The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a subsidy that the Australian government pays directly to your child care provider to reduce the fees you pay.

To get Child Care Subsidy (CCS) you must:

• care for a child 13 or younger who’s not attending secondary school, unless an exemption applies
• use an approved child care service
• be responsible for paying the child care fees
• meet residency and immunisation requirements.
• do a recognised activity

For more information on Child Care Subsidy eligibility and entitlement go to Services Australia – Child Care Subsidy

Recognised activity includes paid work, paid and unpaid leave and approved study. For more information, visit Services Australia – Recognised activities

You may be exempt from the Child Care Subsidy activity test if you are the principal carer of your grandchild, unable to work due to a disability or medical condition, or a Carer Payment recipient.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children may be entitled to a minimum of 36 hours of subsidised care, regardless of activity levels. Low income families may be entitled to a minimum of 24 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, regardless of activity levels.

To find out if any other Child Care Subsidy activity test exemptions apply, visit Exemptions and Activity level and subsidised care for Child Care Subsidy – Services Australia.

Changes to Child Care Subsidy commenced on 10 July 2023, which means child care is now cheaper for most families. It also means some families previously not eligible for Child Care Subsidy will now get it. This change provides more support for more families across Australia. Read more about the changes to Child Care Subsidy.

• At Best Start Early Learning Centre we have an Educational Leader to coach and mentor Educators in developing high quality educational programs
• All Educators at our centre either hold, or are actively working towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• In addition to this, at least half of our team hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• At Best Start Early Learning Centre we also have a number of Bachelor trained Early Childhood teachers
• Every person we employ has a current Working with Children Check

We believe that nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s growth and development. Our menus are carefully planned to provide balanced and nutritious meals that meet the dietary needs of growing bodies. We offer a variety of wholesome foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy products. Our meals are prepared fresh on-site by our experienced kitchen staff, ensuring quality and locally sourced produce where possible.

We accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure that all children can enjoy their meals safely. By providing nutritious and delicious food, we aim to instil healthy eating habits that will benefit your child now and in the future.

At Best Start Early Learning Centre, we understand that children thrive on routines tailored to their developmental stage. Our routines are designed with careful consideration for age appropriateness, ensuring that each child receives the support and structure they need. From infants to toddlers and preschoolers, our daily routines are thoughtfully crafted to promote a sense of security, foster independence and facilitate growth and learning. These routines include designated meal and snack times, as well as rest periods and indoor/outdoor activities. As children progress through different stages of development our routines evolve to meet their changing needs, providing a nurturing environment where they can explore, learn and thrive.

Sun safety is a top priority for children under our care and we follow the Sun Smart program all year round. Families are asked to provide a labeled sunhat and to ensure their child wears clothing that covers their shoulders. Additionally, each child is required to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Before any outdoor activities, our staff diligently apply sunscreen to all children, and we closely monitor daily UV levels to adjust outdoor play accordingly. These proactive measures help create a sun-safe environment where children can enjoy outdoor activities while minimising the risks associated with sun exposure.

We offer unique education and care services for children from birth to school age. Our rooms are age centric and typically follow as below:

Bright Beginnings: Birth – 2 years
Mindful Explorers: 2 – 3 years
Young Learners Hub: 3 – 5 years

What we Provide
Nappies and wipes
Bed linen
SPF 50+ sunscreen
High quality baby formula (for children under 2 years)
All nutritious meals and snacks

What to Bring
Water bottle
Spare change of clothing, labeled with your child’s name
Soft toy or comfort blanket for nap time
Baby’s bottles for formula or breastmilk

We provide a centre-to-family communication platform so families can maintain contact with their children’s experiences through photos, stories and learning outcomes.

Each family is provided with details on this as well as a secure login to access on their computers, mobiles or apps during the enrolment process.

A copy of all our policies and procedures are available in our reception area or can be emailed to you upon request. Our policies and procedures are comprehensive documents that outline our practices and guidelines for ensuring the safety, well-being and quality care of all children at Best Start ELC.

We welcome enquiries from families and encourage them to review these documents to gain a deeper understanding of our commitment to excellence in early childhood education and care.

• Please contact our team directly for a breakdown of our fee structure. Fees are payable two weeks in advance via direct debit from your bank account or credit card. Statement/Invoices are available on the OWNA App.
• To secure your child’s place, a one-time enrolment fee of $250 will be charged per family. This fee covers a welcome pack, which includes a hat, wet bag, and entry door fob. A $100 refund will be issued upon the return of the door fob at the conclusion of your child’s enrolment.
• Our team can assist with any questions you may have around accessing the Child Care Subsidy
• If you wish to cancel or change your booking, we need two weeks notice in writing.