We have received a few complaints and queries from parents who are being charged for public holidays.  This is an issue for parents and one that seems to require more exploration, discussion and debate especially as more services are likely to become more dependent on fees as a funding stream since government funding is not likely to continue to increase. 

The parents who have asked us about this have children enrolled at independent/commercial early childhood centres that are open year-round and do not close for holidays.  And they are not happy!!   We haven't heard from families enrolled at other service types about this issue (not yet anyway). 

From a parents' perspective it is hard not to agree.  It simply doesn't seem fair or right. Especially as they perceive they are effectively subsiding parents who are regularly booked in on days that are not typically public holidays (i.e. not Mondays or Fridays).  Services that do not operate on public holidays are asking parents to pay for childcare on days that it is not provided (this particuarly affects parents who are casual workers, not working, or who are not being paid themselves on a public holiday).  Parents see that payment for other activities such as swimming lessons typically is not required when the service is not closed on days observed as public holidays.  They see that ECE services that are closed for term breaks and over Christmas typically don't require fees to be paid when the service is closed.

But, from the perspective of an ECE centre owner one still has staff wages, rent and other overheads to pay!  

Please Login with your username and password to see the full article and read and add comments.  Access is only available to current members. 

To renew your membership or for information about joining our fabulous Network and becoming a member click here