Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced details of the second step on the COVID-19 recovery roadmap.
For Melbourne, this includes the re-opening of child care centres for all children as of Monday 28th September, 2020.
Key points for child care centres:
- Child care centres in Melbourne will be open for all children on Monday 28th September 2020, not just for essential workers.
- No permits will be required.
- The 5km rule no longer applies.
The Department of Education and Training shared some information for parents about the return to child care.
‘It is very important that children are able to attend on-site as soon as possible, in line with the easing of restrictions. Having your child attending in person is the best way to support their wellbeing, learning and development.’
There may be families that feel anxious about the return to child care. The advice ‘is that ECEC services are low-risk environments, and they can operate with appropriate health and safety measures in place – unless otherwise instructed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Restrictions on early childhood services were put in place to reduce the number of people moving around the community, not because services are unsafe places for children or staff.’
This is great news for child care centres, who have been only able to offer care for the children of essential workers. Primary and secondary schools will be open from the beginning of term 4.
Niño Early Learning Adventures have 15 child care centres in Melbourne. Company Manager, Melinda Ackerman, says 'Niño Early Learning Adventures is thrilled to be able to provide services again for all families. Having the children attend in person is the best way to support their wellbeing, learning and development. We look forward to continuing to provide the care and education to inspire them to reach their full learning potential.'
If you need to find child care for your little one, simply use your postcode in the search bar at the top of the page.
Watch the clip from Channel Nine News with Toddle's own Ash Sachdev commenting on the increased numbers of families searching for child care on Toddle here.
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