Long Day Care
Long Day Care Services are generally open for at least 10 hours per day, five days per week (Monday - Friday). They take children from 6 weeks to 6 years old in a centre based environment. Due to increased demand, some centres, are open 7 days per week or operate 24 hours per day.
Long Day Care Centres are licensed by the Department of Community Services under the Children's Services Regulation 2004 as a centre based children's service. They are also accredited by the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC).
One staff member must be, at all times, present on the premises with approved First Aid training. The numbers of trained and qualified staff can fluctuate depending on the size and enrollment numbers of the service.
Ratios are set for staffing levels according to the number and age of children in care:
- 1 staff member for every 5 children aged birth to two years.
- 1 staff member for every 8 children aged between two and three years.
- 1 staff member for every 10 children aged between three to six years.
Some Long Day Care Services remain open for 52 weeks per year with others closing between 1 - 4 weeks over the Christmas break.
Child Care Benefit is available for this children's service with eligibility depending on the families income level.
