Expressions of interest open for Edenhope childcare from 21st February
Published on 16 February 2022
West Wimmera families planning to use a new childcare service at Edenhope will be able to register their interest to enrol their children from next Monday 21st of February.
West Wimmera Shire Council has proposed a pilot childcare service at Edenhope, which will be integrated with the existing kindergarten program.
To help determine the viability of the proposed program, Council needs families to confirm their desire to use the service and reserve their place. Online enrolment will be able to be submitted from Monday 21st February.
Information about the service model and frequently asked questions are now available on Council’s website so families can plan their preferred times and get prepared to submit the EOI form from 21 February.
At the time enrolments are submitted a $100 deposit will also be required to reserve places, which will be deducted from fees in the first week of care. The deposit will be returned if the places requested are not available.
Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said families should lodge their expressions of interest as soon as possible after the 21st February.
“We are asking families to nominate specific days they wish to enrol their children for childcare,” he said.
The proposed childcare service will run from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Thursday.
Kindergarten will continue to run from 8:30am to 4pm, 40 weeks of the year, and existing kindergarten enrolments will not be affected by adding the childcare component.
There are also options for care both before and after kindergarten, plus in the school holidays.
“For three and four-year-old children, the childcare will supplement their existing two days per week enrolment in the kindergarten program,” Mr Bezuidenhout said.
“Families can simply opt to add up to two days of childcare at the Edenhope Early Learning Centre.
“For children aged up to two years, enrolments will be available for up to four days a week.”
The centre will consist of two rooms, operating at the same time.
One room, for children over three years old, will accommodate up to 33 children on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and 11 children on Monday.
The second room is for children under three years, and there will be eight places available on each day.
Mr Bezuidenhout said it was fantastic to see the Edenhope childcare proposal moving forward.
“This will allow Council to then formally approve the pilot and allow us to finalise staffing and other necessary details to start this exciting initiative.”
Subject to confirmation of demand and providing all approvals have been met, Council will start the pilot service in Edenhope from 26 April, 2022, which is the start of term two.