Are you wondering how to apply for Creative Kids Voucher? The NSW Creative Kids Vouchers is an initiative of the NSW Government to give school children (aged 4.5 to 18 years old) a $100 voucher which can be used with a registered activity provider in tuition, participation of creative arts activities, speech, dance, drama, coding, digital design, and music lessons. Vouchers are only valid on the same calendar year they were issued. The whole idea of NSW Creative Kids Vouchers is to get children involved in creative and cultural activities. To encourage them to learn new skills and find their passion.

 

Eligibility Criteria For Creative Kids Vouchers.

To qualify for the creative kids vouchers, Here are the terms that should be met;

If you are a parent or a guardian, the child can qualify if;

• They are NSW resident
• Aged between 4.5 and 18 years old
• Enrolled in school (from Kindergarten to Year 12, including those who are home schooled or enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW)
• Are a current Medicare card-holder.

 

Requirements to apply for a creative kids vouchers

• Have a MyService NSW account
• Child’s Medicare card details
• An identity document

 

The application process

You start by registering on MyService NSW and following the prompt to apply for the voucher. To use the voucher, you need to register with a  registered creative activity provider. During payment providers will request the name of the child, date of birth, and creative kids voucher number.

 

It’s important to remember that the creative kids’ voucher can;

• Only be used by the person named on the voucher
• Only be used within the same calendar year it is issued
• The creative kid’s voucher can be used once.
• Be used for registration or membership fees with an approved creative kids provider

 

What are the eligible activities for the creative kids vouchers?

Eligible activities include:

Visual arts, creative industry, linguistics/literature, performance arts, and cultural programs.

These are activities that are provided as part of a structured and focused program with clear creative skills development outcomes. 

The main goal is for kids to learn or take part in a specific creative or cultural activity and is relevant to the age and skill level of participants.

However, some activities such as school-run competitions, concerts, after-school services with no structured creative arts program, and membership that does not include creative art programs are excluded. 

 

Other ineligible activities are;

• Aerobic dance
• Gymnastics
• Games and gaming (such as board games, chess, digital games)
• Gardening
• Pole dancing
• Martial arts
• Cookery classes

 

The Kidz Jigz Workshop

This is an online kids puzzle workshop that can be done individually or as a team at any time of day. The creative kids voucher can be used to pay for this workshop.

This kids puzzle workshop is designed to encourage kids to create their custom Kids puzzles through steps of planning, design, and creation.

Participants enjoy creative imagination of their artwork, transform that artwork into a website canvas, design the puzzle image and then construct the final puzzle.

The program takes about two weeks but may take longer due to the child’s age, size of the puzzle and the participant skillset.

 

The Creative Activities in This Program.

There are two creative activities in this program

• Visual arts -Concept development sketching, drawing, photography, painting, screen art, design, and craft.
• Creative Industries– Game design and graphic design.

The workshop has two different programs with each program worth $100.

These options are;

 Option 1 – 2 x Small to medium size puzzles.

 Option 2 – 1 x Large puzzle.

The program is divided into two weeks 

 

WEEK ONE – Planning and Design (Review and select a package option)

• First, evaluate the age of the participant/s completing the final puzzle.
• Once the age is determined select an appropriate personalised puzzle package. The options are based on the participants’ age and the participants involved. All workshop options include 2 personalised jigsaw puzzles and shipment. When deciding on the puzzle design, students are to think about the below questions:

 

General concept design questions

• What materials could you use to create a piece of artwork? For example paper, paint, drawing, glitter, clay, or playdough.
• What photos can you take to create a design image? For example your pets, family members, or favorite places.
• How many pictures would you like to use? If you have more than one image you can be super creative and create a collage.
• Would you like to place text on the puzzle? If so, what text would you like to use?

 

Advanced concept design questions

• What creative elements/material have you used to design your puzzle image?
• Looking at the colors and objects in your design, what will be the hardest part of the puzzle to construct?
• Who will you be constructing the puzzle with?
• If you can’t locate where a puzzle piece fits into the puzzle what problem-solving techniques will you use to resolve this problem?

 

Take a Photo

After you have thought about the above questions take a photo of your artwork, design, objects, or scenery. Remember if you select option 1 you will need to create 2 designs, one per puzzle.

 

Upload Photo

Upload your photo on www.kidzjigz.com.au website after selecting the package.

 

WEEK TWO – Creating the Puzzle

You will receive the puzzle in the mail about 5-10 business days after you have placed your order. Your design will be printed on the lid of the box and the actual puzzle. Open the package and start creating your very own masterpiece! Use the picture on the lid of the box as a guide. Remember you can create the kids puzzles individually or as a team.

 

Benefits of Solving Kids Puzzles

1. Help increase concentration
2. Improves color recognition
3. Improves shape recognition
4. Your child becomes aware of the surroundings (spatial awareness)
5. Increased motor ability
6. Improve problem-solving skills
7. Improved hand-eye coordination
8. Helps improve memory
9. Boost self-esteem
10. Helps to improve social skills

 

Conclusion

Creative Kids Vouchers provide a wonderful opportunity for kids to get creative! Solving kids puzzles can help a child improve their motor skills, problem-solving skills, increase their self-esteem, and so much more.  The benefits of puzzles for children’s development are numerous. This educational toy is important for kids to learn cognitive, physical, and emotional skills, which will support them later on in life as they grow up.