Increase in child care fees - has anyone heard anything???

[Indadhanu]

ages birth to 2yo: new ratio 1 to 4
2yo-3yo: new ratio 1 to 5
3yo+: new ratio 1 to 10 (or 11 I think)

I think the biggest changes are to under 3's, I don't know the old ratios but I don't think the 3+ age group ratios have changed much?

The qualification laws don't come in until 2012 but basically all need to be studying or qualified (I think thats the same as before?). Each centre must have at least one person studying a Early Childhood uni degree. To be a group leader a person must be studying or hold a diploma (I think before it was just holding a Cert III?). So it's going to mean more staff will have to get a Diploma for the center to have a qualified group leader in each room.

[luna moth]

Nearly there Leash!

ages birth to 2yo: new ratio 1 to 4
2yo-3yo: new ratio 1 to 5
3yo+: new ratio 1 to 10 (or 11 I think)

I think the biggest changes are to under 3's, I don't know the old ratios but I don't think the 3+ age group ratios have changed much?

The qualification laws don't come in until 2012 but basically all need to be studying or qualified (I think thats the same as before?). Each centre must have at least one person studying a Early Childhood uni degree. To be a group leader a person must be studying or hold a diploma (I think before it was just holding a Cert III?). So it's going to mean more staff will have to get a Diploma for the center to have a qualified group leader in each room.

Ratios were right, 1:4 for under 2s; 1:5 for 2-3s and 1:11 for 3-5s.
Previously these ratios varied from state to state. On Monday last week a decision was made to bring them all into line.
All staff working with children need to hold or be studying a Certificate III in Children's Services.
Group Leaders will need to hold or be studying a Diploma of Children's Services. This was already the case. Now, 50% of staff at the centre are expected to hold a diploma.
Every centre will need to have at least one staff member who holds or is studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Centres that are larger than 60 place may need to have two staff holding or studying the degree.

The changes don't come into effect until 2012. The added cost to childcare users is supposed to be less than $10 a week (and as Director of a non-profit, this sounds reasonable) but I wouldn't be surprised if some operators jacked the prices up by more in a grab to increase their profit margins. Some may start increasing now to cover training costs down the track (which is ridiculous as the Govt has so many incentives and subsidies for childcare qualifications)

What a win for Australia's children, is all I have to say.

ETA: No, there were no changes to FDC legislation, so FDC is unlikely to be affected.

[BrightSparkles]

N

ETA: No, there were no changes to FDC legislation, so FDC is unlikely to be affected.

Thanks hun! x
I wasn't sure and was taking this into consideration as to whether or not it was worth going back to wk next year