| Best Practice Business |
Changes at the Top
New Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth |
 In a ministerial reshuffle, the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced that Kate Ellis, the Federal Member for Adelaide, has been appointed Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth.
Mr Rudd said the creation of the new ministry "reflects the importance the Australian Government places on these policy challenges".
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations retains responsibility for implementing policy, programs and all operational matters for the new ministry.
Ms Ellis is 31 and previously held the youth portfolio she will continue as Sports Minster.
Ms Ellis said in The Australian that she was "absolutely thrilled" to take on the additional responsibility.
"Obviously child care is such a central need for so many families across Australia, that making sure we've got the best solutions in place is really important," she said.
The new position is a promotion and illustrates the Rudd Government's continued faith in Ms Ellis who made history in 2004 as the youngest woman ever elected to the Australian House of Representatives, after winning the seat of Adelaide.
"I'm very satisfied, and looking forward to being challenged by these new portfolios, and hopefully repaying the faith that has been put in me," she said.
Maxine McKew previously held the position of parliamentary secretary for early childhood education and child care and will take on the newly created role of parliamentary secretary for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government.
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CCB & CCTR Increases
Important changes from July 1 |
 From 1 July Child Care Benefit (CCB) rates and income thresholds change in accordance with changes to the Consumer Price Index. The maximum amount of Child Care Tax Rebate (CCTR) will also increase.
The maximum rate of CCB for one child using full-time approved child care will increase by $6.50 per week to $180, while the maximum amount of CCTR will increase from $7500 to $7778 per child per year.
Click here to read the Government fact sheet which provides all the details about the changes.
It is also worth noting that a Bill currently before Parliament will change the name of the Child Care Tax Rebate to the Child Care Rebate.
The Government says that this change recognises the fact that the rebate is no longer a tax offset under Taxation Legislation but a benefit paid to families to assist with child care costs under Family Assistance Law.
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Child Care Guide Australia
Unique opportunity to market your service |
 Most Australian child care services haven't got bucket loads of spare cash for advertising but would directly benefit from the expenditure.
This month CareforKids.com.au is proud to offer our loyal base of child care service providers a unique opportunity to advertise in the Child Care Guide Australia.
Last year CareforKids.com.au launched Child Care Guide's for Sydney & Melbourne, Australia's first and only complete reference for parents looking for child care.
The guides have become an essential tool kit for parents looking for child care by providing:
- Detailed information on the types of child care available
- Advice on returning to work
- Vital information on financial assistance and child care subsidies
- Tips for ensuring parents secure the best possible child care
- Easy to understand information on Government policy relating to child care
- How to keep children healthy in care
- Advice and accounts from other parents
Based on market feedback we are now planning an enhanced and expanded national version to be called Child Care Guide Australia.
We have a limited number of advertising spots available in the Child Care Guide and are offering service providers the reduced rate of $300 per quarter page ad (the usual rate is $500).
We are taking pre-orders now, so to secure your spot or get more information call us on (02)9235 2807 or email enquiries@careforkids.com.au.
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New & Improved Search Features
Vacation Care & Quick Search options
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 At CareforKids.com.au we're constantly looking for ways to enhance our service based on feedback from parents and the industry.
In response to recent comments we've launched a couple of new features which will hopefully improve functionality and user experience.
Vacation care
Formerly vacation care was bundled under before/after school care. We have now separated out vacation care so that parents seeking child care during school holidays can more easily access the information.
If your service runs a vacation care program it is very important to keep your details up-to-date so you can maximize your chances of filling any vacancies. So log on today and update your information or give us a call and we can do it for you.
Quick search
Vacancy Super Search already provides parents with a two click solution to solving their child care woes.
We have now extended this service with a Quick Search option which creates a better user experience by increasing the overall usability of the site.
Go to CareforKids.com.au to check out the latest changes and don't forget to let us know if you have any ideas for improvement.
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Google Child Care Gadget
Google announces CareforKids.com.au gadget |
 Google has announced the release in Australia of an updated version of iGoogle, Google's personalised homepage.
The announcement showcased new gadgets developed in collaboration with CareforKids.com.au and News Limited.
The new CareforKids.com.au gadget enables parents to use their personal Google homepage (iGoogle) to source child care in their local area.
Gadgets are mini applications that users can arrange on their iGoogle page making it easy for people to create a page that reflects their individual needs and interests.
Head of Products for Google Australia, Rohit Dhawan, said iGoogle has been one of the fastest growing products in the last two years and continues to increase in popularity.
'Hundreds of thousands of Australians are accessing quality content from around the web directly from their iGoogle page,' said Rohit.
» Read the full article…
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| Child Care People |
Interview
April Lorrie - April's Angels Family Day Care QLD
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 Child care professionals share a commitment to improving society by creating dynamic and nurturing care environments for Australia's youngest learners.
Read this month's Child Care Person in the spotlight April Lorrie from April's Angels Family Day Care in Queensland
» Read the interview…
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| Children & Child Care
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Foreign Language Immersion
In a Child Care Setting
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 In an innovative new program designed to expose children to a wide variety of learning experiences a group of two and three year olds in a child care centre in Brisbane's inner north are starting to speak basic French.
The Lyndhurst Early Learning Centre in Clayfield, has teamed up with AlphaTykes foreign language schools to offer Brisbane's first ever foreign language immersion program in a child care setting.
The play based French lessons occur twice a week and are designed to mimic the natural stages a child goes through when learning to talk, in line with this the children cover counting, family and animals.
To reinforce the formal language lessons centre staff incorporate French songs, rhymes and games into the children's daily activities and art works and displays in the rooms are labelled in both French and English.
» Read the article…
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Preventing Colds and 'Flu
Are you and your staff doing all you can…
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 It's the middle of winter and colds and 'flu are at their peak. Most children, whether in care or not, sport a runny nose at this time of year and most child carers spend the whole day with a tissue in hand ready to catch the never ending drips.
While child care centres will never be able to eradicate colds and ‘flu completely there are a number of steps you can take to reduce their spread. Use our article as a refresher to make sure you and your staff are doing all you can to keep the dreaded lurgies at bay.
» Read the article…
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Update on Swine Flu for Child Care Services
Check the latest policies in your state |
 As you will be aware there are more and more confirmed cases of swine flu being reported everyday. In response to this, the Government is recommending that children in child care and kindergarten travelling back from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Panama and Victoria remain at home for seven days after their return.
For the latest information on the policies in your state concerning the child care industry
» Read the article…
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