Children & Family Services

The Children's Services Manager, a previously shared position between Kiama Municipal Council and Shellharbour City Council, is no longer funded by the NSW Government.

General enquiries should be directed to the NSW Department of Community Services, Shellharbour Square 4255 6666.

A Children's Services Directory has been documented to make carers and parents aware of what the community provides in Children and Family Services.

Things to consider when choosing childcare

Families seeking quality care for children are encouraged to consider the best questions to ask and what to look for in an accredited childcare service. When choosing childcare, it is important to look at how carers and staff interact with the children and whether the atmosphere is warm, friendly and welcoming. Some additional questions you might like to ask are:

• Am I welcome to visit my child at any time?
  
  
• Is my child made to feel welcome?
  
  
• Are family members encouraged to participate in activities?
  
  
• Is information shared between the staff, carers and families?
  
  
• Is information readily available about the childcare service's policies?
  
  
• Are families informed about proposed changes to policies?
  
  
• Is there a planned program of day to day activities for my child?
  
  
• Am I encouraged to talk to staff or carers about the program/s offered?
  
  
• Do the activities interest my child?
  
  
• Will my child have opportunities for self-expression, self-direction and self-discipline?
  
  
• Are meal or snack times pleasant?
  
  
• Will my child's individual needs be met?
  
  
• Are there opportunities for my child to become familiar with the broader community?
  
  
• Are the children encouraged to explore and take on new challenges?
  
  
• Are the equipment and play spaces safe for children?
  
  
• Are there clear procedures for raising any concerns I may have?
  
  

The National Childcare Accreditation Council have other suggestions for parents and carers. The following list of websites are for the parent and carer to visit:

Family Relations
Families are a significant group with a direct interest in a wide range of government programs and services. Their information needs are diverse, and it can be time-consuming to pursue this information across a variety of sources.

Parenting Information
The NSW Department of Community Services (DOCS) promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and works to build stronger families and communities. We provide child protection services, parenting support and early intervention, foster care, adoption services and help for communities affected by disaster.

KidSafe
KIDSAFE - the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia - is an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing unintentional death and injury of children.

Kids Life
We aim to create a much simpler pathway to great parenting, by doing the research for you and providing the information, support and access to products that you really need - on-line for your convenience. From pre-conception through pregnancy, your child's health and well-being, development, early learning, schooling and entertainment, our team of experts will guide you through your kid's life!

Early Childhood Connections
Early Childhood Connections is an Australian website, containing more than 400 Australian and 350 International website links. These links are collated alphabetically and in submenus to provide easy viewing and access to the most up to date information for professionals and parents interested in the renewed emphasis on the early childhood years.

NAPCAN
National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect is a non-profit organisation and approved charity that works to create a safe Australian society for all children. Established in 1987, NAPCAN made history by becoming the first national organisation to promote united approach to child protection and related issues.

Stronger Families Learning Exchange
The Stronger Families Learning Exchange aims to contribute to the formation of an evidence base from which to inform policy, practice and research in strengthening families and communities.

Playgroup NSW Inc
Playgroup is an informal session where parents, carers, babies and children aged 0 to school age come together in a relaxed and friendly environment. Playgroup gives children an opportunity to have fun, make new friends and develop new skills through informal play. Playgroup provides parents and carers with an opportunity to meet other parents and carers, make friends and share ideas and experiences. Playgroup also allows parents and carers to spend quality time with their children, encouraging, helping or simply playing with their children.