Absences due to COVID-19 requirements

When a child is absent due to COVID-19 requirements, OSCAR Subsidy can continue being paid if the client still qualifies. A fee does not need to be charged to hold the child's place open for payment to continue.

A child may be absent due to COVID-19 requirements because they are:

• unwell and cannot attend OSCAR while unwell
• at high risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19
• in self-isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19 public health requirements
• connected to a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19
• being kept home during Alert Level 3

This is not an exhaustive list. If a child is absent and you are unsure if it is due to COVID-19 requirements, please check the COVID-19 Alert System website for the most up to date COVID-19 guidelines.

There is no limit on how long OSCAR Subsidy can be paid when a child is absent due to COVID-19 requirements. However the subsidy can only be paid for a period that relates to COVID-19 requirements.

If a child is absent for other reasons, you will need to check the general absence guidelines to see how long they can be paid.

Jian's daughter Jenny was absent from OSCAR care for 7 weeks because she was sick. At COVID-19 Alert Level 2, parents to be stricter about keeping sick children home from childcare and OSCAR.

Because Jenny's absence was due to COVID-19 requirements, OSCAR Subsidy continued being paid for the full 7 weeks.