Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Will any food be provided?

Yes. In our OSHC program your child is provided with a healthy breakfast of toast and spreads, cereal, milk, juice, seasonal fruit and yogurt. Children are also offered afternoon tea with seasonal fruit.

Please inform us of any allergies or food preferences and we will make sure your child is catered for

Enrolments & Bookings

When is the Bookings and Administration Office open?

The OSHC Support Team are available Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm. You can leave a message or send an email at any time or contact your Centre Director before and after these times.

OSHC Support Team
(08) 8200 2516

Do I need to re-enrol for the service every year?

No. However, if there are any updates to your contact information, emergency contacts, account details or your child’s health, we need to know about it as soon as possible. You will be forwarded an annual reminder to let us know if there are any changes to your booking for the following year. The usual cancellation periods apply.

Can I claim Child Care Subsidy at your Service?

Yes, upon enrolment, you will provide us with your Customer Reference numbers, for both yourself and your child. You must also ensure that your child is registered at Centrelink for Child Care Subsidy. Once we let you know, you will need to go into the MyGov website to accept YMCA as your service provider.

We will submit your usage weekly, Centrelink will pay what you’re entitled to and you are responsible for the Gap fee. You will see this clearly marked on your statement.

I need to get my child into care today, how do I book them in?

Please call the OSHC Support Team for bookings within 24 hours.

OSHC Support Team
(08) 8200 2516

My child has a medical condition. What documentation do I need to provide?

If your child has a medical condition such as asthma or anaphylaxis you need to speak to the coordinator of the program. You will need to provide a medical management plan signed by your child’s doctor. The coordinator will create a risk minimisation plan with you based on your child’s medical management plan that identifies and reduces risks to your child’s health while attending a program.

I am separated from my partner; can we have separate accounts for my child?

YMCA OSHC will work with you to find a solution to meet your needs. Each partner who has a separate financial responsibility for the child (or children) will require their own account/enrolment.

It is also important to note that YMCA Children’s Programs has strict requirements around signing children in and out of a service. Specifically authorised adults are only permitted to leave with their child if safety, parental wishes, and custody requirements are adhered to.

Custody arrangements are in place, how can I ensure these are adhered to?

To ensure your child's care is appropriately managed, we will require a copy of any applicable Court Orders, parenting orders or parenting plans. We will review the information and the documents will be attached to the child's records. All information is treated confidentially and with sensitivity.

If there are any changes, we ask that you notify us promptly. Where a court order, parenting order or parenting plan has been provided, we will ensure all necessary educators are aware the orders are in place. If an attempt is made to breach orders, the parent/guardian with custody entitlements will be contacted immediately. The police will also be called.

Costs, Payments and Statements

Do you charge by the hour or session?

YMCA OSHC provides session-based care across all programs. The fee is set with the total duration of each session considered.

What is the charge for my child to attend?

Each service is unique and the fees reflect the needs of the local community. Information on your specific Centre can be found on their webpage. Still have a query? Call our OSHC Support Team on 8200 2516.

All YMCA Children’s Programs are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy. These reduce the cost of child care and are available to a lot parents. Call the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50 to find out more.

Are there any other fees that I may incur at the service?

Hat fee - we charge $15 for a YMCA labelled hat for your child to use at the service to ensure sun safety and increased visibility for supervision.

Late Fee - if you are late picking up your child we charge $15 per 15 minute increments after the service specified closing time.

Non-notification fee - a $10 Non-notification fee is charge if a child fails to turn up at the meeting point or at the service and a staff member is required to locate the child.

Direct Debit - All bookings are set up for auto payment on direct debit from a bank account or credit card. Paying by credit card incurs a .79% surcharge.

How do I view my statement?

If you are responsible for paying your account (self-managed), a statement of attendances and fees will be emailed to you after Vacation Care. You can also email OSHC Support Team if you require a statement outside this period. Remember to provide your child’s full name and the centre they attend in the email.

How do Vacation Care bookings and fees work?

You will receive a Vacation Care program and Booking Form in Week 6 each term.

Changes will be accepted up until 2 weeks prior to the beginning of Vacation Care with no charge.

What is your cancellation policy?

Vacation Care: Cancellation received up to 2 weeks prior to the first day of the school holidays (start of the Vacation Care program) receive a full refund. Cancellations received within 2 weeks of the school holidays are charged full fee.