Flexible and quality early learning services are vital for families living in regional communities.
In Venue Care is a type of Family Day Care (FDC) available in regional areas where children are cared for by an educator at a venue other than the educator's home.
Willi Wag Tails Family Day Care runs FDC services in regional WA, with two venues located in Beverely and Northam, around 2 hours’ drive from Perth.
The Beverley service operates from the local community resource centre and the Northam services operate from the town’s recreation centre.
By embedding early childhood education and care (ECEC) in trusted venues such as schools, community centres, or workplaces, regional areas benefit from enhanced social connection, economic growth, and a more inclusive approach to early education that reflects the unique needs of their communities.
Distance can be a barrier to accessing ECEC in regional areas. In Venue Care services like these are expanding access to ECEC and removing long distance travel.
Connections with families are central to the services’ success. In Venue Care services show how a personalised and small-group approach to learning can positively impact children emotionally and socially, and support school readiness.
Manager of Willi Wag Tails Family Day Care Service, Sharon (left), with Educator Maryka (right) from registered service Fun 2 b Kids in Beverley.
Maryka is an educator at the Beverley service and shares how fulfilling her work feels:
“We are an extended part of the child’s family,”
In Venue Care services also encourage greater participation in the workforce and community life for families.
Read our case study for more information.