ABC Learning Centre Open... for now

By Hayley Huybers and Mark Pangallo, Bond University Journalism Students

Full time working parents will have limited day care options if the ABC Learning Centre in Varsity Lakes closes. 
 
The ABC Learning centre is the only early childhood learning centre located in Varsity Lakes.
 
Varsity Lakes mother of two, Louise Lamb said she believed parents will find it hard to seek alternative care if the doors of the centre do not remain open in the New Year.                       
 
 “It will be hard for parents to find alternative care as this is the only centre I know of in the community,” she said.
 
Due to the high cost of childcare and the limited options for day care, Tweed Heads School teacher and father of two Michael McNamara said he or his wife would be forced to quit their jobs if the centre was to close.
 
“If the centre was to close either my wife or I would have to quit our jobs,” he said.
 
The $22m Federal Government bailout announced last week only guarantees nationwide operation until the end of the year for all learning centres.
 
 If the funding does not continue into 2009 Varsity Lakes parents will be have to search for other arrangements for their children.
 
 Physiotherapist and father of three, Tony De Ambrosis said he was hoping his extended family would be able care for his two young children if the centre is to close.
 
 “Hopefully a few family members will be able to help out, if not we will have to look outside the community for other options,” he said.
 
Options for alternative day care in and around Varsity Lakes will be investigated in a follow up next week.