We are receiving quite a few queries from early learning service providers on behalf of their families, in relation to the 36 hours of subsidised care for children attending a preschool program at a centre based day care service.

Under the new Child Care Subsidy, as stated in the Minister's Rules, families that pass the income test are entitled to "36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight if the child attends a kindergarten or preschool program at a centre-based day care in the year that is two years before grade one of school".  

In order to claim this entitlement, two actions need to take place: 

1/ families need to make sure that the details about their child's attendance at a preschool program are correctly updated in MyGov.

2/ early learning services need to make sure they have correctly indicated that the child is attending a preschool program in the enrolment processSome early learning service providers have expressed concern that their families are being misinformed about this entitlement when they speak to Centrelink staff over the phone.

If families that pass the income test are told that they are not entitled to 36 hours of subsidised care for their child in a preschool program in a centre-based care service, we would advise them to take down the name and employee number of the Centrelink person taking the call, and report back to their early learning centre so they can pass this detail on to their ACA state body.

We are continuing to engage with the Department of Education and Training about this matter, and will provide updates as the information becomes available.