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Day creches provide full-day care and cater to children under the age of two in a healthy and happy environment, lending a helping hand to social needs families and working parents.
Staff are professionally trained to look after children at an average ratio of one to six. Physical and intellectual programmes, including drawing, story- telling, muscle exercises and games, are tailor-made for children suitable for their age. All toys and teaching materials used at day creches are specially selected and designed to ensure safety.
"There is a schedule of daily activities to enable children to develop healthy habits. There is a timetable, for example, for feeding and rest. We prepare a balanced diet scaled to the age and need of the children," Mr Chan said.
Day creches are generally open from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Members of the public who want to enquire day creche services are welcome to contact the Child Care Centre Advisory Inspectorate of the SWD on tel 2836 3114 or call the department's hotline 2343 2255. They can also approach any day creche to find out more about the services.
"Our staff will make regular inspections to ensure that the provision of services at day creches is kept to the required standard," Mr Chan said.
Mr Chan noted that a number of creches also provided half-day and full- day occasional care services. He called on parents to make full use of these services and not to leave children unattended at home under any circumstances.
"Persons from low-income families who need services because of work or other reasons but have financial difficulties can apply for fee assistance.
"The amount of assistance to be offered is calculated on the basis of the family's disposable income and, at its maximum, can cover the full cost," he added.
End/Sunday, April 23, 1995
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