Howard Government enhances support for the Child Care Industry

Child care providers will, for the first time receive more comprehensive assistance, following the selection of preferred providers as Professional Support Coordinators.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today announced the organisations, which will work with eligible child care services and inclusion support agencies, giving them one contact point in each state and territory.

“The industry will benefit greatly as administration and service delivery in the child care sector will be streamlined, sharing of resources will be fostered and there will be new and innovative approaches to professional support in the child care sector,” Senator Patterson said.

“The services selected to undertake the coordinator role have clearly demonstrated their capability to provide and maintain high quality care and inclusion for the child care sector throughout Australia.

The Australian Government’s $75 million Professional Support and Inclusion Program represents a more efficient and coordinated approach to the delivery of professional support, and inclusion program, which supports children with additional needs.

“The importance of inclusion and professional support was reaffirmed by the Child Care Support Broadband Review, which involved extensive consultation with the child care sector.

“The review found considerable scope for improvement in sector including, the need for national principles, access for all services, more consistent quality, and greater efficiency by streamlining service provider administration and reducing duplication.

“The Howard Government is committed to assisting child care services to provide the best quality care for all children through the Inclusion and Professional Support Program,” Senator Patterson said.

A list of preferred organisations is attached (NT is yet to be finalised)

Attachment A