BANNOCKBURN CHILDREN’S SERVICE FEE POLICY Adopted by Approved Provider of Golden Plains Shire Council Children’s Services 04 September 2018 Date revised 04 September 2018 Next revision due 01 July 2019 1. PURPOSE This policy will provide clear guidelines for: • the setting, payment and collection of Kindergarten and Long Day Care fees associated with Bannockburn Children’s Service, • ensuring the viability of Bannockburn Children’s Service by setting appropriate fees and charges • the equitable and non-discriminatory application of fees across the programs provided by Bannockburn Children’s Service. 2. SCOPE Values Golden Plains Shire Council is committed to: • providing responsible financial management of the service, including establishing fees that will result in a financially viable service, while keeping user fees at the lowest possible level • providing a fair and manageable system for dealing with non-payment and/or inability to pay fees/outstanding debts • ensuring financial barriers for families wishing to access an early childhood Kindergarten program for their child/children in the year before school are considered • maintaining confidentiality in relation to the financial circumstances of parents/guardians • advising users of the service about program funding, including government support and fees to be paid by parents/guardians • providing equitable access for families eligible for the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy Scope This policy applies to the Approved Provider, Person with Management and Control, Nominated Supervisor, Person in Day-to-Day Charge, educators and parents/guardians with an enrolled child, or who wish to enrol a child at Bannockburn Children’s Services. Background The Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET Vic) provides funding for each child who is enrolled and attending a funded kindergarten program in the year before school. Income from other sources,
Transcript
BANNOCKBURN CHILDREN’S SERVICE FEE POLICY
Adopted by Approved Provider of Golden Plains Shire Council Children’s Services 04 September 2018
Date revised 04 September 2018
Next revision due 01 July 2019
1. PURPOSE
This policy will provide clear guidelines for:
• the setting, payment and collection of Kindergarten and Long Day Care fees associated with Bannockburn Children’s Service,
• ensuring the viability of Bannockburn Children’s Service by setting appropriate fees and charges • the equitable and non-discriminatory application of fees across the programs provided by Bannockburn
Children’s Service.
2. SCOPE
Values
Golden Plains Shire Council is committed to:
• providing responsible financial management of the service, including establishing fees that will result in a financially viable service, while keeping user fees at the lowest possible level
• providing a fair and manageable system for dealing with non-payment and/or inability to pay fees/outstanding debts
• ensuring financial barriers for families wishing to access an early childhood Kindergarten program for their child/children in the year before school are considered
• maintaining confidentiality in relation to the financial circumstances of parents/guardians • advising users of the service about program funding, including government support and fees to be paid by
parents/guardians • providing equitable access for families eligible for the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy
Scope
This policy applies to the Approved Provider, Person with Management and Control, Nominated Supervisor, Person in Day-to-Day Charge, educators and parents/guardians with an enrolled child, or who wish to enrol a child at Bannockburn Children’s Services.
Background
The Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET Vic) provides funding for each child who is enrolled and attending a funded kindergarten program in the year before school. Income from other sources,
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primarily fees, is required to meet the additional costs incurred by the service in the delivery of the children’s program. In addition, the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy (refer to Definitions) enables eligible children to attend a funded kindergarten program free of charge in the year before school.
DET Vic also funds Early Start Kindergarten for three-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children known to Child Protection, to access kindergarten programs as outlined in The Kindergarten Funding Guide (refer to Sources).
DET Vic requires that funded services have a comprehensive written fees policy, and the content of this policy must be communicated to families. The policy must include a written statement about the fees to be charged, as required under Regulation 168(2)(n), and the payment process. All families must be informed of applicable term and annual fees at the time of enrolment. Services must also advise eligible families of the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy arrangements. The fees charged must comply with the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy – Fees Policy (refer to Definitions), and be responsive to the local community and the viability of the service. The Kindergarten Funding Guide (refer to Sources) outlines the criteria to be covered in the policy.
There is no DET or DET Vic funding available for Long Day Care.
3. REFERENCES
Legislation and standards
Relevant legislation and standards include but are not limited to: Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 2006 (Vic) Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic) Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011: Regulation 168(2)(n) Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (Vic) Family Assistance Act (A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999) Family Assistance Administration Act (A New Tax System (Family Assistance)(Administration) Act 1999) Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (jobs for Families Child Care Package) Act 2017 National Quality Standard, including Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership
Sources
The Kindergarten Funding Guide (Department of Education and Training): www.education.vic.gov.au
Service policies
• Complaints and Grievances Policy • Delivery and Collection of Children Policy • Enrolment and Orientation Policy • Excursions and Service Events Policy • Inclusion and Equity Policy • Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
4. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
The terms defined in this section relate specifically to this policy. For commonly used terms e.g. Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Regulatory Authority etc. refer to the General Definitions section of this manual.
Approved care
Approved child care services, such as long day care, family day care, before-and-after school care, vacation care, some occasional care and some in-home care childcare services, which have Australian Government approval to pass on Child Care Subsidy (refer to Definitions) as a reduction in child care fees:
Booking A request for a place in a Children’s Services program, made in writing or via My Family Lounge that has been responded to with an offer from the program and has been confirmed by the parent/guardian.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
A Commonwealth Government payment to help families who use either childcare (refer to Definitions). All eligible families can receive some Child Care Subsidy. Details are available at: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/child-care-subsidy
Department of Education and Training (DET)
The Department of Education and Training is responsible for national policies and programs that help Australians access quality and affordable early child care and childhood education, school education, higher education, vocational education and training, international education and research.
Department of Education and Training (DET Vic)
Leads delivery of Victorian education and development services to children, young people and adults both:
directly through government schools
indirectly through the regulation and funding of early childhood services, non-government schools and training programs.
DET Vic implement Victorian Government policy on early childhood services, school education and training and higher education services.
The Department provides a range of funding with the aim of improving service delivery, identifying vulnerability and promoting participation, particularly among children with a disability and Aboriginal children.
Early Start Kindergarten
A funding program that enables three-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children known to Child Protection to attend a kindergarten program that is planned and delivered by an early childhood teacher for up to 15 hours per week. Details are available at: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/kindergarten/Pages/earlystart.aspx
Excursion/
service event charge
An additional charge required to meet the cost of special events or excursions that occur in response to emerging children’s program needs. Events that are planned ahead and are included as an expenditure item in the service’s budget do not incur this additional charge (refer to Excursions and Service Events Policy).
Fee A charge for a booking within a program at the service.
Fee payment agreement
Is Golden Plains Shire Council Children’s Services complying written arrangement as required by the Family Assistance Administration Act (see sources) that details in writing the arrangement for childcare between a provider and the child’s parents/guardians.
There is a separate Fee payment agreement for sessional Kindergarten.
Health Care Card
A Commonwealth Government entitlement providing concessions for low-income earners and other eligible people. Details are available at: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/health-care-card
Kindergarten registration fee
A one off non-refundable registration fee charged to enrol in Funded Kindergarten (BCS) and Pre-Kindergarten/Funded Kindergarten (other Council Operated Services). The fee does not guarantee confirmation of place and is payable before enrolment will be processed. Eligible health care card holders for four year old Kindergarten and Early Start Kindergarten are exempt from the registration fee.
Kindergarten Fee Subsidy (KFS)
A state government subsidy paid in addition to per capita grants to subsidise the costs of kindergarten fees for eligible children to attend a funded kindergarten for 15 hours free of charge (The Kindergarten Funding Guide (refer to Sources))
A charge that may be imposed by the Approved Provider when parents/guardians are late to collect their child/children from the program (refer to Attachment 1 – Fee information for families).
5. CONSULTATION
In order to assess whether the values and purposes of the policy have been achieved, the Approved Provider will:
• regularly seek feedback from everyone affected by the policy regarding its effectiveness, particularly in relation to affordability, flexibility of payment options and procedures for the collection of fees
• monitor the implementation, compliance, complaints and incidents in relation to this policy • monitor the number of families/children excluded from the service because of their inability to pay fees • keep the policy up to date with current legislation, research, policy and best practice • revise the policy and procedures as part of the service’s policy review cycle, or as required • notify parents/guardians at least 14 days before making any changes to this policy or its procedures
(Regulation 172(2)) unless a lesser period is necessary because of a risk.
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6. PROCEDURE
The Approved Provider and Persons with Management or Control are responsible for:
Reviewing the current budget to determine fee income requirements
Developing a fee policy that balances the parent’s/guardian’s capacity to pay, with providing a high-quality program and maintaining service viability
Implementing and reviewing this policy in consultation with parents/guardians, the Nominated Supervisor and staff, and in line with the requirements of DET Vic’s The Kindergarten Funding Guide (refer to Sources)
Considering any issues regarding fees that may be a barrier to families enrolling at Golden Plains Shire Council Children’s Services and removing those barriers wherever possible
Reviewing the effectiveness of the procedures for late payment and support offered
Considering options for payment when affordability is an issue for families
Clearly communicating this policy and payment options to families in a culturally-sensitive way, and in the family’s first language where possible
Ensuring that the Fee Policy is readily accessible at the service (Regulation 171)
Providing all parents/guardians with fee information (refer to Attachment 1)
Providing all parents/guardians with a statement of fees and charges upon enrolment of their child
Providing all parents/guardians with a Fee Payment Agreement ensuring fees are collected and receipted
Collecting all relevant information and maintaining relevant documentation regarding those with entitlement to concessions, where applicable
Complying with the service’s Privacy and Confidentiality Policy regarding financial and other information received, including in relation to the payment/non-payment of fees
Notifying parents/guardians a minimum of 14 days of any proposed changes to the fees charged or the way in which the fees are collected (Regulation 172(2)), and ideally providing one term’s notice.
The Nominated Supervisor and Person in Day-to-Day Charge responsible for:
Assisting the Approved Provider in developing this policy, and ensuring that this policy is based on The Kindergarten Funding Guide (refer to Definitions)
Implementing and reviewing this policy, in consultation with parents/guardians, the Approved Provider and staff, and in line with the requirements of DET Vic’s The Kindergarten Funding Guide (refer to Sources)
Considering any issues regarding fees that may be a barrier to families enrolling at Bannockburn Children’s Services and removing those barriers wherever possible
Considering options for payment when affordability is an issue for families
Communicating this policy, the availability of the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy and payment options to families in a culturally-sensitive way and in the family’s first language where possible
Providing all parents/guardians with fee information
Providing all parents/guardians with a statement of fees and charges upon enrolment of their child, and ensuring that the Fee Policy is readily accessible at the service
Providing all parents/guardians with a Fee Payment Agreement
Collecting all relevant information and maintaining relevant documents regarding those with entitlement to concessions, where applicable
Complying with the service’s Privacy and Confidentiality Policy regarding financial and other information received, including in relation to the payment/non-payment of fees
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Notifying parents/guardians within 14 days of any proposed changes to the fees charged or the way in which the fees are collected.
All other staff are responsible for:
Informing the Approved Provider of any complaints or concerns that have been raised regarding fees at the service
Referring parents’/guardians’ questions in relation to this policy to the Approved Provider.
Parents/guardians are responsible for:
Reading the Bannockburn Children’s Services Fee information for families (refer to Attachment 1), the Fee Payment Agreement (refer to Attachments 3 and 4) and the Fee Schedule (refer to Attachments 2)
Signing and complying with the Fee Payment Agreement (refer to Attachments 3 and 4)
Notifying the Approved Provider’s delegate at the service as outlined in the fees arrears procedure if experiencing difficulties with the payment of fees
Making a claim for Child Care Subsidy via MyGov, confirming the enrolment and providing the service with the required information (CRN’s and Dates of Birth) to claim CCS on their behalf.
Providing the required documentation to enable the service to claim the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy for eligible families (refer to Attachment 1 – Fee information for families).
Volunteers and students, while at the service, are responsible for following this policy and its procedures.
Attachments
Attachment 1: CHILDREN’S SERVICES FEE INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
Attachment 2: BANNOCKBURN CHILDREN’S SERVICE FEE SCHEDULE 2019
Attachment 3: BANNOCKBURN CHILDREN’S SERVICES FEE PAYMENT AGREEMENT 2019 FOR FOUR (4) YEAR OLD (FUNDED) KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
Attachment 4: BANNOCKBURN CHILDREN’S SERVICE FEE PAYMENT AGREEMENT 2019
7. POLICY AND PROCEDURE RESPONSIBILITIES
As identified in the procedures and attachments responsibilities are set out as follows:
POLICY RESPONSIBILITY Approved provider
ACTION RESPONSIBILITY Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Person in day to day charge, other educators, Parent/Guardians
PROCESS RESPONSIBILITY Approved Provider and Person with Management or Control, Nominated Supervisor, Person in day to day charge
REVIEW RESPONSIBILITY Approved Provider
ADOPTED BY APPROVED PROVIDER 04 SEPTEMBER 2018
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ATTACHMENT 1
8. BANNOCKBURN CHILDREN’S SERVICE FEE INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
General information
Kindergarten programs
The Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET Vic) provides per capita grants for each eligible child enrolled and attending kindergarten in the year before school as a contribution toward the costs of providing the program. Services meet the balance of costs through charging fees and fundraising activities.
DET Vic provides a Kindergarten Fee Subsidy (see below) that enables children from eligible families to attend a kindergarten program free of charge or for a minimal fee in the year before school.
DET Vic also provides funding to assist eligible three-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children known to Child Protection, to access kindergarten programs.
Kindergarten fees are approved in the July Budget annually.
Long Day Care programs
As an approved service under the Family Assistance Law may be eligible to access support for their fees through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
The Kindergarten Fee Subsidy is provided by DET Vic and enables eligible children to attend 15 hours of kindergarten free of charge or at a reduced charge. Eligibility conditions may change from time-to-time and must be checked in the most recent edition of the Kindergarten Funding Guide (refer to Sources).
Families/carers of children accessing four year old sessional kindergarten (15 hours per week during the term), may be eligible for the kindergarten fee subsidy to assist with kindergarten fees.
Eligibility for Kindergarten Fee Subsidy:
• the child is identified by a parent, carer or legal guardian as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (note: the parent, carer or legal guardian will not be asked to provide verification of this)
• the child is identified on their birth certificate as being a multiple birth child (triplets or more) • the child individually holds, or has a parent or guardian who holds one of the following:
a Commonwealth Health Care Card a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card or White Card Refugee visa (subclass 200) In-country Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 201) Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202) Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (subclass 786) Protection visa (subclass 866) Emergency Rescue visa (subclass 203) Woman at risk visa (subclass 204) Bridging visas A-E.
Exclusions and exceptions: Not available for long day care services in receipt of Commonwealth Child Care Subsidy.
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Where a child is identified by a parent, carer or legal guardian as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, no verification is required.
In all other instances, supporting documentation should be sighted by the service on acceptance of a place or on commencement in the program, however where there are delays, such as in obtaining health care cards for children in out-of-home care, the delay should not provide a barrier to the child accessing the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy. Families are eligible for the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy for the full term in which their concession is valid. Contact the service for further information.
Early Start Kindergarten fee subsidy
Three-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children known to Child Protection are eligible to attend a funded early childhood program that is planned and delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher at no charge to the family. The service receives funding for children who meet the eligibility criteria. Contact the service for further information.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government benefit that can assist eligible families with the cost of child care at an approved service. It is the parent/guardians responsibility to register for CCS through their myGov account.
Some basic requirements must be satisfied for an individual to be eligible to receive Child Care Subsidy for a child. These include:
the age of the child (must be 13 or under and not attending secondary school)
the child meeting immunisation requirements
the individual, or their partner, meets the residency requirements.
In addition, to be eligible for Child Care Subsidy the individual must be liable to pay for care provided, the care must be delivered in Australia by an approved child care provider, and not be part of a compulsory education program.
The amount payable is set by the Australian Government. Further details are available at: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/child-care-subsidy
How fees are set
As part of the budget development process, Golden Plains Shire Council Management and Councillors set fees each year for the programs of the services, taking into consideration:
the financial viability of the service
the level of government funding provided for the program, including the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy
the availability of other income sources, such as grants
the fees charged by similar services in the area
the capacity of parents/guardians to pay fees
reasonable expenditure in meeting agreed program quality and standards
requirements of The Kindergarten Funding Guide (Department of Education and Training) available from the DET Vic website: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/funding/Pages/kinderfundingcriteria.aspx
Once fees are set for the year, they will only be reviewed in extraordinary circumstances, for example, if enrolments drop and the service is at risk of not being able to meet its expenses.
Fee schedule
Bannockburn Children’s Service (Long Day Care and Kindergarten)
Please refer to the Bannockburn Children’s Service Fee Schedule (Attachment 2).
Long Day Care: Fees are to be paid two weeks in advance. A child’s booking will be confirmed when the first two weeks have been paid.
Long day care fees are not charged in the following instances
Where GPSC makes a decision to close down operations for the period falling between Christmas and New Year, the service shall give families notice of the annual close down at least three (3) months before the first day of the close down period.
The service may close for two professional development days each year. Notice will be provided of closures.
Gazetted public holidays including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Queen’s Birthday, and Labour Day.
Kindergarten: Bannockburn Children’s Service offers integrated kindergarten within the Long Day Care program providing families with the flexibility of long day care hours of operation and access to the Child Care Subsidy for eligible families.
Sessional kindergarten (15 hours per week) is also available with a term fee agreement for 40 weeks of the year. The first term’s fees must be received in full prior to the child commencing at the service. For children enrolled after the commencement of a term, a pro rata invoice will be issued and must be paid in full within 14 days of the child’s commencement at the service. Receipts will be provided for all fee payments. Fees must be paid each term in advance or by instalments via direct debit as outlined in the fee schedule (see Fee Schedule).
Other charges
Other charges levied by Golden Plains Shire Council Children’s Service are included on the Fee Schedule. These include:
Kindergarten registration fee: A charge payable to register your child on a waiting list for a place in a Golden Plains Shire kindergarten program.
Excursion/service event charge: At times throughout the year an additional excursion(s) or event(s) may be arranged where it is considered relevant to the service’s program and the children’s interests. At this time any additional costs to families are taken into consideration before a decision is made (refer to Excursions and Service Events Policy).
Late collection charge: Golden Plains Shire Council reserves the right to implement a late collection charge when parents/guardians arrive to collect a child from the service after the agreed kindergarten session conclusion or service closure time. A fee of $15 per 15 minutes or part thereof will be charged.
Two weeks’ notice of withdrawal charge: A booked place at the Bannockburn Children’s Service is considered ongoing until a parent/guardian provides two weeks’ written notice of withdrawal from care. Where two weeks’ notice is not provided, BCS reserves the right to charge an amount equal to two weeks of the child’s booking. Parents/guardians should be aware that CCS cannot be claimed if the child is absent on the first or last day of enrolment.
Payment of fees
Golden Plains Shire Council will regularly review payment options and procedures to ensure that they are inclusive and sensitive to families’ cultural and financial situations.
Fees must be paid two weeks in advance of care at all times. Payment terms will be weekly unless other terms are requested in writing. A statement will be emailed to the primary account holder each week. If you require a hard copy statement to be mailed please advise the administration team. Full fees will be payable until parents/guardians claim Child Care Subsidy and accept the booking arrangement through their myGov account.
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Methods of payment
The preferred payment method for fees is direct debit via a service provider (currently Debitsuccess). BPay biller code and reference numbers are supplied on each statement. Card facilities are also available to make in person payments at the Bannockburn Family Services Centre.
Cash and cheque: Cash and cheque payments may be made at the Golden Plains Shire Council Customer Service Centre.
Fee arrears
Golden Plains Shire Council considers a range of support options for parents/guardians experiencing difficulty with payment of fees. Families are encourage to be pro-active and contact the Approved Provider’s delegate at the service if experiencing difficulties with the payment of fees. Families experiencing financial hardship may also request access to family support services. Information about these services is available from the Bannockburn Family Services Centre.
If fees are not paid and the account falls into arrears, the following steps will be taken.
Telephone contact will be made, or attempted, to families reminding them of the outstanding fees, within five business days.
A reminder letter will be emailed to the family detailing the amount overdue, within five business days.
Where payment is still not received within five business days, families will be invited to attend a meeting to discuss the range of support options available and establish a payment plan.
Failure to attend the meeting and continued non-payment will result in a second and final letter notifying parents/guardians that the child’s place at the service will be withdrawn unless payment is made or a payment plan is entered into within a specified period of time.
Golden Plains Shire Council Children’s Services will continue to offer support and will reserve the right to employ the services of a debt collector.
If a decision is made to withdraw the child’s place at the service, the parents/guardians will be notified via email, text, letter and phone. Further enrolments of children from the parents/guardians may not be accepted until all outstanding fees have been paid.
Any dishonour fees applied by banks or service providers are the responsibility of the parent/guardian and not Golden Plains Shire Council.
Refund of fees
If a family becomes eligible for the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy during a term, a full refund of the applicable term fees will be provided. Fees may still apply for programs offering more than the required minimum hours per week.
In any other case, fees are non-refundable (exceptional circumstances may apply – these are at the discretion of Golden Plains Shire Council). There will be no refund of fees in the following circumstances:
a child’s short-term illness
family holiday during operational times
closure of the service for one or more days when a qualified educator is absent and a qualified reliever is not available (Sessional Kindergarten only)
closure of the service for staff training days (Sessional Kindergarten only)
closure of the service due to extreme and unavoidable circumstances
In addition, there will be no refund where a family chooses not to send their child to the program for the maximum number of hours for which they are enrolled.
Fundraising
Not all service costs are covered by DET Vic per capita funding and the fees charged. Fundraising is undertaken by the volunteer parent committees to meet the balance and/or pay for additional items for the
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services. While participation in fundraising is voluntary, the support of every family is encouraged. Fundraising activities are also an opportunity for families and communities to come together.
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ATTACHMENT 2
9. BANNOCKBURN CHILDREN’S SERVICE FEE SCHEDULE 2019
Four-year-old sessional (funded) kindergarten
Hours: 15 hours per week
Standard charges Fees ($) Other charges Fees ($)
Registration from 04/09/2018 $30.00 Excursions or events TBD
Per Term $400.00
Total Per Year $1,630.00
Long Day Care (including integrated kindergarten)
Hours of operation: 7:00am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday Session: 11 hours per day
Standard charges Fees ($)
Session (one full day) $123.00
Week (5 full days) $565.00
Payment of fees
Statements will be issued to the primary account holders’ registered email address each week and must be paid by the due date. Parents/carers experiencing difficulty in paying fees are requested to contact Bannockburn Children’s Service to arrange a suitable alternative plan. The Privacy and Confidentiality Policy of the service will be complied with at all times in relation to a family’s financial and personal circumstances.
Kindergarten registration fee
Parents/guardians are required to pay to register their child on the waiting list for a place in a Golden Plains Shire kindergarten program.
Kindergarten Fee Subsidy
Families who are eligible for the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy (refer to Fee information for families) will not be required to make fee payments.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
For information on the Child Care Subsidy, refer to Fee information for families. More information about the New Child Care Package can be found at: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/child-care-subsidy
Late collection charge
Golden Plains Shire Council Children’s Services reserves the right to implement a late collection charge when parents/guardians arrive to collect a child from the service after the agreed kindergarten session conclusion or service closure time. A fee of $15 per 15 minutes or part thereof will be charged.
Excursion/service event charge
At times throughout the year an additional excursion(s) or event(s) may be arranged where it is considered relevant to the service’s program and the children’s interests. At this time any additional costs to families are taken into consideration before a decision is made (refer to Excursions and Service Events Policy).
10. CHILDREN’S SERVICES FEE PAYMENT AGREEMENT 2019 FOR FOUR (4) YEAR OLD SESSIONAL (FUNDED) KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
Please complete this form and return to Bannockburn Family Services Centre by [Date]
Child’s full name:
Parent’s/guardian’s full name:
Our Method of Payment will be: ☐ Direct Debit ☐ EFTPOS ☐ BPAY ☐ Cash ☐ Cheque
I/we acknowledge that the four-year-old sessional kindergarten program is partly funded by the state government, with the balance of funds coming from fees paid by parents/guardians.
I/we understand that I/we am/are entitled to obtain the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy if I/we meet one of the criteria. If my/our eligibility lapses, then I/we understand that full payment of fees is required from the beginning of the following term.
I/we agree to pay fees as outlined in the Fee schedule provided by the due date on the statement.
I/we understand that term fees are non-refundable.
I/we acknowledge that if fees are not paid by the due date, the Golden Plains Shire Council will implement the fee arrears procedures, as outlined in the Fee Information for Families (section 8.8), which could result in the withdrawal of my/our child’s place at the service and no further enrolments until the outstanding fees are paid.
I/we agree that if my/our financial circumstances change and I/we am/are unable to pay as agreed, I/we will immediately notify the Approved Provider’s delegate at the service to discuss alternative payment options.
I/we acknowledge that I/we have received and read the service’s Fee information for families, which outlines the procedure for payment of fees.
Kindergarten Fee Subsidy
Please advise if the child is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Please tick: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Please indicate below which concession type you are eligible for. The criteria is outlined in the Fee information for families (section 8.2)
Concession type only (do not record any further information here):__________________________________
Except in the case of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child, supporting documentation will need to be sighted on commencement at the service by the Primary Nominee.
Note: the eligibility of concessions may vary from time-to-time. Up-to-date information can be found in The Kindergarten Funding Guide (Department of Education and Training): www.education.vic.gov.au
/ /
Signature (parent/guardian) Date
Note: Statements, receipts and collection of fees will be in accordance with the Golden Plains Shire Council Children’s Services Fees Policy.
I accept that confidentiality is an essential part of the program. I accept that information is covered by Council’s Information Privacy Principles as set out in the Information and Data Privacy Act, 2014.
Golden Plains Shire Privacy Statement
The Golden Plains Shire considers that the responsible handling of personal information is a key aspect of democratic governance, and is strongly committed to protecting an individual’s right to privacy. Council will comply with the Information Privacy Principles as set out in the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. Council has in place a standard operating procedure that sets out the requirements for the management and handling of personal information.
If you have any queries regarding this Privacy Statement, please contact the Privacy Officer on 03 5220 7111.
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ATTACHMENT 4
11. BANNOCKBURN CHILDREN’S SERVICE FEE PAYMENT AGREEMENT 2019
As part of your enrolment at our service we require you to confirm acceptance of the following items in order to be able to receive Government funding on your behalf. Acceptance of these items, together with information from your enrolment form will be used as your Complying Written Arrangement for Child Care Subsidy purposes. Please read these items and confirm by signing below.
This fee agreement is made between the following parties on this day: [date of arrangement]
Parent/Guardian 1 Provider
Name Name Golden Plains Shire Early Years
Address ABN 86998570296
Phone Service Bannockburn Children’s Service
Parent/Guardian 2 Address 2A Pope Street, Bannockburn VIC 3331
Name Phone (03) 5220 7230
Address
Phone
To provide care for: [Child’s First Name and Surname] born, [DOB] (Child)
As arranged for a Routine Booking of [name the weekday/s] for up to 11 hours per day [7:00am to 6:00pm] each week commencing on [DAY, DATE MONTH YEAR]. Care may be available on a casual basis in addition to this routine booking. Bookings for additional days can be arranged no more than 2 weeks in advance by notifying the service in writing.
Fees: $123 per day
Our Method of Payment will be: ☐ Direct Debit ☐ EFTPOS ☐ BPAY ☐ Cash ☐ Cheque
Refer to the Fee Schedule located at: (Attachment 2)
The following Agreement outlines the ‘Conditions of Use’ for users of the Bannockburn Children’s Service. The Agreement must be signed by the parent/guardian prior to care commencing at the service.
Payment of Fees
I agree to pay all fees on or before the due date unless other arrangements have been made with the Bannockburn Children’s Service Director.
I understand that it is my responsibility to register for Child Care Subsidy and provide the service with the required information (CRN’s and Dates of Birth).
I agree to pay fees for any absences from the service on normal booked days. I understand when the service is closed for conference days, public holidays and the Christmas closure period fees will not be charged.
I agree that I will not be eligible to receive CCS for any absence days that occur between the start date listed above and my child’s actual first day of attendance and for any absence days that occur between my child’s last actual attendance and the end date of the booking. I will be required to pay the full fee for these days.
I agree to provide written notice of a period of two (2) weeks (10 working days) of any change to my permanent booking.
I understand fees will be invoiced two (2) weeks in advance and are payable on invoice (statement date). Payments can be made by Direct Debit, EFTPOS, BPAY, Cash or Cheque.
BANNOCKBURN CHILDREN’S SERVICES – FEE POLICY
FV BCS Fee Policy 180904 Page 16 of 16
Withdrawal from and Cancellation of Care
I agree that I am to give two (2) weeks (10 working days) notice in writing before terminating the arrangement of care, or pay two (2) weeks full fees in lieu of notice (CCS will not apply in this instance). Please discuss this with the Director.
If my child/ren do not attend during the period of notice (cancellation period), I will be charged the full fee for all booked days as CCS will not be paid on absences after the last day of actual attendance at the service.
Children withdrawing from long day care in December to take a place in the kindergarten program in the following February will not be guaranteed a place in the long day care program in that following year.
Confidentiality and Privacy
I accept that confidentiality is an essential part of the program. I accept that information is covered by Council’s Information Privacy Principles as set out in the Information and Data Privacy Act, 2014.
Golden Plains Shire Privacy Statement
The Golden Plains Shire considers that the responsible handling of personal information is a key aspect of democratic governance, and is strongly committed to protecting an individual’s right to privacy. Council will comply with the Information Privacy Principles as set out in the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. Council has in place a standard operating procedure that sets out the requirements
for the management and handling of personal information.
If you have any queries regarding this Privacy Statement, please contact the Privacy Officer on 03 5220 7111.
I confirm:
That my details in the enrolment form, as well as the details of the child I am enrolling are correct.
I have agreed to days of care within the service and understand the start and end times of these sessions of care.
That care may be provided on a casual or flexible basis where available at my service at my request.
I understand that I am liable to pay fees for the care of my child as indicated above and, if applicable, in other information the service has given me (fee schedule and parent handbook) which are subject to change over time based on advice from the provider and acceptance by me.,
I understand that I am only eligible for Child Care Subsidy when I pay for the agreed sessions of care.
