What is Family Day Care?

Family day care is a network of carers who provide care and developmental activities in their own homes for other people's children - offering individual attention in a small group setting and combining the benefits of other child care options with the warmth and intimacy of care in a home environment and supported by a coordination and resource unit.

Commonwealth Government

Established by the Commonwealth government in 1975, family day care is a national childcare program. Individual family day care schemes receive operational support funding from the government. Other government funding is delivered through both Child Care Benefit to subsidise parent fees and support funding to assist with service delivery, eg inclusion of children with disabilities, professional development and travel in rural and remote areas.

National Standards

National standards for family day care have been established since 1995. National standards prescribe the minimum standard necessary to ensure the provision of childcare that is a safe, nurturing and developmental experience. Family day care is regulated* and operates under the National Standards, on exactly the same basis as childcare centres.

*except in Victoria

Accreditation

Family day care services and carers are inspected and accredited by the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) on exactly the same basis as it does for childcare centres. The NCAC is a commonwealth body responsible for the implementation and administration of Quality Assurance for family day care, outside school hours care and long day care services across Australia.

Carers

Family day care carers have either relevant qualification or experience combined with in-service training (2004 Child Care Census - FaCS). Carers ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children in their care whilst providing opportunities for relaxed play, learning and developmental growth in a familiar environment. The majority of carers are self employed.