UTS Child Care Inc (UTSCC) is open to families from the UTS and local communities, as well as families who work at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Enrolment and fees
Enrolment
There are many factors that are taken into consideration in determing the allocation of places; including the days available, the age of the child, and the group dynamics.
Taking these factors into account, places will generally be offered in the following order:
- UTS Staff
- UTS Students
- ABC Staff
- siblings of currently enrolled children
- those who live or work in the local community
As an approved child care provider, UTS Child Care is required to follow the Australian Government's Priority of Access Guidelines for allocating places. These stipulate:
Priorities
- a child at risk of serious abuse or neglect
- a child of a single parent who satisfies, or of parents who both satisfy, the work/training/study test under Section 14 of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999
- any other child
Within these main categories priority should also be given to the following children:
- children in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
- children in families that include a disabled person
- children in families that include an individual whose adjusted taxable income does not exceed the CCB low income threshold, or who or whose partner are on income support
- children in families from a non-English speaking background
- children in socially isolated families, and
- children of single parents
How can I increase my chances of gaining a place?
Unfortunately, we simply do not have a position for everyone who wants a place. This is particularly true in the 0-2 year old age group. As a general guide, we make the following suggestions:
- Place your name on the waiting list early. If you plan on working or studying at UTS or the ABC, put your application in at the same time as you apply for your position. There is no need to wait until your baby is born. There is no such thing as too early when joining the Waiting List. Just remember to keep your details up to date as they change.
- Be flexible. You may not get your preferred start date or days, but if you are prepared to take up an offer once it is made, it is easier to request a change to your days once you are in the centre. Similarly, if you are offered a place a month before you are due to return to work, consider taking it. There is no guarantee that you will be offered a place exactly when you want it to start.
- Keep in contact. Keep your contact details up to date, reconfirm your interest quarterly, return our attempts to contact you promptly. Once a position becomes available we have a limited time to fill it, so if we don't hear back from you within 24 hours, we will move to the next person on the list.
Fees
Fees at UTS Child care centres are determined by the board and rebates are available to eligible UTS staff and students. The UTSCC Fee Procedure and Schedule contain important information regarding payment of fees and bonds. Copies are provided to all families upon acceptance of a place.
Your family may be eligible to receive assistance from the Commonwealth Government towards the cost of child care fees. It is the responsibility of families to apply for this assistance. Please see Services Australia or contact your nearest Service Centre Office (Medicare, Centrelink or ATO) for details.
Note: if you are offered a place at UTS Child Care, a $70 enrolment levy and a bond equal to 2 weeks' full fees will be required to secure the position at the time of acceptance.