Change of service provider for Charlton Early Years Centre

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Shine Bright EYM will take on operation of the Charlton Early Years Centre from Term 1, 2024. 

As a result of the changes, long day care (LDC) will be available alongside Kindergarten programs, with Buloke Shire Council Mayor Alan Getley saying the appointment marks “a new chapter in the provision of vital early years services to the Charlton community.”

The Council began the process of seeking a new provider in August this year, following the YMCA Ballarat’s inability to provide a LDC service to the Charlton community.

At the time the Council thanked the YMCA for their work in providing kindergarten services to the community for the past 10 years. 

“The arrival of a new Early Years provider in Charlton represents a significant step in Council’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible, and inclusive early childhood services to families in our community,” the Mayor shared with local news source Australian Rural and Regional News.

“We believe that this transition will bring fresh opportunities for children, parents, and caregivers to access the support and resources they need for the early development and education of our youngest members.”

Speaking with the same publication Charlton Kinder Parents Advisory Group president Jessica McGurk said the service and committee were looking forward to working alongside Shine Bright to deliver a kindergarten and day-care program in Charlton.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the support and advocacy from our community over many years. It is an exciting time for our families in Charlton,” she said. 

Enrolment and registration information will be made available in the coming weeks. 

Access the original coverage of this story here.