Trends in Applications for Childcare Viability and Special Circumstances Funding

Question

Senator HODGINS-MAY: Thank you. That's helpful. Is there a contingency for when it's not a big provider? Maybe it's an area that's really underserviced and a centre is struggling and is going to close. Is there contingency or any flexibility to prop up a centre and stop it from closing in those circumstances? Ms Crane: We might just get the appropriate officer to the table to talk about the Community Child Care Fund special circumstances component, because that goes to exactly what you're talking about, particularly in areas where there is not an alternative option. Ms Winslow: We do have, as part of our Community Child Care Fund program, a particular grant that is specifically for services that do have unforeseen circumstances or events generating a circumstance where they may experience financial viability concerns. They are able to apply for special circumstances grants. That's an appropriation of about $4 million a year that's set aside for that. Senator HODGINS-MAY: How much? Four million? Ms Winslow: A year, yes. Senator HODGINS-MAY: Thank you. Are there any trends for this grant that you can share on notice, perhaps? Have applications increased over time, or are they remaining steady, or- Ms Winslow: I would have to take the detail of that on notice. I would also mention that the Community Child Care Fund restricted grant also supports services, particularly in regional and remote areas where they may face operational or viability concerns with their operational costs.

Answer

Please see the attached PDF.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• SQ26-000703.pdf (opens in a new tab)