The sudden closure of the Peninsula Long Day Care operated by Coast Community Connections, highlights the challenges to the delivery of childcare services for families on the Central Coast says Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch.
Mr Crouch said the closure is a significant blow for the community and emphasised the need for accessible and reliable childcare services on the Central Coast for under pressure families.
“I am deeply concerned to hear about the sudden close of the Peninsula Long Day Care which will have devasting impacts for families in our region.”
“Families spend months, even years, on childcare waiting lists and this closure means that they will simply have to start all over again, putting even more stress on mums and dads as they struggle with the cost-of-living crisis.”
“With wait lists stretching out years and another childcare centre ceasing long day care operations, time is ticking for the Minns Labor Government to deliver on their promise of a new public preschool on the Peninsula.”
Mr Crouch said that despite the Minns Labor Government’s announcement of two new public preschools for the Central Coast back in February, there still has been no information on allocation of funds, a timeline for delivery and information on capacity for the two preschools.
“Out of all the regions in NSW, the Central Coast has fared the worst under this government receiving only two new preschools for the entire region in contrast to the Illawarra which is receiving six centres, and the Hunter which is receiving ten.”
“We have seen a massive reduction in support services for families on the Central Coast, including the slashing of the Active Kids, Creative Kids and Back-to-School vouchers.”
“Time and time again we have seen announcements with no timeline for delivery or detail, and right now parents on the Peninsula deserve answers and action from this government.” said Mr Crouch.