Following the implementation of the Inclusion Support Portal it has been necessary to revise the Inclusion and Professional Support Program Guidelines 2009–2012.
The majority of the changes to the guidelines reflect the automation of ISS applications and claims. Information on how to apply and claim for ISS has been removed from the guidelines and is included in fact sheets.
Other changes are in relation to the Inclusion Support Subsidy (ISS) limits, and the absences from care policy.
- Absence (non face-to-face) hours are now calculated as a percentage of the number of hours approved and the approval period based on child care service type.
- To offset this change, child care services can now claim ISS (face-to-face hours) where a child is absent for part of a scheduled session and the service is required to retain the additional educator under award conditions. ISS absence hours are only claimed where a child does not attend any part of a scheduled session.
- Child care services that reach their allocation of absence hours prior to the end of the approval period, are able to submit a case for additional absence hours to the department for consideration.
The updated guidelines and fact sheets are now available on the DEEWR website at:
