LISA MUXWORTHY
04jan06

PITTWATER Council will renovate the Scotland Island preschool this month to ensure the only childcare centre on the island complies with the Department of Community Services guidelines.

The Scotland Island and Offshore Child Care Services Association, the new management team created to run the preschool, said DoCS had also promised a swift turnaround on paperwork to ensure the centre opened at the start of term on January 30.

The parents and association members are now frantically searching for an authorised supervisor for the new term.

Anne Palmer said a part-time supervisor was needed at the centre for three days a week, Monday to Wednesday.

This would be the final hurdle for parents who have fought hard for the future of the centre.

The 20-place preschool was built in 1989 and caters for children aged between two and five years.

Late last year, childcare provider KU Children's Services announced it would cease running its services from the centre.

As a result, the association was formed to manage the preschool and its first duty was to get council support to renovate the building to comply with new regulations.

The council agreed at a meeting last month to build a staff room, install a craft sink and cupboard, place perspex on stairs, clean water facilities and guttering and complete any other work required.

Ms Palmer said the community had really got behind the childcare centre.

``It's been amazing,'' she said.

``A classic case of the council, the community and DoCs working together.''

She said a group of 35 parents had worked on various strategies, including a fundraising campaign, to ensure the new service had a future.

``We need new office equipment because KU took all that, but they left the play equipment,'' she said.

``We also need funds to build up finances so we are a secure financial business.''

The association also plans to spearhead a long day care facility in the future plus vacation programs, a mother's group and play group.

``This (split from KU) has been good for us as it has made us look at what we need,'' Ms Palmer said.

The next fundraiser will be the Black and White Ball on January 28 at the Scotland Island community hall.

Tickets cost $65 and available through Pittwater Trading Online (www.pittwatertradingonline.com.au).

Anyone interested in the supervisor position should call Ms Palmer on 0410 574 531.