Published on Thursday, 19 December 2024 at 8:00:59 AM
The Shire of Ravensthorpe is working with specialist childcare services provider Regional Early Education and Development Inc (REED) to transfer over the management of Little Barrens Early Learning Centre in Hopetoun and The Cub House Childcare Centre in Ravensthorpe to REED.
The two childcare centres were previously managed by community groups and the Shire of Ravensthorpe stepped in to keep the essential services operating after the two groups folded in 2018 and 2019. This was always intended as a temporary measure until a more suitable solution could be established.
REED is a specialist childcare provider that was established in 2018 to manage childcare services and centres in regional Western Australia. It is a not-for-profit provider whose cluster model of management ensures regional services remain financially viable and costs to families remain affordable, while also ensuring children receive the highest quality of care and staff are provided with ongoing professional development.
Shire of Ravensthorpe CEO Matthew Bird said the agreement with REED is a fantastic result for families in our region.
“REED are specialists at providing childcare in regional communities,” he said.
“They will provide high level specialist childcare and there will also be professional development, mentoring and career pathways for all of our employees.”
REED’s General Manager Kylie Helgesen said the merger is beneficial to the children and families of the community.
“Under the REED banner these services will receive upgrades that align with REED’s high standards of quality, and the existing staff will be invited to join the REED team,” she said.
“We look forward to meeting the children and families of Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe.”
Employees at both childcare centres have been informed of the merger and all have been offered ongoing employment with REED.
An application will be submitted to the regulatory authority for approval, and we look forward to updating the community on the outcome in due time.
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