Reconceptualising Child Care in Rural Areas: Meeting the Needs?

Abstract

Individuals living in rural areas of Australia face severe difficulties in accessing a range of services which, because of cuts in government funding, include child care. Barriers for families include the limited availability of formal services, restricted flexibility, and increased cost in terms of time and money in trying to access the limited services available. The current child care service models which have been developed for urban areas fail to take into account the needs, values, and expectations of families living in rural and remote areas. These needs and expectations must be clearly assessed, as there are a number of myths associated with the provision of child care in isolated areas. This study, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services, sought to do this through the use of surveys and focus group interviews in designated towns of the Mallee Region in Victoria. The results of the study highlighted the restricted number of child care options in rural and remote settings. Many prevailing ‘myths’ regarding rural families’ needs and expectations of child care services are discussed, and evidence (reality) that dispels them is presented. Some suggestions are made as to how best meet the child care needs of families in rural and remote areas.