The latest child care related news, views and reviews
CareforKids.com.au February 6, 2013
child care news for
parents
Welcome back and Happy 2013. We hope you survived the school holidays and that all your kids are now happy back in school or child care.
Child Care Shortage for the Under Twos
Continues to cause stress for parents all over Australia

The news recently reported that child care places for babies has fallen by 10% over the last three years and parents are finding it increasingly hard to find care for their under twos.

The widely reported story came on the back of a survey by the Greens of 231 child care centres. The survey of private and community day-care centres in major cities across the country showed that vacancies for babies have fallen 10 per cent since 2010.

Up to three quarters of child care centres had places available for babies and up to two thirds had no spaces for toddlers.

And if you can find a place it's getting more and more expensive. This is largely due to both the economy and the number of child care centres that have not managed to survive in the economic downturn; with high rental and property value of property in inner city suburbs and staffing/cost pressures under the new National Quality Framework…

Read More »
We'd like to know your experiences and thoughts on the child care shortage for under twos. Comment here»
We can help you find a
brilliant
babysitter »
or an
amazing
nanny »
Child Care News Childcare services in you area
Read previous editions of child care industry news
Lacking Lunchbox Inspiration?

So we're back in the swing of the new school/child care year and if you're stuck for a few lunchbox ideas, That! Dairy Snack's Dietitian, Michelle Gale, offers her tips for creating the ultimate lunchbox.

VARIETY is very important; add different items to the lunch box from day to day, making sure you include food from all the food groups daily. This includes:

  • Carbohydrates which provide energy for the brain and body e.g. bread (sandwich), pasta, noodles, rice, potatoes
  • Protein for muscles and growth e.g. meat, fish, beans/legumes, eggs, nuts, cheese
  • Dairy provides calcium for strong bones and teeth e.g. milk, yoghurt, cheese (& That! Dairy Snack)
  • Fruit for fibre, vitamins and minerals e.g. whole fruit, chopped fruit, tinned fruit, dried fruit
  • Vegetables for fibre, vitamins and minerals e.g. vegetables in a sandwich/pasta/rice, chopped vegetables on the side;

COOL - it is imperative that food is kept cool. The best ways to do this are by:

  • Using an insulated lunchbox
  • Preparing the lunchbox the night before and storing it in the fridge
  • Including a frozen water bottle, or even a frozen dairy snack especially during the summer months;

AMOUNT - tailor the amount of food based on your child's age & scheduled activities.

WATER is best to drink, so be sure to pop a fun and colourful water bottle in the lunchbox.

Don't forget – NO NUTS. Schools and child care services are nut free zones.

Read More »
Pucker Up
Valentine's Day
is just around the corner so don't forget to book your babysitter
Book Now »
Vacancy Alert PRO
Get a report of child care services that have vacancies now and receive alerts whenever services change their vacancies
Find Out More »
Giveaway
One of three packs of That! Dairy Snack goodies

That! Dairy Snack is a guilt-free, gluten free treat that kids love. Each pack contains as much calcium as a 125ml glass of milk; that's 20% of the calcium children need each day to develop strong and healthy bones.

Although it's always recommended, That! Dairy Snack requires no refrigeration, ensuring it can be stored safely in the school bag and lunchbox even when it starts to get a bit warm.

Available in Wild Chocolate and Cool Bananas flavours, That! Dairy Snack from Woolworths nationally (in the long life juice aisle). RRP $1.89. For more information, visit www.thatdairysnack.com.au.

THAT! DAIRY SNACK is offering three packs of goodies. The packs, valued at $50 each will contain a minimum of 24 units of That! Dairy Snack (RRP is $1.89 per unit) plus branded stickers and temporary tattoos.

To go into the draw* head over to Facebook » and let us know what your kids enjoy most for lunch?
*terms and conditions
Top 5 Articles
this week
Cost of Child Care
Managing Issues
Child Care Centre Checklist
Work and Child Care
Before & After School Care
© 2013 - 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 Products & Services
Contact Us
Feedback
Facebook
Twitter
CareforKids Social
Advertise with Us
Advanced listings
Jobs
Daily News
Newsletters
Subscribe
Popular Articles