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 10 weeks each (in line with ACT government school terms), and four school holiday fortnights.
The German Australian Playschool offers a Monday & Tuesday immersion class and a Thursday & Friday bilingual class. Children can enrol in one or both of these classes. We also offer one day enrolments subject to availability.
Our daily program runs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week.
German Australian Playschool (GAP) Fees
GAP charges much lower fees per day than other day care services in the inner north of Canberra and we provide higher staff ratios than those other centres.
- German Australian Playschool program fees are $14.65/hour or $91.56/day, for Term 3 and Term 4 of 2023 (fees shown are before the childcare subsidy is applied). This fee is for our classes from 9:30am to 3:30pm each day;
- Spiel und Sprechen program fees are $30/session (7:45am to 9:15am), $30/session (3:30pm to 5:00pm) or $40/session (3:30pm to 5:30pm).
- Families can choose which day/session best fits their needs (subject to availability).
Childcare subsidy
The vast majority of our 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, most other childcare centres (that provide long daycare) 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 installments, 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 inquire 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 reduced rate of $36/day.
School holidays
During school holidays, GAP operates on reduced days with limited staff and a “lite” program, to provide care for those 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.
Can I swap or add sessions?
Your child needs to be eligible to enrol in the session you want to swap to or add. Please let us know as soon as possible if you wish to swap or add sessions, as there are children on the waiting list eager for a place; plus it may take time to juggle these requests.
Can I add a one-off session on a day that my child doesn’t usually attend?
You can ring the GAP Mobile on 0481 590 656 to see if there is a spot available that day for your child (provided she/he is already enrolled, and meets the fluency requirements for the session you are adding for a day). If we can accommodate your request, we will. You pay for the extra session on a pro-rata rate.
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.