It’s National Family Day Care Week and you’re all invited!
Because that’s what childcare and Family Day Care in particular are all about – inclusivity and making everyone feel special in their own unique way. We reached out to a few special Family Day Care services to find out what it means for them to be in Family Day Care and how it enriches their lives.
We’re all family
It sounds very cliché when talking about Family Day Care because of course that’s what is being promoted but, according to a 2019 survey conducted by Family Day Care Australia, one of the biggest reasons for families to choose Family Day Care is the close connections built between educators, children, and parents.
Ania from Blossom Montessori, Tasmania says, “Family Day Care feels to me sometimes like being an aunt in a very large family where your little nephews and nieces grow up and have their children. The bonds we create with children as educators are sometimes very close. Being in children’s lives during those first formative years is a great responsibility and privilege we don’t take for granted.”
It's unique
Ali Fleming, Early Childhood & Nature Play Specialist from Nature Play DECD Family Day Care is excited about the unique setting and opportunities Family Day Care provides.
“Family Day Care offers a unique service where educators have the autonomy to run their Family Day Care practice in a way that is authentic to them as an individual. Educators can choose their own hours and fees as well as families, to ensure that the clients they choose to welcome into their home and practice fit with their own early childhood philosophy. This enables deep connections that often facilitate entire families' children utilising one service over time or even at the same time.”
“Very few childcare services can offer a mixed-aged grouping of siblings in the same site, cared for by the same educator. The school holidays also offer an opportunity to reconnect with children who have been at kindergarten or school during the term and come and join their siblings during holiday time.”
If you’re a Family Day Care educator and would like to put a spotlight on your service, check out the Care for Kids special Family Day Care offering.
It's about connections
Kerrie Waters from Foundations Family Day Care says, “Family Day Care is about making long lasting connections with the children and families you provide quality education and care for within your home. FDC gives children the opportunity to become active members in their local and wider community, provides ongoing support and embraces cultural diversity. Family Day Care focuses on individual needs of each child's learning journey in a calm, naturing and supportive environment.”
"Family Day Care means flexible timings. Both child and parent feel comfortable knowing that they have a warm, safe, happy and secure surrounding to which they can look forward to returning. It's a home away from home, adds Anne D'Souza - Foundations Family Day Care.
Connect with more Family Day Care services in your area on Care for Kids.
