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.

What are the provider eligibility requirements for Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Sections 194C and 194D of the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Jobs for Families Child Care Package) Act 2017 set out the eligibility requirements for child care providers and services seeking approval for the purposes of administering the Child Care Subsidy. Sections 194C and 194D of the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Jobs for Families Child Care Package) Act 2017 set out the eligibility requirements for child care providers and services seeking approval for the purposes of administering the Child Care Subsidy.

You can read a full transcript of the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Jobs for Families Child Care Package) Act 2017 on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

A summary of the requirements are:

• The provider holds all the approvals or licences required to operate a child care service in the state or territory in which the service is located.
• The provider, its personnel with management or control and those with responsibility for day-to-day operation of a service must meet, fit and proper person requirements. All educators of a Family Day Care service, must also meet fit and proper person requirements.
• Large centre-based day care providers (ie 25 or more approved services) are financially viable and likely to remain so.
• When deciding whether approval to administer CCS should be granted, the Secretary considers things such as the provider's record of compliance and financial administration. The Secretary also takes into account the suitability of people involved in the operation of the service/s.

A child care service cannot be approved for Child Care Subsidy if it is:

• providing informal care through personal arrangements;
• primarily conducting instruction in an activity (such as sport or music);
• primarily providing a disability or early intervention service;
• a service where a parent primarily provides care or is readily available and retains responsibility for the child while the service is provided (such as a play group);
• a service primarily providing short–term irregular care at premises where the parent is a visitor or guest and the parent is readily available (such as a service provided by a gym);
• a service that primarily provides an early educational program to children in the year that is 2 years before grade 1 of school (such as a preschool or kindergarten).

How do I apply for Child Care Subsidy Approval?

• Entity documents – based on your organisation entity status.
• Service documents – including details of governance arrangements, trustees and external management.
• Personnel documents – required to allow the department to be satisfied that specified personnel met the fit and proper person requirements.