The Morrison Government has taken further action to ensure child care services can continue providing early childhood education and care for Australia’s children.
Child care services can now apply for an exceptional circumstances Supplementary Relief Payment under the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package.
The supplementary payments may be available to services experiencing the following circumstances:
- The number of enrolments and attendances is significantly and demonstrably higher than in the reference period.
- Previous attendance levels remain or demand for care for children of essential workers and/or vulnerable and disadvantaged children is significantly higher.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Government had responded to issues raised by the sector.
“The Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package was created to ensure as many businesses as possible make it through the tough conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Tehan said.
“This package is complimented by the JobKeeper Payment and now the supplementary payment to ensure services remain viable and can offer care to the children of essential workers and vulnerable children. If a service has questions about how the new system will work, there is information and frequently asked questions on the website dese.gov.au or they can contact the Department’s Helpdesk.”
Providers seeking a supplementary payment should complete the form at dese.gov.au, outline their circumstances, and attach supporting documentation. The Department has made an advanced payment to services under the relief package combining the second and third relief payment. This gives services time to register interest for the JobKeeper Payment and find out if they are eligible and apply for an exceptional circumstances Supplementary Relief Payment.
