Wollongong early childhood educator Kathy Patrick understands why some parents are feeling a bit scared and nervous.
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The "misinformation about COVID-19" in the community also concerns the Boombalee Kidz owner.
But Ms Patrick was quick to reiterate that the Wollongong centre was happy to still be open for its loyal customers.
"We are very lucky because we've got a very good relationship with most of our parents, so we are able to communicate with them what we are doing," she said.
"They know we are remaining open and still providing the highest care and education for their children.
"They are also aware of what we are doing with cleaning, hygiene and everything that we are doing to ensure the children stay as healthy as possible."
On Monday, Education Minister Dan Tehan said the current medical advice was for the childcare sector to remain open except where individual services are directed to close by health authorities.
Childcare services will continue to be paid the Child Care Subsidy, which can be up to 85 per cent of the daily cost of a child's care, if they are directed to temporarily close because of COVID-19.
Ms Patrick was happy to keep working because the centre was better equipped in terms of hygiene infection control then most people are.
"That's part of what we do everyday. We have to be so aware of how we wash our hands," she said.
"We know how to disinfect. We know how to clean properly with hot soapy water if we have to disinfect with bleach. That's something that a lot of people in the community have just started to learn to do themselves.
"It can be a little bit scary time but we are doing everything and more to keep children and families safe."
Ms Patrick added the centre would not discriminate against those parents who have reduced days.
"For the most part parents are not wanting to pull their kids out simply because they want that stability with them. That is what we found here," she said.
The centre was following the advice of the health and education departments.
"If it ever comes to the point where we would close down, we would obviously meet the needs of our prior families first if we opened up again," Ms Patrick said.
"However we still do not know what's going to happen next week.
"The situation is changing day by day. But we can guarantee we will be here for our parents and children until ordered not to."
About 1.3 million children are in child care, with 200,000 people employed across the sector in Australia.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
