Fees and debt management policy.
How fees are set, billed, and collected, and how we manage overdue accounts.
Aim:
To ensure all families are aware of our policy for the payment of fees and to ensure that all
families pay their childcare fees on time.
Implementation
Fees are billed at the beginning of each month and are due by the 1st Friday of the billing cycle.
Fees and receipt of payment will be emailed to families via their preferred email address.
Payment of Fees
Our preferred method of payment is B-pay.
Over-payment of fees
If an overpayment of fees is made on the account for any reason, this will be placed as a credit on
your account. No refunds can be made for overpayments unless it is the final invoice for your
account.
Waiting List:
There is no fee to join the waiting list.
Bond:
Prior to commencement of care a holding deposit of $500 is to be paid to the service. Children will not be permitted to commence at the service until the deposit has been paid.
The deposit is held as a bond until the child ceases to attend and will be refunded at this time after being offset against any outstanding or final fees owing. Four weeks written notice is required when a child ceases at the service. If notice is not given the deposit will be retained by the service to cover the fees incurred during this period.
Fees are payable for everyday your child is enrolled at the service. This includes public holidays, sick days, and family holidays. Fees are not charged when the centre is closed during the Christmas/New Year period.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is available to all eligible families. To find out your eligibility families must contact Services Australia.
A receipt will be issued for all fees.
Should you wish to end your child's place at our centre, 4 weeks written notice is required.
Should management make the decision to terminate your child's place at our centre, 2 weeks’ notice will be given. Fees will be payable in advance for this period.
Overdue Fees
Fees are to be paid within the first week of the month’s booked care; failure to pay by this time will be regarded as an outstanding fee account.
A late fee of $25.00 applies to all outstanding accounts if payment is not received by Friday of week 2. Families can make an appointment to speak with the Approved Provider or Nominated Supervisor/Director regarding payments if there is a need to do so. Continually not paying fees will put your child’s enrolment in the service in jeopardy.
Bad Debts Procedure
Families get billed at beginning of the month (e.g., 1st May) and fees are due and are payable by the first Friday of the month.
If payment is not received by the 2nd Friday of the month, a $25 late fee will be applied to the account.
If payment is not received by the end of the month, fees will be carried on to your next invoice (e.g., 30th May). Head Office will advise parent - verbal or written, that the child’s position at the centre will be at risk if payment is not received.
6 weeks from billing date, child can NOT to attend centre without payment. Final warning letter will be sent to request payment within 7 days (e.g., 15th June)
If no payment is received within 7 days, debt collectors will get involved and legal action will be taken (e.g., 22nd June).
Statements of Entitlement
Families can access their statement of entitlement at anytime though our centre (OWNA) App.
Sourced: Community Early Learning Australia
Education and Care Services National Regulations
Education and Care Services National Law
Family Assistance Law
Sources
- Centre Support
This policy is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Limited and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.