The Castlemaine Childcare Co-operative board has confirmed that it has resolved to explore the potential closure of the long-running Mount Alexander Shire Family Day Care Service due to a funding shortfall.
The move follows an unsuccessful Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) federal government grant application that had been bridging a long-standing structural funding gap.
Castlemaine Childcare Co-operator chair Lucas McGauran said no decision has been made at this stage.
“This is a proposal currently under genuine consultation with staff, not a confirmed decision.
“We’re very conscious of the impact this uncertainty has on local families, and we want to be clear on exactly what’s happening: our service provides administration, compliance and educational support to nine Family Day Carers, who are independent sub-contractors providing wonderful in-home care to around 100 families across Mt Alexander and Greater Bendigo Shires.
“If the service does close, our educators will be provided with comprehensive administrative support to assist them to transfer to a new provider, as well as a cash incentive to encourage them to do so. Beyond that, it is a decision for each educator as to whether they will continue to provide care in 2027.
“Families and educators will be informed directly and promptly of any Board decision.”