All early childhood services charge fees that vary depending on the service provided and the length of time your child is there. Fees can include wait list fees, enrolment fees, and standard service fees.
As each service provider has their own fee structure you will need to talk to them directly. Please note: you may still need to pay fees on public holidays—talk to your provider if you have any concerns.
Approved providers of early childhood education and care services are required to have a written policy about the setting and collection of fees they charge to families using their service. Families must be notified at least 14 days before any changes are made to the fees policy that will affect the way fees are charged or collected.
If the service does not have a written policy about fees and/or the service has not provided the required 14 days' notice of any changes to the fees, families are able to make a complaint about this to the department's regional office in which the service is located.
If families wish to challenge the fees or seek reimbursement they would need to seek their own legal advice.
Tip: The Care for Kids website also provides some helpful information on understanding the cost of child care.
Reducing out-of-pocket expenses
The Australian Government and Queensland Government provide ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for early childhood education and care.