What is family day care and why is it a great option for educators?
In the last few years, I've noticed (I'm sure we all have!) an increase in the number of passionate educators leaving our profession. Some educators are leaving the sector completely - choosing to work in roles that offer better wages or conditions, or less stress. But many educators don't really want to leave the sector altogether - they are just seeking something different, somewhere that they can truly make a difference for children. And that's where family day care comes in. Now, don't get me wrong - there are some incredible centre based care services, doing amazing things each and every day. My experience is in centre based care, and I loved what we are able to achieve. But what if there was another way?
What is family day care?
Family Day Care is a model of early education and care that allows registered educators, supported by an approved service, to provide quality care and education in their own home for up to 4 children per day (+ up to 3 school aged children for before/after school care or vacation care)
An educator registers with a service, and the service provides the support (including visits, support with advertising, administrative support, policies and more). While all services are different, typically the educator and the families pay fees/levies to cover the cost of this support.
The family day care educator is a sole trader (registered with an ABN) who works within the approved service.
As an approved provider of an approved service (Inspired FDC - NSW, VIC and QLD) I've seen first hand how this model of care benefits children, educators and families.
What are the benefits for children?
- Small group care
- Be part of the local community (most of our educators do frequent excursions into the community - including natural spaces)
- Extended time with one educator
- Typically easier for settling in
Dandelion Family Day Care, NSW
What are the benefits for families?
- Families build close relationships with their educator
- Typically care is within their community
- Support from the approved service as well as the educator
- Access to Child Care Subsidies and benefits - the same as centre based care
What are the benefits for educators?
- Build stronger relationships with children and families
- Choose your own working hours and days
- Flexible with your own children/families
- Supported by an experienced team
- Design your own program in line with the EYLF/MTOP and with service support
- Support and mentoring from the service
- Control over setting your fees, and support with collecting fees and managing enrolment administration (most services typically collect fees on behalf of educators now due to changes in ccs administration)
- Create your own environment that you love to work in
- Connection with other educators within your service
- Support with policies and procedures
- Opportunity for professional learning and growth
- Reduce the travel time!
Are there challenges?
Of course! Like any workplace, there are challenges. You are sharing your personal space with others - which can be challenging for some people, although some educators run their program from a designated part of their home that they don't otherwise use. It can feel isolating for some educators, however there are ways to connect (we have online chat groups for our educators, and also have groups of educators who regularly meet in the community for excursions)
Despite the potential challenges though, family day care is an amazing alternative for educators and a great way to make a difference in the lives of children and families, while also balancing your own life and your own family!
Warners Bay Family Day Care, NSW
Where do I start?
The important thing is to find a service that fits you! Not every service is the same. Our service for example, embraces nature play, risky play and excursions. That might not be for you (although if it is, and you are in NSW, VIC or QLD - hit us up!)
You need to chat to a few services first and get a feel for what they offer. They will then help you to determine if your physical environment is suitable, and offer information on how to get started, from the business side of things, to the resourcing and planning.