The CEO of one of the region's largest child and after school care providers is still working through the fine print of the Federal Government' free day care plan but said early signs were positive.
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Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Chief Executive Officer, Sean Scanlon, said he and his staff have the plan under the microscope and are at this stage unsure what implications it will have on its 250 staff and families.
"But initial indications are very positive," Mr Scanlon said.
The diocese is one of the region's largest providers of early education, with eight St Nicholas Early Education centres across Newcastle and the Lower Hunter.
It is also one of the region's main providers of before and after school care, and vacation care, with St Nick's OOSH operating from 17 sites across Newcastle, the Hunter and Manning regions.
"The government's announcement will help ensure that St Nicholas Early Education, and St Nicholas OOSH, can continue to serve and support families both during, and beyond, the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Scanlon said.
"We have been in constant communication with parents and carers over the last few weeks, we know how much pressure some of our families are facing.
"This package will provide a huge relief for many families faced with a lot of uncertainty.
"We understand working from home is not an option for many parents and carers who work in essential service industries and we're doing our best to support them by keeping our doors open," Mr Scanlon said.
For those who elect to keep their children at home, St Nicholas Early Education educators have invited them to take part in online interactions.