Frequently asked questions

1. I’m interested in starting a family day care business but don’t know what to do next.

If you’d like to understand more about this opportunity, please contact FDCA National Recruitment Manager Damon Somerfield on 0499 207 801 or damon.somerfield@fdca.com.au.

2. What support will I receive during the trial?

You’ll have ongoing support from your approved family day care service, including help with programming and compliance. FDCA will also be available for assistance throughout your journey.

3. How long will the Trial run?

The trial will continue until June 2026.

4. Can I operate outside identified priority regional areas?

Under the Trial, start-up funding is only available to educators that reside within identified priority regional areas; however, FDCA will support all potential educators through their journey to becoming a family day care educator.  

5. I am new to family day care – can I still be considered?

Anyone interested in early childhood education and care (ECEC) can apply to start a family day care business, even without prior experience working with children. A Certificate III in ECEC is required, but if you're working towards it, FDCA will support your journey.

You’ll need to pass eligibility checks, including a working with children check and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. Your family day care service will provide tailored induction and training to help you succeed and offer quality care.

Many educators transition from long day care to family day care for its flexibility, but educators from diverse backgrounds are welcome.

6. Do I need a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, and is there a discount available for it?

Yes, a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is required if you haven’t completed one in the last six months. Completing it through FDCA qualifies you for a $15 discount on your startup insurance policy. For more details on FDCA’s Public Liability Insurance, click here.

7. What insurance do I need as a family day care educator?

Family day care educators are required to have Public Liability insurance coverage to ensure protection while operating their business. FDCA offers Public Liability insurance specifically tailored for family day care educators. For more information and to find out more about coverage options, click here, call 1800 658 699 or email memberservices@fdca.com.au.

8. Can I choose my own hours or work part-time as a family day care educator?

Yes, one of the benefits of family day care is the flexibility to set your own hours. You can work full-time or part-time depending on your preferences, arrangements with your approved services and the needs of families in your care.

9. What resources do I need to set up family day care and is financial support available?

To establish your family day care business, you’ll need to ensure that your home has the necessary facilities to create a safe and nurturing space for children, including (but not limited to):

• ‍A designated area for children to sleep or rest
• A space for children to use the toilet or have their nappy changed
• Sufficient indoor space for children to play without them running into furniture
• A designated area to prepare or store food
• A designated area for children to eat
• An outdoor space for children to learn and play
• A dedicated laundry area
• Secure storage for items such as toiletries, medicines and cleaning products

Before you open the doors to your new family day care business, your approved family day care service will assess your residence and will communicate further with any additional requirements that may be required.

11. How long will it take before I can start my family day care business?

For applicants with all required documentation and certificates, the process can be completed in 2–4 weeks or even sooner. However, this timeframe can vary from service to service.

12. Where can I find more information about becoming a family day care educator?

More information about becoming a family day care educator is available via our family day care careers hub. Alternatively, please don’t hesitate to contact FDCA National Recruitment Manager Damon Somerfield on 0499 207 801 or damon.somerfield@fdca.com.au.

13. How can I find more information about family day care services in my area, especially the services participating in the Trial?

To find family day care services located in your area, you can use our Family Day Care Locator, check ACECQA’s National Registers to conduct your own research and learn about each service.

16. What happens if I have difficulty filling all my available spots?

If you encounter challenges in filling spots, your family day care service can support you in connecting with families. Please reach out to them for guidance and support in promoting your availability. FDCA also has a range of resources and tools that can assist you market and promote your business. As an FDCA member you will be able to contact FDCA for marketing and communications support.

17. Do I need to be actively working to access the start-up funding?

Yes, the start-up funding is contingent upon actively operating your family day care business and is only available after 3 months of continuous operation. Please ensure you review the start-up funding requirements with your approved service to ensure you meet all conditions for accessing funding.