A Rosedale childcare centre has been forced to raise its fees to continue operating – a move that will see some families pay an extra $15 dollars a day.
The Rosedale Neighbourhood Kids Early Learning Centre, operated by the Rosedale Neighbourhood House Committee of Governance, announced some changes to its services and fee structure, which it said would save the centre from “closure within the next two years”.
Committee of Governance chair Owen Drummond the committee recognised with great concern that NKELC operates at a “significant financial loss” of about $40,000 per annum.
“Despite great efforts over the past few years to keep service cost to users at a minimum, it is imperative that changes are made now to make sure that our community still has a service to use,” Mr Drummond said.
“Regular, unforeseen changes to childcare legislation, which impact both our staffing requirements and number of children we can accommodate, mean that whilst our outgoings have increased, our income has not kept up. “Following a financial review, we recognise that, whilst increases to fees are not preferable, without the introduction of one immediately, the facility would certainly face closure within the next two years.”
‘Joeys’ and ‘Kangas’ long day care, will increase from $70 to $85 per day in 2015, while after school care will increase from $27.50 to $33.
The fee changes take affect from 1 January.
Users of the service and interested parties are invited to attend a drop-in session at the Rosedale Neighbourhood House today from 5.30pm to 7.30pm or Monday, 19 January from 1pm to 3pm.
Members of the committee will be available to provide further information and answer any concerns regarding these changes, or about joining the Committee of Governance.
Anyone with queries regarding these changes that is unable to attend a drop-in session can phone 5199 2595 or rosedalenh@wideband.net.au
