Initially funded by the federal government, the program offers affordable, short-term care to parents. The federal government withdrew its funding for the program in the 2010-11 budget.

The state government then chipped in $900,000 in its 2010-11 budget to ensure the program continued in Victoria but has offered no funding for 2011-12.

Maroondah's two community houses, Arrabri and North Ringwood, received between $6500 and $7500 in state government funding for the program.

Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres executive officer Angela Savage said the funding cuts would have a huge impact on communities.

"It will leave the community houses and other facilities offering the service with two options: either putting up the fee or closing the service completely," she said.

"Take a Break Occasional Childcare is a small budget, high-impact program that allows people to participate in community life."

Maroondah City Council director community and leisure services Helen Croxford said funding was vital to ensure the services continued.

"Having occasional care offered at the community house allows parents to take part in the various professional development classes, which are aimed at assisting them with the transition to get back into the workforce."

Ms Savage said the occasional childcare program was more than 20 years old.

"We would welcome the opportunity to engage with governments to improve occasional care and funding because we want to ensure it continues," she said.

"We want to work towards a solution that ensures community members have access to the child care services they need."

Ms Croxford said the council would continue to lobby for funding of the program.

"The Take a Break Occasional Childcare Program is a valuable service to the Maroondah community and the council will continue to actively lobby the federal and state governments on behalf of the community centres in the hope of securing an ongoing financial commitment to the program."