By Theresia Titus
MercyCare Early Learning Centres (ELCs) and other childcare centres run by Catholic organisations will remain open while it is safe to do so, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
MercyCare is a Western Australian not-for-profit childcare provider with 13 centres across the Archdiocese, including Ballajura, Banksia Grove, Bassendean, Bedford, Bennett Springs, Ellenbrook, Heathridge, Kelmscott, Landsdale, Merriwa, Seville Grove, Thornlie and Wembley.
The WA Department of Education made an announcement at the end of last month regarding new learning arrangements, advising parents to keep their children at home where it is possible to access online learning or other resources to continue their education.
The Federal Government has also delivered a $1.6 billion relief funding package to the early childhood sector, which has been severely affected by the pandemic as parents withdrew enrolments of their children.
Starting from 6 April until at least the end of the financial year, “around one million families are set to receive free childcare during the coronavirus pandemic”.
The plan allows the sector to continue operation, in addition to supporting parents to maintain or search for employment while keeping the enrolments of their children secure, should they choose to keep their children at home.
Supporting the efforts of the Government to limit the spread of COVID-19, MercyCare is hoping to provide further assurance and care for families in their community, and parents can keep working to sustain their family and “continue essential services during these unprecedented times”.
While not all MercyCare ELCs accept school-age children, an age-appropriate program will be given for older children, while also helping them to complete their school work.
David Holden, MercyCare Executive Director of Family and Children Services, affirmed that the health and wellbeing of the children, families and staff remains their number one priority.
“MercyCare has been monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and our Early Learning Centres have been adapting their practices in line with government health advice to ensure we continue to keep families, children and staff safe,” Mr Holden said.
“As an essential service and deemed safe to operate by the Federal Government we can continue to support our families and the wider community.
“MercyCare’s dedicated COVID-19 response team is keeping up-to-date with State and Federal Government mandates and recommendations,” he added.
Speaking to The Record, Mr Holden saideducators at MercyCare ELCs have managed to include social distancing measures where possible and “are following and encouraging children to practice good hygiene practices”.
“The centres have increased cleaning schedules and reduced exposure by external visitors. We are adhering to all current recommendations and enforcing this with our staff, children and parents,” he assured.
Mr Holden also confirmed that none of the confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in WA links with any of MercyCare ELCs as of 9 April.
“MercyCare has plans in place for several potential scenarios that may occur due to the COVID-19 outbreak and keeping families informed regarding them,” he said.
“If our centres are required to temporarily close, enrolments will remain secure and, as per the announcement by the Federal Government, families will not be charged for child care from April 6. Only after the health department has deemed us safe will we be able to re-open in the event of a closure.”