More child care places for Victorian families

Federal Community Services Minister, Larry Anthony today announced funding exceeding $500,000 to provide an extra 1800 child care places for school-age children in Victoria.

Mr Anthony said the funding, through the Federal Government’s National Growth Strategy for children aged five to12 years, would be shared between 64 child care services across the state.

“This package, in addition to previous announcements totals in excess of $11 million committed by the Federal Government to Victoria’s outside school hours care services this financial year,” Mr Anthony said.

“Over $300,000 in Childcare Assistance will also be paid to eligible Victorian families using these new places and the Childcare Rebate will further help in meeting the costs of formal care.

“Improving access to high quality child care is a priority for the Government and now many parents will receive Childcare Assistance for the first time using these services.”

Over 41,380 Victorian children aged five to 12 years are currently enrolled in Commonwealth-funded vacation care and before and after-school care programs.

These programs are specifically designed for school-age children and include a range of educational and recreational activities including sport, craft and music in a supervised and safe environment.

Mr Anthony said it was essential that working families were able to access subsidised child care when schools were not operating so parents had more choice in balancing the demands of work and family.

“The Government’s child care program promotes equal access for all families to the child care service which best suits their individual needs.”

“There is a high demand for school-age care in both metropolitan and rural areas. Seven rural services have been funded as part of this Government’s priority to increase and improve access to high quality care for rural families.”

“This funding demonstrates the Federal Government’s on-going commitment to providing affordable, quality and accessible child care services to Victorian families.”

Families who need information about child care should call the Commonwealth Government’s national Child Care Hotline on 1800 670 305.