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When do I need to apply?

Family day carers attached to a scheme

Family day carers who are attached to a scheme can commence providing regulated child-related services to children and young people once they have submitted their application with the Commission as long as all adult members of the household hold a valid blue card.

This means that a family day care service can only be provided by a carer attached to a family day care scheme if:

• the carer has submitted their blue card or exemption card application, and
• all adult members of the home where the care is to be provided hold valid blue cards or exemption cards (in the case of registered teachers and police officers).

Independent family day care providers who are not attached to a scheme

Independent family day care providers who are not affiliated to a scheme can only commence providing regulated child-related services to children and young people after they hold a valid blue card, as long as all adult members of the household hold a valid blue card.

This means that a family day care service can only be provided by an independent carer if:

• the carer holds a valid blue card or exemption card, and
• all adult members of the home where the care is to be provided hold valid blue cards or exemption cards (in the case of registered teachers and police officers).

When should I renew my blue card?

• Family day carers attached to a scheme may continue their family day care service as long as they submit a renewal form before their blue card expires as long as all adult members of the household have a valid blue card or exemption card.
• Independent family day carers and adult members of the household where family day care being provided must submit a completed renewal form at least 30 days before their blue card's expiry date.

  If they do submit their renewal application within this time frame, the family day care service can continue even after their blue card expires and while the Commission is processing their renewal.

  If they do not submit their renewal within this time frame, the family day care service can continue as long as their blue cards remain valid however if the blue card expires and their renewal application has not been finalised, the service must not continue until a new blue card is issued.

The Commission will send a renewal application to all blue card holders 16 weeks prior to the expiry of their current card. You must advise the Commission of any change to your postal address.

For more information about the renewal process and to access the appropriate forms, please click here.

Please note, exemption cards have no expiry date and remain valid as long as the person is a registered teacher or police officer.

Last updated: 24 June, 2012

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