XN000022-1995-08-19 — Page 5

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Financial assistance for child care

Members of the public whose children are enrolled in child care centres, including day creches and day nurseries, are invited to apply for financial assistance from the Social Welfare Department (SWD).

A department spokesman said today (Saturday) a child aged below six years at a child care centre will be qualified for fee assistance.

"Parents or guardians who wish to apply must demonstrate that they cannot afford the full cost of the fees charged.

"They must also prove that they are unable to provide adequate care for their children at home during the day, for reasons such as both parents have to work for a living, single-parent family or family with an aged or disabled member who needs special care," he said.

The spokesman explained that the amount of assistance payable is calculated with regard to the family's net income which is the difference between the family's total income and the recognised rent.

"The maximum amount of assistance payable will be based on the fees charged in aided child care centres. For 1994 -95, the general maximum fee assistance level is set at $3,180 per month for day creches and $1,680 per month for day nurseries.

"Applications for the fee assistance scheme may be made throughout the year, but preferably be lodged three months before the date of the child's admission to a child care centre," the spokesman said.

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However, staff from SWD's social security field units will, from June to August, go to the child care centres to help needy parents process applications in batches.

To further publicise the scheme, the SWD has recently updated a leaflet entitled "Fee Assistance Scheme for Child Care Centres".

Copies of the leaflet can be obtained at child care centres, social security field units and district offices throughout the territory.

Interested persons who have enquiries about the fee assistance scheme can approach their respective social security field units or contact the Child Care Centre Advisory Inspectorate on 2836 3114.

End/Saturday, August 19, 1995