OSHCS specific
Frequently asked questions
- Can I run the Active After-school Communities (AASC) program as part of my before school care or vacation care program?
- Can I charge a higher fee on days my service is running the AASC program?
- Can I have more children attending my service than I have approved places on the days I run the AASC program?
- Under the OSHCS QA I already run programs that support physical development, how is the AASC program different?
- What if only some of the children attending my approved service want to attend an AASC program run by a school?
- Can I count an adult volunteer in my staffing ratio?
- Do all the children in the OSHCS have to participate in the AASC program?
- How do I include children with special needs in the AASC program physical activities?
Q. Can I run the Active After-school Communities (AASC) program as part of my before school care or vacation care program?
A. No. The program is only funded to be delivered within the after-school hours component.
Q. Can I charge a higher fee on days my service is running the AASC program?
A. No. It is a condition of being part of the AASC program that approved services do not charge an additional levy for participation in the program.
Q. Can I have more children attending my service than I have approved places on the days I run the AASC program?
A. No. Services are not able to exceed the total number of places for which they have been approved.
Q. Under the OSHCS Quality Assurance I already run programs that support physical development, how is the AASC program different?
A. The AASC program will add variety and resources to enhance the structured and unstructured activities and play experiences already provided by quality OSHCS. There will be support from regional coordinators and access to national and locally based sporting organisations.
Q. What if only some of the children attending my approved service want to attend an AASC program run by a school?
A. The decision about whether some or all of the children who attend your service join in an AASC program run by a school is yours, however due consideration should be given to maintaining staffing ratios and insurance coverage. Staffing ratios for children in approved care must be maintained according to State and Territory laws at all sites at which your child care service is operating. You should check with your insurer about appropriate coverage for the activities your service operates.
Q. Can I count an adult volunteer in my staffing ratio?
A. Where mandatory state or territory staff to child ratios apply, contact the responsible government department in your state or territory.
Q. Do all the children in the OSHCS have to participate in the AASC program?
A. No. However consideration should be given to how programs are developed to encourage traditionally non active children.
Q. How do I include children with special needs in the AASC program physical activities?
A. OSHCS may still apply for assistance for children with special needs through the Special Needs Subsidy Scheme (SNSS). Eligibility for SNSS does not mean automatic entitlement to the subsidy. Funding is allocated on an individual basis to assist the participating child care service to meet the particular needs of the child with ongoing high support needs.
