SADLY, The Greater Shepparton Family Day Care service which has provided innumerable children and their families with quality, in-home options for care will be discontinued by Council from September 30, 2023.
Family Day Care is a service where children are cared for and educated in the homes of registered educators. Despite several efforts to attract new educators, Council has experienced a significant decline in their numbers over the past years.
This decline has made it increasingly challenging for Council to maintain the necessary support team and infrastructure required to comply with the National Education and Care Services Law and associated regulations. Consequently, Council has determined that it is no longer financially viable to continue operating the Family Day Care service.
Council is actively collaborating with educators to facilitate their transition to alternative providers, wherever possible. Council has also ensured that all families and educators are aware of this decision. Louise Mitchell, the Director of Community, acknowledged the difficulty of exiting the service but emphasised its necessity. Council is committed to assisting educators and families during this transition and prioritising the uninterrupted education and care of the children.
Over the course of the next three months, leading up to September 30, 2023, Council staff will be available to provide support to families and educators as they transition to new arrangements. The aim is to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition for all parties involved.
