Western Australia 1050. Western Australia has been involved in cost sharing arrangements for child care with the Federal Government since 1983. The Department for Community Development also funds a Family Centre Program which provides developmentally appropriate early childhood programs. In addition, the Department provides support and resources to the above services, to vacation care and outside school hours care services and to four year old playgroups. This support is provided largely at the local level through Regional Children's Services Officers.
Centre based long day care services care mainly for under school age children.
Centres may be located in residential areas, close to work places or on major transport routes and usually cater for 35 to 40 children at one time. Places are allocated according to priority of access guidelines. Occasional care services also provide care for under school age children. These services cater mainly for the needs of families who require short term care for their children. The services provide children with the opportunity for developmental and social activities and parents with the opportunity to pursue their own interests or simply have some time away from their children.