What is a Family Day Care Service Provider?

Family Day Care Service Providers are known by many names. They are also known as:

• Approved Provider
• Coordination Unit
• Family Day Care Scheme
• Local Council 

Whatever the name, a Family Day Care Educator must be registered with one to operate. The goal of a Service Provider is to assist Educators in meeting legal conditions. They also provide support under the National Quality Framework. The Service Provider will help you develop an environment that is safe and inclusive.

Generally, there are many Service Providers in each city. How to choose the right one is a subject for another post!

You’ll be part of a more extensive network of Educators. Sometimes, working from home can be isolating. Through playgroups and other events, your Service Provider will help prevent this.  Networking events should happen regularly. These types of events will help you grow as an Educator.

Offering additional training workshops to their educators is another way Service Providers support the industry. This ongoing professional development benefits both the Educator and the families they serve.

All Providers have to register and approve Educators and provide ongoing training. They are also responsible for managing the childcare benefits, such as the Subsidy program.

What does a Family Day Care Service Provider Do?

There are a variety of methods to support Educators. Home visits are a well-known part of that. They also offer access to learning resources. Plus, a toy lending library to further learning through play. Most will have guidelines for parents and Educators to resolve disputes.

Service Providers also monitor progress according to the Early Years Learning Framework. For school-aged children, the Framework for School-Age Children guides assessment. Part of this monitoring ensures that care standards are met and improved. Reviewing learning goals and outcomes is also part of a Service Provider’s role.

Another role for Service Providers is to match Educators and families based on the family’s needs. Family Day Care Educators choose which services they want to offer. Also, they pick the hours and days of the week they operate. Matching a midnight worker with an Educator who provides overnight care would be wildly successful.

For families, Service Providers act as a bridging point to access Family Day Care. It means they’re not on their own in the wild childcare jungle. Families can be confident that a local provider has approved each Family Day Care. The National Quality Framework also rates each Provider. These ratings are a matter of public record. Anyone can see these ratings here. Before joining a Service Provider, it’s a good idea to look up the rating. It will give you a good idea of the history and experience your Provider offers.

Service Providers as Part of Australia’s Childcare Network

The role of Service Provides in Australia’s childcare network is an essential one. Through Service Providers, Educators receive support and training to help children, families and their communities thrive. Flexible childcare for parents who work is vital for economic growth.

The need for Family Day Care Educators is growing fast. That’s why the role of Service Providers and Educators is also growing. To learn more about becoming an FDC Educator, check out the course “How to start a Family Day Care Business“. There you’ll learn all you need to find the right Service Provider and start your own Family Day Care.