New licensing for family day care and outside school care

News bulletin: 2 September 2009

To ensure consistent high-quality care for children, new licensing regulations have come into effect.

Under the new Children’s Services Regulations, outside school hours care and family day care services are required to have a children’s services licence in order to operate.

All Victorian services offering family day care or outside school hours care were asked to apply for a provisional children’s services licence by 25 August.

“Regulating family day care and outside school hours care services is a positive step in ensuring quality care for children which is so important.

“Parents have every right to expect that when they’re leaving their child in a service they are in a safe and caring environment that will contribute to their emotional, social and educational development,” Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Maxine Morand said.

The Children’s Services Regulations 2009 came into effect in May this year following an extensive consultation process with the early childhood sector, peak bodies, experts in child development and parents.

“Families can be confident in high-quality child care services that meet minimum standards and provide a stimulating learning environment,” said Ms Morand.

Services offering family day care and outside school hours care can operate with a provisional licence for 12 months before having to apply for a full licence.

For more information, see: Licensed Child Services 

For information on the new regulations, see: Children's Services Regulations Review Completed