Long Day Care centres mainly cater for children aged 0-5 whose parents work. They open at least 8 hours per day, 49 weeks of the year. Care can be part time or full-time and children may stay for shorter periods though, there are usually minimum hours of attendance per day. A varied educational program is provided as in pre schools. In practice very few centres cater for 0-2 year olds and it may be difficult to find a place for a child who is under 3. Parents are always advised to put their child’s name on a number of waiting lists as early as possible. Centres may be non profit making and run by a community organisation or Council, or may be privately run.
Pre-Schools and Kindergartens are usually open between 9.00am and 3.00pm during school terms only. Care for 3-5 year olds is provided on a sessional basis either as a morning or afternoon session or a full day, with some centres offering both. In Waverley, pre-schools offering a shorter day program are government subsidised, fees are based on a means test.
Family Day Care is a government funded and licensed service. Children are cared for in small groups of up to 5 children in the carers own home. Carers are available in a variety of locations, contact your local Family Day Care service for more information. Flexible arrangements are possible ie:full day care, part-time (carers charge for a minimum of 7 hours per day), before and after school care and limited emergency care. All carers are registered and the service provides supervision and support for them through Child Development Officers who visit regularly. The scheme also provides fortnightly play sessions, monthly relief and twice weekly drop in sessions for carers.
Occasional Care is provided for short periods of time on an occasional or emergency basis. At some centres this may be limited to a session or a few hours per week. Parents may be able to use this type of care on a regular basis and for whole days. It is ideal for shopping or appointments or for providing a necessary break.
Private Home Based Carers are licensed by the Department of Community Services (State Government) to care for up to 5 children in their own homes. Phone the Department on 9245 1666 to check current licenses. In the Waverley area there are 15 such carers in a variety of locations. Most cater for under 3’s. Hours vary, as do fees. Childcare Benefit is not available.
Waverley Council provides direct services to children and families through 3 Long Day Care services, a Family Day Care service and a Child Care Support Unit.
Council also subsidises a number of community based children’s services. Assistance with identifying local needs and planning new services is available from Community Workers. Information is provided on child care and community services.
Waverley
Council Community Services
Ph: 9386 7999
1st
Floor, 31 - 33 Spring Street,
Bondi Junction 2022
PLEASE
REFER TO THE ‘KID’S DIRECTORY’ and ‘EXTRACT FROM MANAGEMENT
PLAN
( Pricing Policy ) 2004 – 2007’ UNDER PUBLICATIONS FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION
Last updated 06-Jul-2006