Childcare Compliance and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) in Western Australia
By BEST Childcare Consulting
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the primary form of government assistance to help families cover the cost of childcare. Services must be approved by Services Australia and comply with federal law to receive and administer CCS payments.
– Approved by Services Australia: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy
– Family Assistance Law: https://www.education.gov.au/child-care-provider-handbook/part-1-getting-approved/13-legislation-providers-must-comply
– Child Care Subsidy System (CCSS): https://www.education.gov.au/child-care-subsidy-system-ccss-provider-information
Legislative and Regulatory Framework
Childcare services in WA operate within a robust legislative structure combining national and state-based requirements.
1. Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Act 2012:
https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/main_mrtitle_12852_homepage.html
2. Education and Care Services National Regulations:
https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2011-0653
3. National Quality Framework (NQF):
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/about
4. – National Quality Standard (NQS): https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/national-quality-standard
5. Family Assistance Law:
https://www.education.gov.au/child-care-provider-handbook/part-1-getting-approved/13-legislation-providers-must-comply
6. Additional Legislative Requirements:
– Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA): https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-mines-industry-regulation-and-safety/work-health-and-safety-laws
– Food Act 2008 (WA): https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/food-act-2008
– Privacy Act 1988 (Cth): https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/the-privacy-act
Compliance in Practice
In Western Australia, the Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU) is responsible for overseeing service approvals, compliance monitoring, and quality improvement.
ECRU: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/education-and-care-regulatory-unit
Services must:
– Employ qualified staff and maintain required ratios
– Ensure safe and hygienic environments
– Deliver approved educational programs
– Maintain up-to-date policies and records
Why Compliance and CCS Matter
Strong compliance supports:
– Continued access to CCS for families
– Operational stability and transparency
– Higher quality ratings and trust
– Positive outcomes for children and communities
For tailored support in achieving compliance, managing CCS, or setting up your childcare service, contact BEST Childcare Consulting—your partner in childcare business success.
