CM – $ 10,000 vouchers, iPads: daycare centers go all out

The number of daycare centers offering incentives such as $ 1,000 vouchers and iPads to attract parents has increased again, leading to criticism of the direction of taxpayer-funded subsidies.

Courier Mail is aware of several examples, including centers offering iPads for enrollments of at least three months, or offers of $ 1,000 credits to customers who refer a friend.

This is due to prices increasing by an average of 3.7 percent last year, despite charges being free or frozen for six months last year.

Childcare sector sources say the practice is resurrecting, which is not illegal as new private providers have come into the market.

Australian Childcare Alliance Vice President Nesha Hutchinson said the federal government is closely monitoring the amount of donations being offered, although it is not illegal.

« The problem is that it can skew a parent’s decision against what is in the best interests of the child, » she said.

« They can sign up for a service but then they can’t afford the gap or sign up for a tempting offer and not pay attention to whether this is the best environment for their child. »

She said the federal government had tightened the laws, the centers would have to declare incentives offered to them to ensure taxpayers’ money was not paid for gifts or vouchers.

Opposition early childhood spokeswoman Amanda Rishworth said incentives were inadequate and Labor wanted the government to ban the practice.

« Families in Brisbane are already paying some of the highest fees in the country. This is a blow to families struggling to pay for childcare. »

Education Secretary Alan Tudge said parents will ultimately decide where to send their children and what additional services they want from their provider.

« Childcare providers should focus on providing children with the best quality of care and competitive fees – that would be enough incentive for parents, » he said.

« If a service turns out to be cutting childcare allowance through false reporting of fees, we will take action. »

Little Gems manager Hayley Harrison said while her Maryborough center was offering iPads to parents enrolling in kindergarten to help address low child enrollment in key ECEC services.

Ms. Harrison said once the parents signed up they saw the benefits for their children and stayed.

Only About Children, which has centers in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, has a $ 500 offer on its website for a parent and friend on referral if they refer.

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