About Family Day Care
What is Family Day Care?
Family Day Care is one option of child care for families, which provides care in a home-based environment. Our educators are registered with the Coordination Unit, who then oversee and support educators to provide quality care for their children and families. Shellharbour/Kiama Family Day Care are registered members of Family Day Care Australia and Family Day Care NSW.
History
Family Day Care providers have been operating in the Shellharbour/Kiama areas since the 1980s under the auspice of Illawarra Family Day Care. In 1990 the Commonwealth Government granted funds to Shellharbour City Council to establish a Shellharbour Family Day Care. The scheme was initially sponsored by the council and during the first three years secured funds to encompass the Kiama Local council and area. Thus the scheme became Shellharbour/Kiama Family Day Care.
In 1995 the scheme incorporated and an independent community management committee took over sponsorship.
Over the past seventeen years Shellharbour/Kiama Family Day Care has gradually expanded, we have twenty five educators offering care. Our educators are located in all areas of Shellharbour and Kiama. They offer a wide range of care for children between six weeks and twelve years, day care, before and after school age care, vacation care, overnight and weekend care in some cases
Management Committee
The Scheme is an Incorporated Community Based Non-Profit Organisation controlled by the "Management Committee" which consists of Parents, Caregivers and Community Representatives. The Committee's role is to oversee the running of the Scheme to make sure all licensing regulations are met and ensure its viability, effectiveness and efficiency.
The positions on the committee are President, Treasurer, Secretary and Committee members. Committee meetings are held monthly. Parents can elect to join the Association. As an "Ordinary Member of the Association" parents are able to vote at the Annual General Meeting of each year.
If you require any more information please contact the office.
Areas covered by Shellharbour/Kiama Family Day Care Scheme are: Shellharbour and Kiama Council areas include North to the Windang Bridge, West to Albion Park/Jamberoo and South to Gerringong.
Role of the Co-Ordination Unit
It is a Government funded Coordination Unit that establishes, maintains and closely monitors a network of licensed caregivers who provide subsidised "Quality Child Care".
The Co-ordination Unit role is to operate the service within Department of Community Services (DOCS) regulations and guidelines, FACHIA's and DEEWR operational guidelines and principles of the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC).
The primary role of the Co-ordination Unit is to refer parents for child placement, administration of Child Care Benefit and Government funding. The Family Day Care Scheme aims to maintain high standard childcare and fosters a sense of belonging for all participants (caregivers, children, parents and staff).
The Scheme offers to its Educators and parents:
• Advice and support regarding childcare needs
• Assistance and support regarding Child Care Benefit, Special Child Care Benefit and Respite Care.
• Professional advice on children's developmental and behavioural issues.
• Liaison between parents and Educators (if required)
• Issue of regular newsletters
For more information on any issues regarding applying to be an Educator with Shellharbour / Kiama Family Day Care, please contact the Coordination Unit on Ph: 4297 8987 or email info@skfdc.org.au
