Urgent need for carers | Ipswich News | Local News in Ipswich

Declan and Ava who are looked after by home daycare mum Janet Cullen.

INALA Community House is calling for more people to become home daycare carers with the western corridor currently experiencing a shortage.

The South West Communities Family Day Care scheme is run by Inala Community House and has been around for more than 30 years.

Vice-president, Les Bryant, said there was a huge demand for childcare in the area.

“There’s been a downturn in carers and as a result the number of carers has gone down in the past 18 months,” he said.

“The demand at Springfield is very high, and we are now exploring different methods to get people to become carers.”

With about 500 families on the schemes books, Mr Bryant said now was the perfect time for those who were thinking about a change, to do so.

One carer, Janet Cullen, from Springfield has been caring for children at home for 20 years under the scheme, and said the job was extremely rewarding.

“People can stay at home with their own children and look after other people’s children,” she said.

“It’s a rewarding and satisfying job, you really see them grow up.”

Ms Cullen, whose own home is filled with toys and play equipment said she first got involved when her son was eight months old and started having convulsions.

Wanting him to be able to interact with other children, but not able to leave him at a daycare centre, she decided to bring children into her own home.

“You really have to have a love for children,’ she said.

“And you still have to meet the developmental needs of each child in your care.”

Co-ordinator of the scheme Julie Smithers, said it was really up to the individual as to what days and hours they worked.

“People get a $1500 start up grant for playground equipment etc,” she said.

“It’s regulated and monitored and people come out regularly to check your home complies.”

Ms Smithers said there was an eight week training period involved, and a $50 training fee.

Anyone who wants to get involved can make an inquiry to 3372 1711.