Visit the Spielwelt German Parents Association for more great children’s programs in German in Canberra 
Fees
Our weekly program
We operate 48 weeks per year. There are four terms of approximately 10 weeks each (in line with ACT government school terms), and four school holiday fortnights.
The German Australian Playschool offers a Monday-Tuesday class (and you can register your interest for a Thursday-Friday class in 2025).
German Australian Playschool (GAP) Fees
German Australian Playschool fees are paid by the term, but work out to $95.31/day (fees shown are before the childcare subsidy is applied).
| Term 4, 2024 | Mon 14 Oct – Tue 17 Dec 2024 | |
| Closed public holidays | n/a | |
| Open during school holidays | For children returning in 2025 only: 13/14 Jan and 20/21 Jan 2024 | $2,287.54 OR $1,906.20 for children not returning in 2025 |
| Term 1, 2025 | Mon 03 Feb to Tues 8 April 2025 | $2,380.56 |
| Closed public holidays | Mon 11 March Canberra Day | |
| Open during school holidays | Mon 15 and Tues 16 April 2025 Mon 22 and Tues 23 April 2025 | |
| Term 2, 2025 | Mon 29 Apr to Tues 1 July 2025 | $2,197.44 |
| Closed public holidays | Mon 02 June Reconciliation Day Mon 09 June King’s Birthday | |
| Open during school holidays | Mon 8 July and Tues 9 July 2025 Mon 15 July and Tues 16 July 2025 | |
| Term 3, 2025 | Tue 22 July to Tues 23 Sept 2025 | $2,287.54 |
| Closed public holidays | n/a | |
| Open during school holidays | Mon 30 Sept and Tues 1 Oct 2025 Tues 8 Oct 2025 | |
| Term 4, 2025 | Mon 13 Oct to Tues 16 Dec 2025 | $2,287.54 OR $1,906.20 for children not returning in 2026 |
| Closed public holidays | n/a | |
| Open during school holidays (for 2026 students only) | For children returning in 2026 only: 12/13 Jan and 19/20 Jan 2026 |
Fees correct as at 1 July 2024. Fees will next be updated along with the increase in the Child Care Subsidy from 1 July 2025.
Childcare subsidy
The vast majority of families are eligible for the federal government’s childcare subsidy, and so will only pay 50% or less, of the fee amounts listed below. More information about the childcare subsidy at German Australian Playschool (GAP) is here.
Did you know: With the German Australian Playschool (GAP) you don’t max out on your childcare subsidy hours. The Government provides you only 100 hours a fortnight (maximum). If you are enrolled full-time, some long-day childcare centres go over the maximum hours, requiring you to pay out of pocket.
How much do I need to pay?
If you know for sure that you will not qualify for the subsidy, then the full raw amount is due (and can be paid in two or three instalments, by negotiation with our amazing Finance Admin fairy on finance.admin@spielwelt.org.au).
If you gain agreement from us to pay in instalments, be aware that you must always be paid up in advance of your child’s attendance every week.
International visitors
International German-speaking visitors should enquire about our international visitor rates. If your family is coming to Canberra on a posting or other international stay, and your child’s primary language is German, we would love to accommodate you if we can. (If you are moving to Australia, then you are no longer counted as a visitor.)
When do I pay?
Term fees are due the last Friday of the previous term (or two weeks before your child starts).
Public holidays
We are closed for public holidays but must continue to pay our staff, rent and insurance. Public holidays are charged at the normal daily rate (sorry! We’ll make it up to you in child smiles!).
School holidays
During school holidays, GAP operates with minimum staff and a “lite” program, to provide care for those families who need it, while offering a break for those families and staff wishing to take holidays. To meet our costs, these days are included in the term fees regardless of attendance.
Excursions and incursions
The cost of excursions or incursions are charged to each family’s account on the day of the event. These costs usually range between $5 and $20 per term.
How do I pay?
Fees are payable by cheque, internet banking or direct deposit to:
- Spielwelt German Parents Association
- Our Westpac BSB: 032778
- Account: 276645 (this is the GAP term fee account – do not put fundraising money in here)
- Reference: GAPx child’s surname (where x is the number of the Term. For example GAP3 Schneemann is a payment for Term 3 for Oskar Schneemann).
*When paying your first term’s fees, remember to subtract $100 if you have already paid a deposit.
Fees must be paid in advance. If you have not paid your fees, you won’t be able to leave your child at the GAP without a parent/guardian.
If the fees are going to cause you hardship, please contact us on gap.director@spielwelt.org.au or finance.admin@spielwelt.org.au.
We’re going to miss some sessions. Can we pay less?
The Spielwelt Partial Payment policy has information on short and long absences due to emergencies, illnesses and holidays, and is your first reference. Please email our amazing Finance Admin fairy on finance.admin@spielwelt.org.au for more information or assistance in calculating your fees.
Running late at pick up time?
Late pick up fees are charged as follows:
- $20 after the first five minutes and up to 15 minutes.
- $20 for every additional fifteen minutes or part thereof.
If you are unavoidably detained and/or require one of your emergency contacts to pick-up your child, please phone the Playschool. Please add the GAP mobile 0481 590 656 to your phone contact list.
You can also organise with another GAP parent to sign your child out and look after your child until you arrive. Arrange this with the other parent in advance, add them to your enrolment form as an authorised pick up person, exchange mobile numbers with them, and avoid late pick up fees.