Expression of Interest - Family Day Care Services, Dumbleyung

Overview The Shire of Dumbleyung invites expressions of interest from people interested in establishing and operating a Family Day Care service in Dumbleyung. The opportunity includes a Shire-owned four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in which the successful applicant can live and operate their service, offered at heavily subsidised rent, along with equipment to assist with start-up. About The Shire recently conducted a Child Care Survey with residents, with results indicating continued demand for services on week days, including after-school and seasonal care. The Shire is seeking an educator who can provide quality, reliable care and work collaboratively with the Shire and its approved Family Day Care provider, Willi Wag Tails Family Day Care Service, to meet community needs and support sustainable childcare services. Purpose The housing subsidy is intended to support an ongoing childcare service that delivers a clear benefit to local families. The housing subsidy will be linked to delivery of the agreed service, with service availability and community benefit reviewed periodically and scope to discuss changes as demand evolves. Scope The scope includes: Establishing and operating a Family Day Care service in Dumbleyung Providing quality, reliable childcare in collaboration with the Shire and its approved Family Day Care provider, Willi Wag Tails Family Day Care Service, to meet community needs and support sustainable childcare services Delivering care on operating days and hours agreed following consideration of community demand and service viability Managing utility consumption charges, including electricity and water, and the costs of operating the service Communicating planned closures and, where practicable, working with the approved provider to explore continuity of care Establishing the service subject to the necessary approvals and assessment of the premises by the approved provider Funding The opportunity includes: Use of a Shire-owned four-bedroom, two-bathroom home for the successful applicant to live in and operate their service, offered at heavily subsidised rent Equipment to assist with start-up, including white goods, small appliances, cots and bedding, highchairs, outdoor play equipment, toys, safety equipment, office furniture and supplies, art and craft supplies, and kitchen and cleaning utensils Rental amount, agreement term, commencement arrangements and final occupancy conditions to be confirmed with the successful applicant before an agreement is entered into Eligibility Qualified and experienced Family Day Care educators, with a minimum of a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, are encouraged to apply Expressions of interest will also be considered from people with additional training and qualifications, who should outline their proposed pathway and timeframe to become ready to operate Before commencing care, the successful applicant must meet the applicable qualification, screening, registration, insurance and approval requirements and be registered with the Shire's approved Family Day Care provider The educator will be responsible for maintaining those requirements and delivering a safe, quality service Information Requested Applicants should provide a covering letter or statement addressing the following, together with a resume and contact details for two referees: Relevant qualifications, childcare experience and interest in operating a service in Dumbleyung Proposed pathway and timeframe to become ready to operate Proposed operating days and hours, the age groups and types of care intended to be offered, and flexibility to respond to local demand How the applicant would work with the approved provider to address gaps in care and support the sustainability of services How the applicant would manage leave, planned closures and communication with families, and contribute to continuity of care where practicable Approach to attracting enrolments and establishing a financially sustainable service Anticipated commencement date, any training needs, or any matters to discuss regarding the property or proposed occupancy arrangement How to Apply Email expressions of interest to aimee.turnbull@dumbleyung.wa.gov.au with the subject line "EOI – Family Day Care Dumbleyung", or submit to the Shire of Dumbleyung, 32 Harvey Street, Dumbleyung WA 6350. Assessment and Next Steps Expressions of interest will be assessed on the applicant's suitability and readiness, commitment to quality care, ability to meet identified community needs, willingness to collaborate and the viability of the proposed service. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview and further discussions about service delivery and occupancy arrangements. The final arrangement will set out the agreed operating days and hours, rental subsidy, responsibilities, reporting and review expectations, which are expected to include periodic updates on enrolments, vacancies, operating hours and significant service changes. The Shire is not obliged to select an applicant or proceed with an agreement through this EOI process. Enquiries For enquiries or to discuss the opportunity, contact Aimee Turnbull, Project Manager, on (08) 9863 4012 or aimee.turnbull@dumbleyung.wa.gov.au.