Community
10 April, 2024
Timboon day care set to close
TIMBOON-based child care service Kardinia Early Learning informed parents the service would cease in June in a shock announcement prior to Easter.
Parents with children at the service were informed of the impending closure on Wednesday, March 27.
In a letter to parents, Kardinia Early Learning chief executive officer Sue Bunting said the lease with Corangamite Shire Council for the service would not be renewed.
“Our hope is that Corangamite Shire will find a new early learning provider to lease the space and continue providing a long day care service to the Timboon community,” she said in the letter.
“The other option that we have suggested is that Corangamite Shire provide an early years educational and care service under the Corangamite Shire Family and Children’s Services.
“However, if neither of these options takes place, the doors to the service will be permanently closed at 6pm on June 28.”
The decision to close was reportedly due to staffing issues, according to the letter.
“We understand this notification will be disappointing for many families, however, the educator and teacher shortage in rural Victoria has taken a significant toll on our team and organisation,” Ms Bunting said.
“We have advertised for educators for over six months with little success, we have been sending staff from Geelong, Bannockburn, and Warrnambool to support the team in Timboon.
“With staff shortages across the whole state, this is not a viable and secure ongoing option.”
Corangamite Shire mayor Kate Makin said council was “disappointed” with Kardinia Early Learning’s decision to exit the service.
“Our immediate thoughts are with the children, families and staff affected by the announcement,” she said.
“We were informed last week that parents had been informed.
“Council understands the workforce challenges in the early years sector, especially childcare, and emphasises with Kardinia Early Learning. It’s something we also experience.”
Cr Makin said it was council’s intention to secure an alternate operator to take over the facility from June 28.
“If an alternate operator can’t be found, we will consider other options,” she said.
“Timboon Childcare is a much-loved and valued service and council will do all it can to ensure there is continuity of care.”
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