Childcare Enrolment Policy Explained: Fees, CCS, Cancellations & What Parents Should Know

If you’ve searched “enrolment policy childcare”, you’re not alone. Many families feel unsure about what happens when they enrol, how fees work, how Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is applied, and what happens if circumstances change.

This guide explains enrolment policies in plain English — so you can make confident decisions. We’ll also explain how Imaginations Preschool Marsfield supports working families with long day care, a safe environment, and affordable options wherever possible.

Important note: Policies can vary between services. Always check your centre’s enrolment agreement and fee schedule.

What Is an Enrolment Policy in Childcare?

An enrolment policy childcare document (or enrolment agreement) is simply a written set of rules that explains:

• How you secure your child’s place

• How fees are charged and paid

• How CCS is applied

• Notice periods for cancellations or changes

• How absences, holidays, and public holidays are treated

• What happens if fees aren’t paid on time

These policies protect both families and the service. The key is clarity and fairness — parents should never feel “caught out”.

1) Securing Your Child’s Place

Most childcare centres require the following to confirm enrolment:

• Completed enrolment form

• Child details and emergency contacts

• Medical information and authorised nominees

• Signed enrolment agreement (terms, fees, policies)

• Start date and booked attendance days

• Any required deposit or bond (if applicable)

At Imaginations Preschool Marsfield, we encourage families to visit first. A tour helps you understand the environment, routines, and educator approach before confirming enrolment.

If you’d like to see our centre before enrolling, you can book a tour here.

2) How Childcare Fees Usually Work

Childcare fees can be confusing because families may see:

• Daily fees

• Session fees

• Full-day rates (long day care)

• CCS-reduced fees (out-of-pocket gap)

A helpful way to think about it:

Your fees = daily fee – CCS (if eligible)

Fees may also be affected by:

• The number of booked days

• Your CCS percentage

• Your activity level (Centrelink requirement)

• Whether your child attends the booked session

Our centre offers long day care routines and early learning programs designed for working families. Learn more here:
Long day care and programs

3) Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Explained Simply

Many families searching enrolment policy childcare are really asking:
“Will CCS apply properly to my fees?”

Here’s what matters most:

• CCS eligibility is assessed through Services Australia (Centrelink)

• Your subsidy depends on your family income, activity level, and hours of care

• CCS generally applies to approved sessions, but conditions may apply

For official, up-to-date guidance, see Services Australia:
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

4) What About Confirming Enrolment With Centrelink?

Parents commonly ask:

• Do I need to confirm something after enrolling?

• Why is my CCS not showing yet?

Typical reasons CCS may not appear immediately:

• CCS hasn’t been approved yet

• The enrolment hasn’t been confirmed in your Centrelink account

• Details don’t match between the centre and Centrelink

• Waiting periods or documentation is pending

A good childcare service will guide you through the steps and help you check what’s missing.

5) Cancellations, Withdrawals & Notice Periods

This is one of the biggest reasons people search enrolment policy childcare — and it’s where trust is won or lost.

Most centres require a notice period if you plan to:

• cancel enrolment before starting

• reduce booked days

• withdraw permanently

Why? Because a reserved spot can’t always be filled immediately.

What parents should check:

• How many weeks’ notice is required

• Whether notice must be in writing

• If fees apply during the notice period

• Whether CCS applies during that period

Clear policies protect families from surprises and help the centre manage staffing and ratios safely.

6) Absences, Holidays & Public Holidays

Many parents assume: “If my child doesn’t attend, I don’t pay.”
In childcare, it usually works differently because your fee reserves the place.

Common policy points include:

• Fees may still apply for absences if the place is held

• Public holiday fees may apply if your booking falls on that day

• Some services offer holiday discounts, some don’t

The key: ensure your enrolment agreement clearly explains what happens.

7) Late Fees and Overdue Accounts

No one likes talking about overdue fees, but a clear enrolment policy helps everyone.

Most centres outline:

• Payment due dates (weekly/fortnightly)

• Late payment reminders

• Possible late fees or account holds

• Steps taken if accounts fall behind

From a parent perspective, transparency matters. If your family is facing a temporary challenge, it’s always best to speak with the service early.

Why Families Choose Imaginations Preschool Marsfield

Families looking for clear, fair enrolment policy childcare information often want three things:

1. A safe environment

2. Long day care that supports working life

3. Affordable options and clear communication

At Imaginations Preschool Marsfield, we focus on:

• secure routines and safe daily practices

• consistent educator care and relationships

• early learning that supports confident development

• practical support for families navigating enrolment and CCS

Meet our team and learn more about our centre approach here:
About Imaginations Preschool Marsfield

See our location and contact details here:
Marsfield location