Setting fees

You must set a fee schedule that outlines your weekday, weekend and public holiday rates for providing a family day care service. Your fee schedule must be approved by the Business and Customer Support Centre (BCSC) before communicating the fees to the families using your service. Families may be eligible for the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS). The child care subsidy page will assist families to estimate their entitlement.

What you can charge for

You can choose to charge parents and carers for:

• food

• transport

• a booked contract, even if the child is unable to attend care, for example if the child is unwell.

You cannot charge families if you’re unable to provide care, for example if you’re unwell or on holidays.

When to set your fees

You must set the fee schedule at the start of each financial year and whenever your fees change. You must give the BCSC at least 2 weeks to approve your updated fee schedule.

How to set your fees

To set your fees, complete the form here and make sure you:

• set fees within the minimum and maximum rates

• write n/a (not applicable) in the hourly rates fields when you’re unavailable for care

• write n/a (not applicable) in the optional fees fields that don’t apply to you, for example in the meals or snacks fields

• sign and date the fee schedule

• scan and email the fee schedule to educationfdcbusiness@sa.gov.au for approval

• keep a copy of the approved schedule for your own records.

Minimum and maximum hourly rates (updated July 2025)

The minimum and maximum hourly rates you can charge are:

• standard hours - $6.50 to $21

• extended hours - $6.50 to $27

• weekends - $6.50 to $27

• public holidays - $6.50 to $30

Educator administration levy (updated July 2025)

The educator administration levy is $1.54 per hour per child and covers operational costs. This levy is reviewed in February each year. Any changes to the amount can be applied to your fee schedule in the following July.

Parent administration levy (updated July 2025)

The parent administration levy is 35 cents per hour per child and covers the cost of you administering the child care subsidy (CCS) for parents.

Parents pay this levy directly to you. This levy increases each year.

The above does not apply if there is a fee increase to the parent admin levy. You must attach a copy of the ‘increase in parent admin levy’ letter to their current fee schedule.

Next steps

Once your fee schedule is approved by the BCSC, you must give families at least 2 weeks’ notice before you start charging new rates.

Educator fee schedule 

Additional information