Child Care Industry News April 8th 2014 - CareforKids.com.au®
careforkids
Child Care Industry News
April 8, 2014
Welcome, this week well known ECEC commentator Liam McNicholas shares his views on how flexibility should apply to the provision of care and education services for families. Plus some Easter craft ideas to help you dress the walls of your service.

To celebrate the launch of the brand new ChildcareJobs.com.au we are giving away a stack of iPad minis and one-year subscriptions to our recruitment advertising.

This week we offer huge congratulations to Elizabeth H who now has an iPad mini. It's easy to enter just head to ChildcareJobs.com.au and sign-up or post a job ad to enter the draw and get one step closer to finding that perfect early childhood employee. Terms & conditions
The flexibility experiment

An ECEC's point of view


By Liam McNicholas

Fewer than 100 families have made use of the Labor Government's flexible childcare trials, according to figures from the Department of Education published in Fairfax papers. The trials were announced in March 2013 by Minister Kate Ellis, apparently as a result of "a clear demand for more flexible child care options".

The $1.3 million Flexibility Fund was open to children's services to provide a range of different options for families, including longer opening hours and even overnight or weekend services.

The trial featured a number of Family Day Care providers working with shift-workers in the emergency services sector, as well as a handful of Long Day Care centres trialing extended opening hours.
Have your say
on Australia's
child care system
The 9th Annual Child Care and Workforce Participation Survey examines the health of Australia's child care system. We know many providers are also parents and would be keen to learn your opinion on the range of issues canvassed in this year's survey.
ChildcareJobs.com.au
new + improved
Easter craft ideas
Easter is such a popular holiday with children, the cute bunnies and chicks and copious amounts of chocolate make it a sure fire winner. This month we have a basket full of Easter themed craft ideas to help you celebrate this lovely time of the year.

Bunny mask Create a bunch of bunnies using paper plates and paint.

Chicken mask Kids who aren't into bunnies may prefer to try their hand at this chicken mask.

Paper plate bunny Another paper plate activity but this one results in a sweet little bunny collage.

Origami bunny Origami requires a fair amount of patience and some precision folding, this activity may suit preschoolers better than younger kids.

Beaded eggs Use beads and pipe cleaners to create hanging decorations for an Easter centre-piece. Simple, tidy and suitable for all ages.

Easter egg sun catcher Catch the lovely Autumn sun in the windows of your service with these bright sun catchers. Another activity suitable for all ages.

Egg collages Modify the equipment for this activity to ensure choking hazards are kept out of the hands of young children. The final result is gorgeous.

Felt eggs Fine motor skills get a work out in this activity which results in a lovely squishy felt egg.

Photo eggs Blow a bunch of eggs and provide photos of the kids to create an Easter decoration with a real difference.

Handprint chicks The perfect messy activity for young children, use yellow paint to create a flock of happy chickys.
Reach more parents
Our Premium and Enterprise services will increase parent enquiries to your child care business
Parent ratings & testimonials
Parents trust reviews & testimonials by other parents. Take advantage of this powerful tool to enhance the reputation of your childcare service
© 2014 - All rights reserved
CareforKids.com.au®
Care For Kids Internet Services Pty Ltd
ABN 55 104 145 735
PO Box 543 Balmain NSW 2041

Connect
Contact Us | Feedback
Products & Services
Advertise with Us
Advanced listings
Jobs
Daily News
Newsletters
Subscribe