CCCF supports over 640 child care services in regional, remote and disadvantaged areas

More than 640 child care services in regional, remote and disadvantaged communities around Australia will share in more than $100 million to help improve access to care and increase workforce participation, Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said this morning, noting the role that the Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) plays in giving approved services critical funding that may be needed to keep them operating and increase the number of children they can care for.

 

“In some remote areas, there may only be one or two child care services operating and it is critical we keep these open so families can access the care they need,” Minister Tudge said, explaining that the funding also helps services to run initiatives that reduce barriers which may otherwise prevent local children from accessing care.

 

“Likewise, if we can help improve or expand facilities so more families in a remote or disadvantaged area can access care if they choose, then we won’t hesitate to do that.

 

Mr Tudge described CCCF as being “good for families, good for communities and (a program that) benefits local economies by allowing more parents to get back into work or to take on additional hours if they chose.”

 

“It will also help achieve our Closing the Gap targets by increasing participation of Indigenous children in early childhood education and care.”

 

Minister for Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the CCCF would help ensure care for thousands of regional families. 

 

“These grants will have tangible benefits for child care providers in regional, remote and disadvantaged areas that will flow to children, their families and ultimately the community,” she added.

 

Including today’s announcement, the Government has allocated more than $220 million to over 1,000 child care services through the CCCF since 2018.