending on your hours and eligibility.

Centrelink may withhold up to 5% of your subsidy to avoid overpayments.
This amount is reconciled at tax time — any credit is refunded to you.

Absolutely — our team can support you during enrolment to ensure your CCS is approved correctly and you receive the maximum entitlement.

CCS covers up to 42 allowable absences per financial year without evidence.
Standard daily fees still apply for absences, including sick days.

The Gap Fee is the portion of your daily fee you pay after the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is applied.

The Government pays your CCS amount directly to us, and you pay the remaining balance.

Example:

• Daily fee: $155

• CCS: 85%

• Gap Fee: $23.25 per day

Your exact Gap Fee depends on your income, CCS percentage, approved activity hours, and days of attendance.