Key personnel or organisations that may be involved   in the development of a new centre based child care service

It is the developer's responsibility to determine those who need to be involved   in the particular project. Depending upon the individual circumstances, key   personnel/organisations may include any of the following:

Identification of Need

The developer or service operator must research the current needs of child   care in the community, however, the following areas may provide assistance in   this research.

Community "is a child care service needed in that community, if so, what type   of service is needed"

Community Development Officer - if there is a person holding this position   or similar in the community, it may be beneficial to discuss the proposal with   them as they may have useful knowledge about the needs in the community.

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations - it may be beneficial   to speak with Australian Government (Child Care) officers early in the process   as they may have relevant statistical information which may inform whether there   is a need in the area.

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Development of the Project

Department of Education - it is important that communication with the Child   Care Unit about the proposal is made early and is ongoing to ensure that the   licensing process is as effective and efficient as possible.  If the service   is to be on a school site, the Department's Facility Services section and school   staff will also need to be involved in the process, eg in relation to the building,   leases, etc.  For more information about this, separate documentation in   relation to 'Establishing Child Care in Schools' is available from Child   Care.

Project Manager: this is the person who oversees the development of the building   ensuring that all goes to plan. Architects may fulfill this function.

Surveyor, Architect, Builders, Landscapers

Centre staff: eg for a service which already has staff or, for situations where   the staff are employed early enough in the process, to provide input given their   direct experience in the operation of a child care service.

Steering Committee: some services, particularly community based services or   those receiving funding from other agencies, may have a steering committee to   assist in the decision making process through the developmental phase. This   may then be replaced by a management committee or other form of service operator   as applicable once the service is complete.

Authorities required to give approval to the development

 
• Public Health Authorities - there are requirements under the Food Safety     Standards for facilities within child care services.
 
• Tasmania Fire Services - may provide particular advice about fire requirements     and evacuation processes.
 
• Local Council - eg for planning and building approval, carpark requirements,     change of use of a building, etc.
 
• Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations - where the     service needs to be approved for Child Care Benefit.
 
• Department of Education - See Development of the Project
 
• National Child Care Accreditation Council (NCAC) - if the service is to     be approved for Child Care Benefit purposes, it will need to be registered     with the NCAC. This commences the accreditation process.