With financial support from the Australian Government, the Society bought the Campsie Kindergarten at the end of 1984 and fulfilled its founding aim of operating a child care centre. The Board of Directors were excited about the new development and tended to the Society’s affairs with renewed energy. However, because of their lack of experience in child care business, they were faced with a series of challenges.
The first task was to apply to the relevant department of NSW government for a license to operate Campsie Child Care Centre and register the change of ownership. During the process, they were notified by the Department that based on its record, the kindergarten did not meet licensing requirements. Rectification work had to be carried out before it could operate.
Everyone was frustrated. The kindergarten bought had already been in operation for over 20 years without compliant issues. It seemed that the Department had not inspected the kindergarten during that time and did not demand any renovation. Now that the kindergarten had a new owner, they immediately ordered for rectification works or else it had to cease operation. It was very unfair.
The rectification works included the following: The thickness of the ceiling panels did not meet fire safety standards, the windows were not safety glasses and did not meet legal requirement; there were not enough children’s toilets; there was no space for staff members to do their preparation and administration work; floorings were torn and needed replacement; facilities were inadequate and there was a lack of facilities for children to play. The total cost of the renovation was more than $30,000.
Luckily, the federal government department was willing to take up the matter and liaise with the state department, and it agreed to provide funding for the renovation. The process for the Federal funding to be made available would take some time, hence, the Child Care Centre was given a transition period of 6 months so that it could start operation.
The Society then informed parents of the change of ownership. In an unexpected twist, many parents withdrew their children from care and the enrolment dropped to half. Parents did not know the Society and were skeptical of the Society’s ability to manage the services.
On the other hand, the Society was endeavouring to recruit a Centre Director but received no application. At the end, it had to appoint one of the staff members in the Family Day Care team to take up the position. However, the new Director lacked experience, making the operating work more difficult.
To save financial resources, many volunteers came forward to help. They spent three weekends carrying out some of the renovation works at the Centre, including painting and improving the playground. The Board directors often held meetings late into the evening to prepare the business to commence operation.
Campsie Child Care Centre commenced operation on 29 January 1985, providing long day care, before and after school care.
Owing to the low enrolment, the Society faced enormous financial pressure. The Federal department informed that since the Society was a not-for-profit organization, at the time, it could apply for operational subsidy from the state department. The Society managed to receive funding eventually.
After a few months of hard work, the number of children gradually increased, and the financial situation became more stable.
Suddenly one day, the Centre received a phone call from the Union, saying that they would visit the Centre for an inspection.
🤔What should the Society do? We will continue the story in the next article!