FAMILIES in Koroit could have a new option for childcare in the next few weeks.
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The town’s kindergarten committee has received the green light to launch an After Kinder Care program at the new preschool centre.
Moyne Shire councillors voted to back the program that would include two sessions a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1.45pm and 5.30pm.
Children enrolled at the kindergarten will be the only ones who can access the service. Demand is already strong with parents of 14 children keen to take up places.
Each session can cater for up to 10 children with a minimum of five needed for sessions to make the program viable.
A kindergarten committee working party has devised a cost-neutral program model with a $30 permanent session fee and a $40 fee for casual users.
The income will cover most of the program expenses, with the council picking up the cost of additional staffing resources.
Working party member Tammy Langdon welcomed the council’s support for the program.
“We are excited to be able to offer the families of Koroit and district the additional service of after-kindergarten care,” Mrs Langdon said.
“This will allow children to stay in the community and give their parents peace of mind that they are in a familiar environment.
“We have a beautiful new facility here in Koroit and this is another great way to put it to use.
“We are very confident this program will work well and will be a great addition to the services we can deliver.”
The shire has asked for the program to be reviewed at the end of the school year to ascertain whether it is financially viable.
Cr Jim Doukas said it was a great opportunity to support a group that was taking a proactive approach to delivering a service for the community.