Family Day Care In Australia
There are several different options when choosing child care for your child. Family Day Care is one of them. In Australia, Family day care is regulated by the State Government which can also delegate responsibility to schemes, councils and other bodies.
In NSW family day care is divided by schemes, most often run under the council but still regulated and licensed by the state government.
The scheme is then made up of a coordination unit which has the responsibility off organising and recruiting carers and clients.
Family day Care is no longer a backyard babysitting service. It is a child care option that provides professional care for children.
Much like child care centres and preschools, Carers are required to assist in the development of the children in their care, to plan activities and experiences, to extend and encourage there learning. They do so with the benefit of a small group, home like environment.
Carers may or may not have formal child care experience but many are mothers and carers must undergo a weeks training with the scheme in most cases as well as attend regular training courses and classes during the year.They must hold a first aid certificate and undergo a police background check (as must all members of the household). Carers hold insurance, undergo home saftey inspections, medical clearance and are relicensed annually. Carers must also operate avccording to the regulations and guidelines of the state government and regular visits by the coordination unit ensure that requirements are being met.
The amount of children carers may care for vary from state to state. In NSW we are limited to 5 children under the age of 5 , with no more than 2 under the age of two and up to seven school age children. However at no time may we have more than seven children in our care and this number includes the care of our own children.
Family day Care can be flexible. It offers permanent, casual, overnight, weekend, vacation and before and after school options that are close to either your home or place of work. Family day care is most often les expensive than other types of care and attracts the Child Care Benefit (CCB). Family day Care 's fee schedules are usually based on an hourly rate.
You will be able to interview and choose a carer that seems right for you and your child. In most states family day care carers are not permitted to advertise their personal services. Carers are referred clients through the scheme coordination unit. to contact your local family day care scheme look in the yellow pages or council handbook. Or contact the Department of Community services in your state. Family day care is available in most areas of Australia including rural and outlying areas.
If you think you would like to become a family day care carer you can contact the coordination unit. it offers many benefits, you are self employed, able to stay home with your own children and earn an income.
Here are some links regarding Family Day Care and Child Care in general in Australia
Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia - Australia's Breastfeeding Association www.nmaa.asn.au
Australian Childcare Directory, Local Childcare Centres in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.