The largest early learning and care provider in Victoria, Goodstart Early Learning, says today’s announcement by the Federal Government will allow its centres to stay open for the children of eligible families during Level 4 restrictions.
“With 130 centres impacted by the Level 4 restrictions in Melbourne, Minister Tehan’s announcement of additional support for families, educators and centres is very welcome,” CEO Julia Davison said.
“Put simply the additional support will ensure we keep our doors open for the families of health care workers and other essential workers during the lock-down, keep our educators employed and our centres ready to welcome children back when the restrictions can be lifted” she said.
“This will also be particularly important for the children of vulnerable and disadvantaged families who are struggling at the time.
“By granting families an additional 30 days of absences under the Child Care Subsidy, Minister Tehan is effectively allowing families to keep their children at home for free during the current crisis.
“We will be asking all of our families to show their support for the educators and teachers by keeping their bookings in place, even if their children cannot attend at this time,” Ms Davison said.
Goodstart remains focused on children, families and the Victorian Goodstart team:
“I want to pay tribute to all early childhood educators across Victoria and our 4,600 Goodstart educators who have kept turning up to work and providing quality learning and care for the children of essential workers,” she said.
“I also want to thank our 18,000 Victorian families for their ongoing support. We know these are difficult times and Goodstart will continue to do all we can to support you.”
“Finally, we acknowledge the on-going dialogue with the Federal Minister Dan Tehan and State Minister James Merlino. Together they are helping to ensure that that the ECEC sector in Victoria gets the support it needs to keep supporting children and families.”
Rachel Espiner, Media Relations Manager on 0429 553 103 or media@goodstart.org.au
Goodstart Early Learning is Australia’s largest early learning provider with 665 centres throughout the country. The not-for-profit social enterprise exists purely to improve the lives of Australia’s children and their families. For more information, visit goodstart.org.au.
“With 130 centres impacted by the Level 4 restrictions in Melbourne, Minister Tehan’s announcement of additional support for families, educators and centres is very welcome,” CEO Julia Davison said.
“Put simply the additional support will ensure we keep our doors open for the families of health care workers and other essential workers during the lock-down, keep our educators employed and our centres ready to welcome children back when the restrictions can be lifted” she said.
“This will also be particularly important for the children of vulnerable and disadvantaged families who are struggling at the time.
“By granting families an additional 30 days of absences under the Child Care Subsidy, Minister Tehan is effectively allowing families to keep their children at home for free during the current crisis.
“We will be asking all of our families to show their support for the educators and teachers by keeping their bookings in place, even if their children cannot attend at this time,” Ms Davison said.
Goodstart remains focused on children, families and the Victorian Goodstart team:
- No gap fees will be charged in Victoria during this period
- Our enhanced safety and hygiene protocols continue to enhance the safety of all children, adults and Goodstarters in our Victorian centres
- Children who cannot attend our centres will still be able to continue their learning and development by using our Goodstart@Home resources
- We will stay in close contact with families who need additional support
“I want to pay tribute to all early childhood educators across Victoria and our 4,600 Goodstart educators who have kept turning up to work and providing quality learning and care for the children of essential workers,” she said.
“I also want to thank our 18,000 Victorian families for their ongoing support. We know these are difficult times and Goodstart will continue to do all we can to support you.”
“Finally, we acknowledge the on-going dialogue with the Federal Minister Dan Tehan and State Minister James Merlino. Together they are helping to ensure that that the ECEC sector in Victoria gets the support it needs to keep supporting children and families.”