Save NSW Family Daycare ratios in 2014

What is Family Day Care?

Family Day Care is a network of Educators who provide education and care in their own homes for children aged birth – 12 years.

Each Educator is registered with a Family Day Care Service who support and monitor the provision of the education and care service.

Who is NSW Family Day Care Association?

The NSW Family Day Care Association (NSWFDCA) is the peak organisation for Family Day Care Services in NSW providing advocacy, training and support.

From the 1st of January 2014 the educator to child ratios will change. Educators currently provide care for up to 7 children under the age of 12, with a maximum of 5 children not yet attending school.

In 2014, educators will provide care for up to 7 children under the age of 13, with a maximum of 4 children not yet attending school.

This change to ratios will affect the viability of family day care in NSW.
• 4000 children each day in NSW will not have the placement in family day care;
• Educators incomes will be reduced if they do not increase fees;
• Services will incur a significant decrease in income and be presented with barriers to recruitment of educators.
• Families will be faced with higher fees and less choice.

There has been no specific research with regard to the best educator to child ratios in a mixed age group setting in family day care.

Different States and territories have different transition dates to comply with the Education and Care Services National Regulations. We are currently operating with 1:5 ratios. We are providing quality education and care for children.

What do we want?

We request an extension of the transition date for the change of ratios in order for the research to be conducted.

We propose that research be carried out by an independent group of researchers. We need to know whether there are educational and social advantages to children within Family Day Care that justify the ratio change.