The Family Day Care (FDC) Capability Trial underlines the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthen the FDC model and improve access to flexible early childhood education and care (ECEC) in regional areas of limited supply.
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About the Trial
The Trial aims to test approaches to strengthen the integrity of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and reduce the risk of non–compliance with Family Assistance Law (FAL) obligations.
Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) are leading the Trial. It runs from 6 June 2024 to 30 June 2026.
The Trial is being delivered under four work streams.
The Business Process Review supports participating FDC providers to strengthen their business practices. This includes consideration of topics like financial management and risk management processes.
The Digital Attendance Verification tool involves developing and trialling a digital platform that verifies children’s real-time attendance for FDC sessions of care.
The Educator Recruitment Strategy aims to increase access to FDC in regional areas of need, providing ongoing support for new educators to ensure attraction, retention and sustainability in the sector. For the purposes of the Trial, this recruitment activity is limited to selected Australian Statistical Geography Standard Statistical Area 2 (SA2) priority locations and is available only through a limited number of participating services. FDCA as part of the Recruitment Stream, provide tailored support and resources for educators and services, including business support payments and educator start up reimbursement payments for approved educators to assist with start-up costs.
The Exploration of Innovative Models will explore approaches to inform potential systemic changes to the current FDC model. This involves developing case studies on alternative models like in-venue FDC care and partnership opportunities.
More information
If you are interested in participating in the Trial through the Educator Recruitment Strategy, the FDCA website also includes more information on eligibility requirements.
For further information about the Trial, visit the FDCA website - Family Day Care Australia.