This checklist will help early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers prepare for and issue an ACCS child wellbeing certificate.
On this page:
Before you apply
Confirm:
- the parent or carer has lodged a CCS claim
- the parent or carer has a CRN
- the child has a CRN
- the parent or carer has confirmed CCS enrolment through myGov
- CCS eligibility.
Confirm the child is enrolled correctly
Confirm:
- a Complying Written Arrangement (CWA) is in place, or
- a Provider Eligible Arrangement (PEA) is in place because:
- a foster carer has not yet established their own CCS eligibility or
- the child requires wellbeing support, but the parent or carer is not eligible for CCS.
Children in emergency care under the state or territory cannot be enrolled under a CWA or PEA. They should be enrolled under an arrangement with an organisation. You should discuss the responsibility for the cost of care with the state or territory agency.
Issuing a certificate
- Spoke with the family and recorded their consent.
- Recorded observations.
- Gathered supporting evidence.
- Made a referral to a state or territory agency or support agency (if applicable).
- Confirmed certificate details are correct:
- child’s name
- child’s CRN
- start and end date (certificate starts on a Monday).
Submit the certificate application
- Completed and issued a certificate in PEP or third-party software.
Evidence
Keep records of:
- consent
- observations
- supporting evidence
- referrals.
Additional requirements for exceptional circumstances
- Confirm the child meets one of the following circumstances:
- family or domestic violence
- serious illness, medical condition, mental health issue or hospitalisation affecting the parent or carer’s ability to work or care for the child
- long-term protection order
- formal foster care
- homelessness
- harmful use of alcohol or drugs.
- Obtain evidence from a third-party organisation or professional that includes:
- the child’s name
- the parent or carer’s name
- the name and contact details of the organisation or professional providing the evidence
- the title or position of the person providing the evidence
- the date the evidence was provided
- a written or electronic signature.
- Confirm the requested start and end dates:
- check that the requested start date is no more than 13 weeks before the date the application is submitted.
- check that the child attended care during the backdating period.
- check that a genuine fee obligation existed under a CWA or PEA during the backdating period.
- confirm the certificate start and end dates are correct and that the certificate starts on a Monday.
Submit the exceptional circumstances certificate application
- Completed and issued a certificate in PEP or third-party software
- Submit the exceptional circumstances evidence for assessment.