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On Monday 11 August a story was published on the ABC News website that is part of an ongoing investigation into different early childhood education care types examining child safety, in this instance focussing specifically on family day care.
FDCA was contacted by the ABC with questions in the lead up to the story being published.
Given the serious and potentially damaging nature of the questions posed, FDCA provided a response in the form of an extensive and evidence-informed media briefing in addition to a number of media statements.
To view FDCA’s media briefing, please click here.
Be You is the national mental health and wellbeing initiative for learning communities in Australia.
Be You promotes mental health and wellbeing, from the early years to 18, and offers educators and learning communities evidence-based online professional learning, complemented by a range of tools and resources to turn learning into action.
A range of educator wellbeing resources are available via the Be You website, these include:
To access these great resources and much more, click here.
Each year in August, Australia celebrates National Science Week with the aim of drawing attention and interest to science and technology. Established in 1997, National Science Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge. It also aims to encourage younger people to be fascinated by the world we live in.
To find out more about hosting an event or getting involved, please visit the National Science Week website. There are many resources and DIY science activities available.
A Person with Management or Control (PMC) is anyone who has authority, responsibility, or significant influence over the planning, direction, or control of an Approved Provider’s activities or the delivery of its education and care services. This can include executives, board members, service managers, directors, and any individual listed as a ‘responsible person’.
Under the Education and Care Services National Law, if a person’s role meets the criteria for a PMC, they are considered a PMC. This is determined by the law and is based on the role and responsibilities performed, not on a provider's discretion.
PMCs carry significant legal responsibilities and obligations under the National Law and Regulations, as well as under the Family Assistance Law for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) purposes. Each PMC must be, and remain, a fit and proper person to be involved in the delivery of children’s education and care.
Approved Providers must notify the Australian Government Department of Education within seven days of any change to a PMC or their details. Notifications can be submitted through the Provider Entry Point or the service’s third-party software.
More information and resources:
Upcoming regulation changes to the Education and Care Services National Regulations and National Quality Standard (NQS) will take effect from 1 September 2025 and 1 January 2026. These changes are a direct outcome of the 2023 Review of Child Safety Arrangements under the NQF.
To ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements, services should ensure their policies and procedures are reviewed and updated to reflect these changes before they come into effect. Developed by ACECQA, the Policy Guidelines on the Safe Use of Digital Technologies and Online Environments can provide important support for services to manage online safety risks effectively.
From 1 September 2025
From 1 January 2026
With a continued focus on prioritising the safety, wellbeing, and protection of children, these measures reflect the ongoing commitment to creating child safe early childhood care environments.
More information and resources:
FDCA is aware that there continues to be some concern, in the absence of clear public information, relating to reform regarding digital device use in family day care.
A high-level summary of the status of the reform process in this area is as follows:
FDCA will continue to keep members informed of progress in this area as it arises.
Working with Children Checks (WWCC) are a vital safeguard designed to protect children and contribute to ensuring child-safe environments across our sector. All approved providers have obligations related to WWCCs under both state/territory law and Family Assistance Law (FAL).
Importantly, services can face significant infringement notices for failing to notify WWCC information in the Child Care Subsidy System (CCSS).
What are Your Obligations?
Under Sections 43 and 55 of the Child Care Subsidy Ministers Rules 2017, approved providers must:
How to notify the Secretary (i.e. the Department of Education)
Persons with management or control can contact their software provider for assistance, or alternatively, use the Provider Entry Point (PEP) to make notifications.
FDCA strongly recommends that all services:
While the legal obligations rests with the approved provider, educators have a key role in helping services remain compliant.
It is important for educators to inform their service as soon as possible if there is any change in personal details or change in circumstance that may affect your WWCC status.
Lastly, each state or territory government has its own WWCC obligations and processes, so please check with your local authority for specific details. You can find a list of approved state and territory screening units on the Australian Criminal Intelligence Service website.
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