This page provides links to the main aspects of how child care works in Australia and how we support services and families.
On this page:
About the Child Care Package
The Child Care Package comprises the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Child Care Safety Net. Together, they enable parents and carers to participate in the workforce by making early childhood education and care affordable and accessible.
- How CCS works
- What Child Care Safety Net does
- Becoming a provider
Helping families afford child care
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main way we help families to afford child care, with greater assistance aimed at low and middle-income families.
- Who is eligible for CCS
- 3 factors that determine a family’s subsidy
- Related resources
Running a child care service
Operating a child care service carries responsibilities and obligations. These are detailed in the Child Care Provider Handbook, which is periodically updated.
- Online version of handbook
- Print version of handbook
- Guide to Additional Child Care Subsidy (child wellbeing)
Help in an emergency
We support providers, services and families during local emergencies.
- Preparing for an emergency
- Support during an emergency
- Recovering after an emergency
- Short video explainers
Extra support for disadvantaged
The Child Care Safety Net gives families and services extra support if they are vulnerable and disadvantaged, or located in regional or remote communities.
- Additional Child Care Subsidy
- Community Child Care Fund
- Inclusion Support Program
- Other support, resources
Contact our helpdesk
The Child Care Subsidy Helpdesk is our frontline support centre for services seeking answers. If you have questions about:
- Subsidy payments
- Additional Child Care Subsidy
- Fees, repayments, debts
- Provider Entry Point
call 1300 667 276.
Email ccshelpdesk@dese.gov.auBalancing Child Care Subsidy
Balancing occurs after the end of each financial year where Services Australia compares families' income estimates with their actual income to ensure the correct CCS is paid.
- What families need to do
- Advice for providers and services
- Video and other resources
More resources
We have other resources to help providers understand and meet their requirements and responsibilities.
- Fact sheets, videos and estimators
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- More information about CCS entitlements