Changes to Australian Government support apply to early childhood services following the easing of lockdown restrictions in most of regional Victoria from 11.59 pm on 9 September.
Details about changes to restrictions are on the Victorian Government COVID-19 response website.
From 10 September, the following changes applied to services in regional Victoria, excluding Greater Shepparton.
Business continuity payments
Eligible services will receive the business continuity payment for the fortnight 6 to 19 September, if they opted-in by 9 September. Payments will end after this fortnight's payment.
Providers do not need to notify us if their service is no longer in lockdown.
Learn more about business continuity payments.
Absences
Additional allowable absences will no longer be available from 10 September. Services must resume submitting absences as usual.
Families can get Child Care Subsidy when their child is absent from a session of care they would normally attend for up to 42 days per child, per financial year. They can also get additional absences in certain circumstances.
Gap fees
More information on gap fees will be provided soon.
Support for services in lockdown
Services in Greater Shepparton and Metropolitan Melbourne will continue to get business continuity payments, where they’ve opted-in, until advised further.
They can also continue to waive gap fees and access additional allowable absences while the lockdown remains in place.
See full list of regions currently eligible for support.
Further details about support are available on our COVID-19 webpage.