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5 February 2020

In advocating for the above investment measures, we highlight the many strengths of family day care, in particular the significantly higher levels of flexible sessions of care the sector offers compared with centre-based day care, and the considerably higher levels of non-standard hours care delivered, compared to the long day care sector.
 

What challenges do we want to address?

We also draw attention to the underlying factors contributing to two significant challenges affecting the future viability of the family day care sector, namely:

  • strong and sustained downward trend in educator and service numbers occurring since 2016; and
  • an inappropriate hourly CCS fee cap rate for family day care.

You can read FDCA’s pre-budget submission here.

Many thanks to all the members we contacted about their delivery of non-standard hours care and to those educators who responded to our December 2019 online survey on the actual costs of running their  family day care business, as well as hours worked and remuneration received. Your feedback was invaluable in developing the content of our submission and will also assist in ongoing discussions with federal and state and territory Ministers and departmental staff as part of FDCA’s Sector Viability Strategy.

 

Updated fact sheets from the Australian Government about the novel coronavirus

On 3 February 2020 the Australian Government published further updated factsheets on the novel coronavirus for the education and training sector.

The updated Department of Health factsheets can be found by following the link on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website. The Department will continue to advise each time these factsheets are updated.

Please regularly check the Department of Health’s website to help ensure that you are using the latest version of these factsheets.

 

FDCA 2021 National Conference - Payment plans now available to members

FDCA is excited to announce that payment plans for full registration early-bird tickets to the FDCA 2021 National Conference are now available, exclusively to FDCA members!
 

Why use a payment plan to purchase my ticket?

For many members the option of paying for their conference ticket by the month makes it much easier to purchase, as they don't have to worry about paying for the full amount up front. Payment plans were an extremely popular option for members who attended the FDCA 2018 National Conference and we're pleased to be able to support members by providing these additional options for purchasing tickets.
 

What plans are available?

To provide members with more flexibility when purchasing tickets, two types of payment plans are available to members: a 12-month and a 6-month plan. FDCA members are able to access the 12-month payment plan up until the end of 31 August 2020, while access to the 6-month payment plan will conclude on 28 February 2021.
 

How can I access a payment plan?

To purchase your FDCA 2021 Conference ticket via a payment plan, simply click here and choose the 12-month or 6-month option when selecting your ticket.

To find out more about the FDCA 2021 National Conference, visit www.fdca.com.au/conference.

 

National Engagement Program – Register now for Melbourne and Canberra forums!

The National Engagement Program is coming back to Melbourne and Canberra!

Following overwhelmingly positive feedback to the 2019 National Engagement Program (NEP) forums, Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) is excited to announce that the NEP is returning to Melbourne and Canberra in 2020.
 

We’re bringing everyone together

This year we're delighted to announce that for the first time, educators and service staff will have the opportunity to meet and work together at each of the 2020 NEP forums.

A strong and positive relationship between services and educators is key to achieving positive outcomes for children. This year's forums will allow attendees to explore this idea further and unpack as a sector how we can strive for higher quality together.
 

Free for FDCA members

With tickets valued at over $100, we're proud to say that the NEP remains a FREE professional development opportunity for all FDCA members. The NEP is an opportunity for educators and service staff to receive professional development, network with other family day care professionals and engage directly with representatives from FDCA.

All attendees will also receive a certificate of participation.

In addition to high-quality professional development sessions and updates from sector professionals, a free networking lunch is included as part of the day. This lunch provides you with a valuable opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other family day care professionals.
 

Be quick, tickets are limited!

Places are limited for each forum, so be sure to register quickly for the Melbourne and Canberra NEP forums by clicking here.

To find out more about the 2020 NEP forums, visit www.fdca.com.au/nep.

 

Do you need a National Police Check for 2020?

Did you know that as an FDCA member you're able to access an FDCA National Police Check at an exclusive members-only price of $37.50?

This is the cheapest price on the market in Australia and it's only available to FDCA members!

We have been supplying Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) accredited National Police Checks that are tailored for the family day care sector for more than 18 months and we're proud to have supported over 3,600 members with savings of more than $30,000.
 

Why should I get an FDCA National Police Check?

Our National Police Checks are tailored for the family day care sector, which means you will save time and money. FDCA's National Police Check can also be sent directly to an approved family day care service, meaning you and your service will get the original check results as soon as they become available.
 

Do I need a National Police Check?

Under the Child Care Subsidy Minister’s Rules 2017 (“the Minister’s Rules”), and currently under the Education and Care Services National Regulations there are requirements for family day care providers and family day care educators in relation to National Police Checks.

The following individuals require a National Police Check:

  • New Family Day Care Educators
  • Persons who have management or control of the provider
  • Persons responsible for the day to day operation of the service
  • Educator assistants and persons over 18 residing at a family day care residence in SA, WA, NT and ACT

For more detailed information about individuals that require a National Police Check, click here.

If you have any questions about FDCA's National Police Check service or require assistance, please call 1800 658 699 or email admin@fdcapolicechecks.com.au.

 

The creative arts and brain development

Do you believe the creative arts can play an important role in a child's development? Do the creative arts play a large part in your curriculum?

In the upcoming autumn edition of JiGSAW Magazine, Dr Michael Nagel, of Australia’s foremost experts in child development will be writing on the importance of the creative arts for the development of a child's brain.

If you have a question on this topic that you would like answered by Dr Nagel in JiGSAW Magazine email it to marketing@fdca.com.au and your question and the answer could be published!