Independent Article

Preparing for the Child Care Management System (CCMS)

Childcare Sales Australia is proud to publish another article by respected childcare consultant Erin Allen of Succeed Consultancy. This article follows on from 2007 articles “Child Care Benefit: The Importance of a strong system” and “Child Care Benefit Acquittals: What are They? What Do I Do With Them? Are You Losing Money?”

Again you will find sound practical information for owner operators, investors and new buyers alike. You can contact Erin Allen by visiting the Succeed Consultancy website for more information at:

www.succeedconsultancy.com.au

The Child Care Management System

The Australian Government funds Long Day Care Services to provide care mostly for children not yet attending school, whose parents are working, undertaking vocational study, training or looking for work. The Government currently funds Child Care Centres through Child Care Benefit.
The new system CCMS is planned to role out this year.

CCMS stands for Child Care Management System, the major changes that are planned to occur is that Centre operators will claim their Child Care Benefit online on a weekly basis rather then on a quarterly basis.

Why are we having another change in how we report and claim?

The Federal Government based their decision to introduce a new national system to recognise the need for a better managed system and a workable system to gather information about child care. CCMS will compliment the compliance strategy announced in May 2006. The need for weekly attendance and vacancy reports will cease and the Government is also supporting that this reporting will cease as CCMS will be able to complete this function.

What are the benefits to CCMS for me as a Child Care Operator?

• You will be able to claim CCB weekly via the internet, which will simplify administration times in Centres, allowing more time to care for the children.

• It will help with your cash flow, as CCB will be reconciled weekly.

• All information will be delivered over the internet, saving time and save waiting for fortnightly statements via mail.

• It is aimed that a lot of red tape will be reduced with a timely and efficient system.

• CCMS will be rolled out over a period of two years.

• A one of payment is available to Service providers, to contribute to the cost of transitioning to CCMS. (if you haven’t received your payment yet, contact the CCMS help desk)

• Additional financial assistance is available for centers that are eligible for the transition to CCMS.

• The sector was given the opportunity to offer feedback in 2006, which was used to finalise CCMS.

• No more reporting for your Centres usage and vacancies each week, CCMS will do this for you.

What are the benefits for my families?

• Parents will have their information passed onto your Centre in a timely and efficient manner, which means no more charging full fees whilst waiting for CCB statements to arrive in the mail.

• Parents will have access to online statements to obtain information about their CCB payments.

• Families will have access to up to date information on child care vacancies.

How do I know if my current software provider is compliant with CCMS?

All software providers if they choose to make alterations to their software programs need to be approved by Facsia. You are able to get onto facscia’s website to view the current list of providers or ring your provider directly. They will also be able to tell you if they will are planning or transitioning to CCMS software.

Have there been any changes since the election?

Yes there has. Following the recent election, CCMS is now part of the new Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). At the moment support, contact and liaison with the CCMS taskforce is still headed by Facsia

Is the roll out of CCMS on track?

Yes it is; the first long day care centers will commence role out on the 4th February 2008 in line with Fascia’s role out plan.

Where to I get further support for CCMS?

• Succeed Consultancy
enquiries@succeedconsultancy.com.au

• CCMS Child Care Services Handbook 2007-2008 in NOW available on the Facsia website www.facsia.gov.au to download. In the near future it is expected these will be delivered to Centres.

• Facsia in line with your Software provider will be implementing a roll out plan to ensure Centres receive the support they need through the transition phase.

• CCMS Helpdesk; Mon-Fri 8.00am to 8.30pm AEST
Ph: 1300 667 276 Fax: 1300 663 429 Email: ccmshelpdesk@facsia.gov.au

Sourced
Succeed Consultancy

FACSCIA www.facsia.gov.au
CCMS Child Care Service Handbook 2007-2008.

Date: January 2008

Proudly brought to you my industry expert Erin Allen form Succeed Consultancy.

Email: enquiries@succeedconsultancy.com.au
www.succeedconsultancy.com.au
Phone: (02) 42 33 1564
Fax: (02) 42 33 1568

What Succeed offers in Terms of Contracts

Long Term Management

Entails a minimum of a twelve month contract covering all operational
Requirements. Long Term Management packages are tailored to suit your
Centres specific needs and individuality. Together we work to develop your Management Plan

Short Term Management

Is available to Services that require assistance for less then a twelve month period, ranging from a month onwards. You may require a focus purely on
Accreditation for two months in preparation for validation.

Periodical Management

Can range from one day to a month. You may require an induction pack, support with a staff issue, self study preparation. What ever you need, every Centre
is unique.

Who Do We Cater To?

• Directors Co-ordinators
• Long Day Care After School Care
• Preschools Family Day Care
• Investors Owner operators
• Private Based Centres Assistants
• Community Based Organisations Small and Large Group Leaders
• Council Based Centres Carer’s
• Management Committee’s Support Staff
• Architects