Media Release

Tuesday, 24 November 2009

Play, literacy and language is the focus for children and carers with Swan Hill Family Day Care who have been operating Monday morning play sessions in the Swan Hill Primary School art room this term.

The play sessions enable Family Day Care fieldworkers to create interesting and inviting play spaces for the children to enjoy, while also ensuring children's language and literacy development is supported through organised group sessions.

The sessions are also a great way for children to become comfortable spending time in a school environment which research shows, will increase the future success of each child's transition to primary school.

Council's Family, Youth and Children's Services Manager Jan McEwan said the Family Day Care scheme was currently seeking applications from suitable people to become carers with the scheme.

“Registered carers work from their home and are paid by Swan Hill Rural City Council. The Council operates within the Children's Services Act, providing a network of family day carers, each of whom provide quality care and education for up to seven children, including school age children and their own children, in their own homes,” she said.

“Carers are supported by experienced and qualified early childhood professionals who assist with their development and match families with carers to ensure the best possible experience for all involved.

“Swan Hill Rural City Council's Regional Family Day Care scheme is also working closely with other early childhood programs such as Maternal and Child Health and Out of School Hours to ensure opportunities are sought to improve services to families in the community,” Ms McEwan added.

The scheme has embraced the new Victorian Early Years Curriculum Framework and with the new document as a reference, is moving forward to ensure children in Swan Hill and surrounds get the best possible start in life.

For further information about Council's Regional Family Day Care scheme, please contact Council on 5036 2333.