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In the small regional town of Woodburn, NSW, children arriving at Shannon’s family day care begin their day in a calm, familiar environment where they are known, understood and supported to learn at their own pace. For many, it was the first time children have truly settled into care. For their families, it has brought stability after significant disruption.
Shannon opened her service in mid-2025, following the sudden closure of the town’s only long day care centre. “We had forty families at the centre, all of which lost child care overnight,” she explained.
Families were forced to seek alternative arrangements, with some parents travelling for up to forty minutes each day, while others had to stop working altogether. In one case, a single parent sent her young son to live with relatives in a distant capital city so she could continue working.
Witnessing the hardship faced by local families motivated Shannon to complete her qualifications and establish her own family day care. Her decision was also shaped by her upbringing as her mother has been an educator for 30 years, and Shannon grew up surrounded by family day care.
However, setting up her service came with high start-up costs and significant challenges, including three months of unemployment while she converted a underutilized downstairs area into a compliant learning space. “Internal walls, air con, electricity, plumbing, kitchen, toilet – we had to build the whole thing.”
Participation in the Australian Government-funded Family Day Care Capability Trial, facilitated by Family Day Care Australia, played a critical role in helping Shannon meet essential compliance requirements, including installing air conditioning and completing key upgrades. Through Northern Rivers Family Day Care, she also received practical guidance, regular check-ins and reimbursement support during an otherwise financially uncertain time.
Beyond financial support, Shannon says the Capability Trial has also strengthened her regulatory confidence as an educator. Through the Capability Trial, she was introduced to the Department of Education’s Geccko tool. “Geccko was a big one for me,” she said. “It allows you to stay aware of the everchanging regulations, and it’s a tool I will keep using.”
Now operating from her home, Shannon is restoring access to child care for families who previously had no local options. Parents like Karen have seen immediate benefits. Before Shannon opened, Karen faced long travel times, limited care options and disrupted routines, requiring changes to her work hours. “Without local child care, I would have lost two days of work each week. Now, having care close to home has allowed me to return to working weekdays only, giving our family much more stability,” she said.
Shannon’s flexibility has also supported families with shift work or extended hours, particularly in healthcare. “It’s hard to find someone who can actually do the hours, I want to help families and do what’s best for the children,” Shannon said.
Her service is now at capacity, with a waiting list extending years ahead. Families value the stability, individualised care and calm environment she provides. Children who struggled in larger centre-based settings have settled quickly, with Shannon noting, “They’re not just a number; they’re getting one-on-one attention.”
For families like Karen’s, the greatest improvement has been more time together and smoother daily routines.
Shannon continues to receive hands-on support from her service, helping to ensure she remains confident and compliant.
Looking ahead, Shannon is focused on enhancing her environment, increasing outdoor learning opportunities and building confidence to offer excursions and after-school care. Her approach remains child-led, grounded in family relationships and responsive to children’s interests.
Reflecting on her journey, Shannon encourages others to consider family day care, particularly in regional communities where access remains fragile. “I would highly recommend it. Not many jobs let you pick your hours, be at home for your family, and still work a full day,” Shannon said.
Through determination, strong support networks and the Capability Trial, Shannon has created a safe, compliant and nurturing family day care – one already making a lasting impact on children, families and the wider Woodburn community.
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