MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has decided to stop providing family day care on the peninsula and in the Frankston area.
The shire says “a steady decline in the service” has over the past five years coincided with the rising number of family day care providers in the market.
Families using the “home away from home” service have been given 12 weeks to find alternative care for their children.
“We are confident these [alternate] services will provide a varied choice for all educators when selecting a new provider to transfer to with little to no disruption to them or the families and the children they care for,” said an unattributed statement issued last Thursday by the shire.
“All our educators and families have been notified and we are committed to supporting each educator to find a preferred provider to ensure a smooth transition for themselves and their families over a period of 12 weeks.”
The shire it was “working on redeployment options” for its two children services officers.
Late last week the shire’s website was still advertising its family day care services which “is exceeding the national quality standards”.
The service provided “high quality home-based education and care option that is flexible and affordable”.
Eligible families could claim government child care subsidies “to reduce the cost of care”.
“Care is provided in the homes of our licensed educators and is designed to meet the needs of children and families,” the website stated.
It said the shire was “committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of children”.
“We can provide you with a home away from home child care environment in a family home where children celebrate the magic of childhood in a quality education and care setting.”
Day care could be arranged “24 hours a day, 7 days a week; including full-time, part time, casual, occasional care, weekend and overnight care, respite care, emergency care, before and after school care and school holiday care”.
Transport could also be arranged to and from pre-school and school.
“Our educators [who were given ongoing training and support] can provide your children with real community experiences by attending local library, music and play sessions.”
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 6 April 2021
