This week is National Family Day Care Week – a celebration of the vital role Family Day Care plays in the development and wellbeing of children across Australia.
Family Day Care offers flexible early learning options that respond to the needs of families and local communities. It is especially important in regional areas where centre-based childcare is hard to access or may not suit family needs.
To acknowledge the important role of Family Day Care, we’re shining a spotlight on the Family Day Care Capability Trial.
Led by Family Day Care Australia, the trial is exploring ways to strengthen the integrity of the Child Care Subsidy and reduce the risk of non-compliance with Family Assistance Law.
One aspect of the trial is the Educator Recruitment Strategy. This strategy is testing new ways to attract and support Family Day Care educators in regional areas where families need more flexible, local care.
One of the participants in the trial is Nature Alliance Family Day Care in Western Australia, which was named Service of the Year by Family Day Care Australia in 2023.
Co-founder and manager Beryl Mort said they hoped to attract more educators through participating in the trial, particularly in areas where demand for early childhood education and care is growing.
“We want to instil sustainability in regional communities and further explore the benefits of Family Day Care,” said Beryl.
“Some of these benefits include no added [building] footprint, and care delivered in small group settings.”
One of Nature Alliance’s services, Bambini Di Natura, is an example of Family Day Care’s viability.
The Spearwood-based service reflects strong values of connection, nature and community, and provides flexible, home-based education in a warm, nurturing environment.
Bambini Di Natura educator Karin
Bambini Di Natura educator, Karin describes the service as a “home away from home”, where children feel safe, welcome and supported and can learn, grow and explore at their own pace.
As the early childhood education sector continues to adapt and grow, Family Day Care remains a strong and valued option for regional and remote communities. With continued support, there is an opportunity for the Family Day Care model to be strengthened, ensuring all families have access to the care they need now and in the future.
Insights from the Family Day Care Capability Trial will guide the development of targeted support to help services and educators successfully grow Family Day Care in regional and remote communities.
Read the case study and learn more about the trial by visiting Shaping new pathways through the Family Day Care Capability Trial.