The government is urging parents to submit applications for early childcare fee relief, an initiative designed to alleviate cost of living pressures for approximately 200,000 families.
This announcement coincides with recent findings that detail the government’s $40 million investment plan to expand childcare center capacity nationwide.
A case study involves Geoffrey-Ross Perez and Taylor, who enrolled their daughter Autumn at Goodstart Early Learning Elara in the previous year. As full-time educators, they have reported significant financial benefits from the government’s fee assistance program.
According to Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, “This initiative enhances pre-school affordability by providing fee relief in addition to the existing childcare subsidy.”
The program offers substantial financial benefits:
- Families with children aged 3-5 years attending eligible community and mobile pre-schools can receive up to $4,347 annually, equivalent to two complimentary days of childcare per week
- Long daycare fees will be reduced by $2,174 annually for four-year-olds and $515 for three-year-olds
Kim Bertino, CEO of children’s charity Big Fat Smile, emphasizes the program’s significance: “This funding access is crucial for families experiencing financial difficulties.”
The initiative extends beyond parental benefits. The government is expanding a trial program that provides eligible childcare providers with $500 per enrolled three-year-old child, allocated for educator salaries, resources, and program development.
You can apply here
Minister Car states that this financial extension will facilitate increased staffing levels, consequently expanding available childcare positions.
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