FEES POLICY SUMMARY FOR 2012
A. Why fees are necessary
The Department of Human Services provides per capita funding as a contribution towards the cost of providing the preschool program for four year olds. The service is responsible for all costs. Fees are necessary because there is a shortfall between the level of government funding and the costs of operating a viable preschool.
There is no funding for other programs, such as three year old preschool.
Parents need to be aware that preschools are not a free service and rely on prompt payment of fees to meet the operational costs. All parents/guardians must pay fees and the Committee has the discretion to withdraw service for non-payment of fees.
B. Fee Subsidy for low Income Families
A parent/guardian or child who holds a current Health Care Card/Pensioner Concession Card is eligible for a reduction in their term fees for the four year old program only. The Health Care Card/Pensioner Concession Card must be sighted by the teacher prior to the start of each term.
C. Multiple Births
The discount for families with multiple births/siblings, attending the same program, has been set at 10% for the second child, per year.
D. Fee Structure
This is set out in the attached Fee Schedule for 2012.
Fees are not refundable except for families who leave the preschool and notify the Committee prior to the term commencing. These families will be able to receive a pro rata reimbursement of any fees paid in advance. The Committee may consider a partial refund in other limited circumstances.
There will be no refund of fees if the program is unable to operate, when the current qualified staff member is absent and the Committee cannot obtain a qualified reliever.
E. Payment of Accounts
Fees will be invoiced to families directly and must be paid by the date indi-cated on the invoice. Each invoice will be accompanied by payment instructions.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact the Assistant Treasurer to discuss a special payment plan.
F. Unpaid Fees
Fees not paid by the due date will be followed up by:-
- An initial letter of warning stating fees are overdue, giving ten (10) working days for payment.
- If payment is not received or an agreed payment plan has been drawn up, the family will be contacted by telephone.
- If payment is not received or an agreed payment plan has been drawn up, a second and final letter will be sent notifying parents/guardians that unless payment is made within ten (10) working days, there will no longer be a place available at the service for their child.
The Committee reserves the right to take action to recover debts.
G. Child Absence
Fees are still required to maintain a preschool place if the child is absent for any reason, including holidays and illness.