As the approved provider of early childhood service, you are responsible for compliance in relation to child safety care and education under National Regulations. This requires the approval of both the Australian Government and state as well as territory governments. Within this setting, the term ‘Approved Provider’ refers to an individual or corporation that is allowed by law to offer starting schooling or long day care services.
As an approved provider, one’s jurisdiction involves the recognition by the Family Assistance Law in order to provide childcare services and facilitate payments for Child Care Subsidy so that deserving families reduce their costs of rearing children. This individual is also responsible for observing legal duties that are outlined in the Commonwealth and state/territory laws. These obligations include the Family Assistance Law, compliance with national law and National Regulations, as well as meeting all legislation pertaining to states or territories under which it is necessary to operate a childcare centre.
What Approvals Are Needed?
To offer a service CCS, there are two types of approval required from both the state/territory government and the Australian Government. They each also play different roles in checking how suitable you are to ensure the health, safety, well-being and learning outcomes of children while disbursing CCS payments.
State or Territory Government Approval
In the first place, you should obtain authorization from your state or territory government, mostly referred to as National Law approval or state regulation. This authorization can be likened to a license granted by regulatory agencies on the basis of adherence to NQF. An independent national authority, ACECQA facilitates the administration of NQF by enacting a nationally-based approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement.
There are some specific services, such as Home Care services and special programs, that may be outside the boundaries of National Law but need to be approved under state or territory laws in order for CCS approval.
Australian Government Approval
After the required state or territory government approval, you must also seek CCS approvals from an Australian government, which are sometimes referred to as ‘CCS Approval’ or Family Assistance Law. Rules governing CCS receivers are given in the Family Assistance Law.
CCS approval usually follows National laws, and while you can apply for both approvals simultaneously, it is not possible to get approval from CCS until you are a final member of the state.
Where to Apply?
State/territory government approval and CCSA approvals can be requested on the National Quality Agenda IT System. Though the applications may be reviewed simultaneously, approvals are given sequentially, and CCS approval depends on National Law approval.
How Long Does Approval Take?
The deadline for National Law approval is available from your state or territory regulatory authority. Hence, seeking CCS approval in advance is recommended as the process requires gathering different pieces of information and evidence, which may take days or weeks.
Approval of CCS is not automatic, and while the assessment procedure has no set time frame, it can be expedited by understanding the process and completing an e-learning course on approval.
Considerations Before Operating
To operate prior to CCS certification implies running risks, and even if case approval is granted (if at all), such an endorsement is only deemed retroactive upon the commencement date of National Law authorization. Charging fees as estimated CCS entitlements before approval should be avoided with great vigour, and families should be informed that CCS has not yet approved the service.
The Application Process
The NQA IT System helps to submit applications for National Law and Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approvals. Application for the two approvals can be made at one time by following these guidelines.
- Create a PRODA Account and Get an Individual Registration Authority Number
In order to improve personal information security, the new PMCs must establish a PRODA account and acquire an individual RA number. Such a unique number is indispensable for National Law provider approval or CCS administration application. Applicants will prove their identity by way of providing the RA number in the NQA IT System. Organisations applying for CCS approval should also PRODA and mention the NQA ITS and Child Care Subsidy System as service providers.
The ACECQA website provides instructions on how to create a PRODA account and an RA number, along with proper identification documents.
- Identification of PMC.
As of July 2023, the definition of a PMC under National Law is consistent with the classification by the Australian Government for CCS administration. Even though some providers have the same PMC for both, differences may emerge. Under the National Law, Regulations and Family Assistance law, PMCs have to incur legal obligations. Further information can be found in the accompanying material.
- Apply in the NQA IT System
Provider and service applications for CCS administration are provided to the NQA through the IT System. Here is the application portal. Technical difficulties can be directed to nqaits@acecqa.gov.au. For queries relating to the application progress, reach out to your regulatory authority.
- Knowledge Assessment and/or Interview
Before the determination is made, applicants might undergo a knowledge assessment and/or interview that helps assess their familiarity with national law as well as family assistance law requirements. A National Law Assessment, which is a 46 multiple-choice question assessment and Family assistance law with 25 questions, may need to be given. Completing the National Law & Child Care Subsidy Approval Course is suggested for preparation purposes, and a completion certificate can be included with the application.
National Police Check requirement for Becoming Approved Childcare Provider In Australia
Decision makers require a National Police Check to ascertain criminal history and other relevant information about an individual. It is a comprehensive review of the subject’s criminal history, if any, pertaining to all states and territories in Australia. Commonly requested for employment, licensing or other legal reasons, the police check is intended to reveal accurate and up-to-date information about a person’s criminal history. The steps involve applying to an authorised agency of the ACIC together with identification documents. In the state of New South Wales (NSW), you can obtain a NSW police check online using the help of an ACIC accredited agency. The National Police Check is an important tool in a number of sectors as it allows informed decision-making with regard to the aptitude or competence of individuals towards performing specific roles at workplaces and organisations.
Conclusion
The process of becoming an approved childcare provider in Australia is a complex one that covers all state and federal levels of Government. Starting from securing National Law and Child Care Subsidy approvals to addressing the complicated steps in an application process, potential providers rely upon a pattern. Moreover, highlighting the importance of a National Police Check further reinforces commitment to ensuring that childcare services are indeed safe and secure for children by putting unsuitable people under scrutiny.
