Orange City Council is offering $2,000 to people willing to set up a home-based Family Day Care business.
The $2,000 one-off, incentive payment is designed to help with the initial costs of starting a Family Day Care business such as buying beds, linen, insurance and car-seats.
The funding is offered as part of Council's Job Creation Strategy.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the program was a win for those looking to start a Family Day Care business as well as the families waiting for childcare vacancies.
"We have long waiting lists for children needing home-based childcare in Orange so Council's children's services department is very keen to find more educators willing to start up a business to care for some of those kids," Cr Kidd said.
"The set-up costs of starting your own home-based business can be high, so this incentive program is designed to help people hit the ground running without having to borrow money, or deplete savings to get started."
Orange City Council's Employment and Economic Development Committee Chair Cr Tony Mileto said the funding would boost the local economy.
"These prospective educators will be spending that money setting up their businesses, and parents and carers will be able to return to work or take on more hours as there will be more childcare options available to them," he said.
"We're asking prospective Family Day Care educators to commit to staying with Council's service for a minimum of 12 consecutive months, and they must commit to taking on 2 children for at least 3 days of care per week to be eligible for the incentive funding. "
Council's Family day Care service will provide support to all educators enrolled.
This support includes weekly visits for the first month of operation followed by monthly visits. These visits help educators comply with the National Quality Assurance Scheme.
Staff are also available to answer questions and give advice at any time.
Council facilitates playgroups across the Family Day Care network so educators can meet each other and form connections.
Orange City Council's Senior Children's Services Coordinator Melissa Stanford said there was a perception working for yourself, looking after young children in your own home could be isolating.
"That's why it's great to be part of a network of other Family Day Care educators where you can support each other throughout your journey," Ms Stanford said.
"Our staff are on hand to help in any way they can and to facilitate these connections with other educators.
"Many of our Family Day Care educators have made long-lasting friendships through our service.
"We're hosting a public twilight playgroup at The Orange Occasional Care cottage in Kite Street on Wednesday March 31, from 5pm for anyone who wants to pop in and ask a few questions, or pick up some information material. Make sure you register through Eventbrite ahead of the event for Covid-safety reasons. "
To be considered for the $2,000 incentive grant, prospective educators must;
• Be over 21 years of age.
• Have a current Working With Children Check, or willing to obtain one.
•Have a National Police Check, or willing to obtain one.
• Successful application and interview to become a registered educator with Orange Family Day Care.
• Must have a minimum Certificate III in Children's Services or be willing to enrol and work towards this qualification.
• Must have a current ABN (in order to receive the payment)
• Own your home or have landlord permission to work from a rental property.
Anyone interested in becoming a Family Day Care educator with Orange City Council should contact 6393 8670
