The Australian Government is currently providing COVID-19 support to families and early childhood education and care services. This support will end as planned on 30 June 2023.
The COVID-19 measures were designed to ensure Child Care Subsidy (CCS) continued to flow to families and services when restrictions made it difficult for families to attend care and services to remain open. Currently, restrictions are no longer being imposed.
The government is continuing to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 cases and will re-consider its approach if needed.
Absences
We provided 10 extra allowable absences in 2021–22 and 2022–23 due to COVID-19.
All children will have up to 42 allowable absences in the 2023–24 financial year.
Families can use allowable absences to get CCS when their child is absent from care for any reason. Families can access additional absences once they have used their 42 allowable absence days, in certain circumstances.
Families can continue to use evidence of a positive COVID-19 test result from a government agency or pathology service to access additional absences.
Gap fees
Currently, services may waive the gap fee if a child is unable to attend care for one of following reasons:
- the child, or a member of their immediate household, has tested positive with COVID-19 in the last 7 days
- the child is at a higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19
- the service, or a room at the service, is closed due to COVID-19.
This provision will end on 30 June. From 1 July, services must charge the gap fee in the above circumstances.
Learn more about COVID-19 support for the early childhood education and care sector.