By Candice Boyle
A GROUP of families accessing occasional childcare in Footscray are no closer to knowing who will care for their children after the centre closes in December.
The jubilation that followed the delay to the Buckley Street Centre’s closure has turned to concern for parents who want answers regarding the future of the city’s childcare services.
Last month City of Maribyrnong councilors voted to delay the centre’s pending closure, look for potential partners to re-establish an occasional care service in Footscray and extend the childcare services in Braybrook and Maribyrnong.
Despite last month’s decisions, parents feel they have been left out of the process of making plans to meet the needs of parents in the municipality.
Yarraville resident Kate Atherton said there has been no consultation with families about relocation despite assurances from the council that parents would be contacted to ensure placement at alternative centres.
“We are yet to be asked what hours and days may be required in 2008, and how many children may need care.
“We would like to see this consultation about relocation occur sooner rather than later, so as parents we have some certainty as to what care will be available in 2008,” she said.
Community wellbeing general manager Jenny McMahon said a letter was sent out to all families registered at the centre last month to contact the council if they needed further assistance in discussing their childcare needs.
“Parents have been doing this as per their requirements but there has not been an overly strong need as we have been supporting parents though the process and have found most families alternative childcare options,” she said.
Buckley Street Parents’ Group representative Liza Bishop said while she hadn’t found an alternative care option for her son, she had noticed an increase in the use of the centre.
“I have contacted the centre to book my son in at Buckley Street on days when I don’t normally use the service and have been unable to book him in, as the centre has been full.
“I of course was so happy to hear this, even though I could not get my son into care, as it means the utilisation of the service is obviously increasing,” Ms Bishop said.
Ms McMahon said the increased registration is due to more Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES) families accessing the centre while attending the term three classes.
“The AMES families enrol their children in childcare while they complete their required three-month English program. Their childcare needs are, therefore, temporary, for the duration of the program,” she said.
Ms McMahon said even with an additional 12 families using the Buckley St facility in the past month, spaces are still available each afternoon.
The council is currently looking at the option of extending childcare at Braybrook and Maribyrnong Community Centres.
“When these arrangements are finalised, we will inform all registered families at Buckley Street OCC, as well as the general community,” she said.
