FAQ

1. What equipment will I need to use the software?
Each child care centre will need a standard computer set up and an internet connection to use the Child Care Central software.

2. What are the system requirements?

Any computer with a reasonable internet connection such as dial-up, satellite or broadband (preferred) will allow your centre to run the software successfully. The computer must also have a web browser installed such as Internet Explorer, Firefox or Opera. Flash 9 is also required to run the application. This is an add on component to your web browser and can be downloaded for free from www.adobe.com

Minimum Hardware/Software Requirements

• Intel Pentium III 1.5MHz or faster processor
• 512MB of RAM or more
• Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, Firefox 1.x, Firefox 2.x, Mozilla 1.x or later,
• Netscape 7.x or later, AOL 9, Opera 7.11 or later
• Operating system: Win 98, 2000, ME, server 2003, XP or Vista / Mac OS X v.10.1.x, 10.2.x, 10.3.x, or 10.4.x
• Recommended minimum resolution: 1024X768
• Adobe® Flash® Player 9

3. I have more than one service. Do I have to purchase a separate Child Care Central subscription for each service?
When a service subscribes to Child Care Central, they receive a license to use the application for one of each of the approved service types (ASC, BSC, LDC, OCC and VAC) provided they all operate from the same location.

For example Blacktown Council may be the organisation responsible for 3 different types of child care (LDC, BSC, ASC), all at the same address. In this case these 3 services sit under the one organisation - same name/location/ABN. In this case there would be 1 CCMS User ID, 1 CCMS Password and 3 CCB Approval IDs and Payee IDs. Only one Child Care Central subscription is required.

However, if one of these services has a different name/location or ABN then it would be considered a separate service and different individual CCMS User IDs and Passwords would apply. Two Child Care Central subscriptions will be required.

Where the services trade under different names or have applied for and been approved under different names they are entered as different or separate organisation records and each will again have its own CCMS User ID and password, CCB Approval ID and Payee ID. Multiple Child Care Central subscriptions will again be required.

4. Is the software CCMS compliant?
Child Care Central is purpose built for the CCMS legislation and has been a FaCSIA registered software for CCMS as at 15th October 2007.

5. Do I have to be in the centre to access and use the application?
No. One of the key features of the software is that it is web based. It can therefore be accessed securely anywhere, anytime with a valid username and password.

6. Can I give access to my staff off site?
Yes. Our web based solution means staff can access the software from just about anywhere to review their schedules, run reports, generate invoicing etc 24/7 from anywhere in the world!

7. Do I need to back up my files?

No. The software is a web based solution and all data is securely hosted by Care Central Solutions as well as its certified host company. The quality management practices of both organisations require backups to be performed on a daily basis at regular intervals – minimum six data backups per day.

8. How much will it cost for maintenance subscription and/or technical support?

Our aim is to always be competitive in both price and product whilst remaining at the forefront of the industry. For this reason we do not ask you to make any lump sum payments or initial investments. Subscribing to our software means you simply pay by the month (per site) for as long as you require our service, inclusive of any maintenance, upgrade or online technical support costs. That’s our service to you.  Note: You can also make a one-off yearly payment for a reduced fee.

9. How/when do I get the software updates and what will it cost?
Once you subscribe online to our software you will be entitled to all updates and new releases as and when they become available. Because the software is web based, updates and version upgrades to the software are administered by Care Central Solutions. You will off course be notified of any software upgrades or releases well in advance and be provided with all the training tools and materials so that there is no disruption to your day to day business.

10. How will I be billed on a monthly basis?

Initial payment is required immediately on subscription. Subsequent monthly or yearly payments are required within the payment terms (7 and 30 days respectively) each time an invoice is issued to your service. Payment can be made via PayPal, credit card, EFT, cheque or money order to Care Central Solutions.

11. Can I pay my account on a yearly basis?
Yes. Service providers may opt to pay their software fees up to one year in advance for a reduced fee of $880.

12. Can I use the FaCSIA transition payment to buy the Child Care Central software?

The Transition Payment (of $1000) is financial assistance for child care services to help with heir move to the new CCMS. The payment is a contribution to the costs that services may incur as part of the introduction of the changes. This assistance will help services acquire or upgrade their hardware and/or software to meet CCMS requirements – the requirements being a computer, a child care management software package registered with FaCSIA for CCMS, and an internet connection (Dial-up, broadband or satellite).

Additional funding (of up to $2100) is also available to assist services above the initial Transition Payment in line with specific guidelines. Additional assistance may help with the purchase of a new software (up to $800), computer (up to $1000), and internet connection (up to $300) among others. For more information please refer to the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA).

13. By purchasing the software will I have access to all modules?
Absolutely! The software only attracts one all inclusive monthly fee per site and gives access to the complete array of features and functionalities across all modules.

14. When can I start using Child Care Central?
Child Care Central will be available to the public when CCMS is phased in to the industry starting January 2008.

15. What makes Child Care Central better than any other software?
Child Care Central is the next generation child care management system! It is a web based hosted solution and is the only one of its kind in the industry. It integrates seamlessly and effortlessly with FaCSIA’s Child Care Management System (CCMS) taking the pain out of CCB calculation and administration. Child Care Central takes the load out of managing the service so that you can focus on what you do best - caring for the children.

16. Will my data be safe and secure on the internet?
Child Care Central is constantly reviewed to ensure integrity, availability and security. Dedicated system support and security staff monitor internet threats and regularly test the service to ensure it remains secure. When you login, the first page will show the date and time of your last login.