A PROPOSED centre-based childcare in Argenton will have a primary focus on enrolling children living with autism.
The development application was lodged to Lake Macquarie City Council for the $1.7-million facility at 415 Lake Road.
A report revealed the single-storey centre is for two to six year-old children and will be an inclusive option for parents, with at least 50 per cent of enrolments allocated to children on the autism spectrum.
"This will benefit families with siblings who may not be autistic," the report said.
Construction would involve five internal play space areas, an outdoor play area for 20 children aged two-to-three, and 40 children aged three-to-five.
There would be a consult and meeting room, admin offices and staff rooms, water closets with amenities and 23 car park spaces.
An access report raised the importance of flush and ramp design plans between the verandah and outdoor play space for wheelchair access.
"There will need to be a continuous accessible path of travel for wheelchair access to key play equipment and attractions, and a range of play equipment suitable for children with a disability," the report read.
"We have been advised that this centre will primarily care for children with autism.
"Play equipment will therefore need to be suitable for the specific physical, social, and sensory needs of the intended children while offering appropriate challenges to aid development."
The centre would operate between 7am and 6pm on weekdays only and will provide places for up to 64 children with 12 staff.
The site of the centre is bound to the east and west by residential dwellings and to the north by Lake Road. The south of the site is bound by Lake Road Reserve.
