Funding for Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres - North West Tasmania (Completed)

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) is seeking applications for the establishment and operation of an Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre for North West Tasmania as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to establish six Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres across Australia. This initiative is in addition to the Australian Government’s $190 million Helping Children with Autism package.

FaHCSIA is seeking the implementation of an appropriate distributive model for the Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre that takes note of local demand and the unique nature of the North West Tasmanian region. The model should link effectively with existing services, limit duplication and build the capability of the Tasmanian Autism sector.

The Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre in North West Tasmania will provide children aged zero to six years with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) with early learning programs and specific support in a long day care setting. FaHCSIA is seeking the implementation of an appropriate distributed model for the Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre that takes note of local demand and the unique nature of the North West Tasmanian region. The model should link effectively with existing services, limit duplication and build the capability of the Tasmanian ASD sector.

Applicants are required to register their intention to apply by 5pm AEST on Friday 15 May 2009.

Applications close at 2pm AEST on Friday 12 June 2009.

Application Pack

Applicants should note that the selection documentation, including the Operational Guidelines, have been revised and include changes to the original Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre model.

Potential applicants are invited to download the following documents:

• Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre - North West Tasmania - Operational Guidelines
• Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre - North West Tasmania - Application Guidelines
• Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre - North West Tasmania - Application Form
• Terms and Conditions for the FaHCSIA Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre – North West Tasmania - Funding Agreement - Operational Component
• Draft Terms and Conditions for the FaHCSIA Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre – North West Tasmania - Funding Agreement – Capital Component  Please note: This document is currently under review.  The final version of this document will be placed on this website once available.

If you are unable to download any part of this Application Pack, please email asdchildcare@fahcsia.gov.au.

Questions and Answers during the Application Period

A questions and answers facility about the selection process will be available on this website during the application period (2 May 2009 to 12 June 2009). Answers to questions received during the application period will be posted on this website by 2pm every Thursday during the application period.

Questions will not be responded to after 5pm Tuesday 9 June 2009 (in the last week of the application period).

• Questions and Answers

More information

For more information regarding the Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres including the open selection process for the North West Tasmanian location

• email asdchildcare@fahcsia.gov.au
• phone 1800 289 177
• if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the National Relay Service to contact any of FaHCSIA's listed phone numbers.